Description
Classical Psychoanalytic Theory
This CE course on Classical Psychoanalytic Theory may be applied to our Certificate of Advanced Study in Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy if desired and would count as a core course in the program. The course explains the basic principles of Freudian psychoanalytic theory and presents the various descriptive models or paradigms of Freud’s theory as it evolved.
When psychologists, psychology students, or even the lay public are asked to describe classical psychoanalytic theory, they usually respond with a variety of answers, including:
- sexual and aggressive instincts,
- childhood sexuality,
- some mental structures,
- unconscious thinking and dreams, or
- defense mechanisms.
This wide range of responses is typical because they are all correct! The scope of psychoanalytic theory includes all of the above, and then some. Freud was a revisionist; he was continually challenging and changing his ideas as he met with complex evidence from patients and his own self-criticism.
Classical psychoanalytic theory is concerned with the psychological or phenomenological aspects of thought, behavior, and experience.
This course begins with a review of the theory’s presuppositions of psychological determinism, consciousness, motivation, and the genetic approach. It then describes and discusses in depth the dynamic-economic, topographic, structural, adaptive, and genetic models of the theory.
Instructor for Classical Psychoanalytic Theory
The Instructor is Dr. Michael J. Gerson, an experienced Psychologist and Psychoanalyst in California. He has been training clinicians for over 40 years, both in his private practice, in community counseling centers, and as a professor of Psychology in graduate programs. He is a professor emeritus and renowned for his depth of understanding of the therapeutic process and for his keen ability to translate complex concepts into terms that are clear and that can be applied to the clinician’s own work.
CE Credits for Classical Psychoanalytic Theory
This course earns 8 continuing education credits. The Institute of Advanced Psychological Studies is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. The Institute of Advanced Psychological Studies maintains responsibility for this program and its content.
Conflicts of Interest or Commercial Support
There is no commercial support or other potential conflicts of interest for this program, presentation, or instructor.
Commitment to Diversity and Accessibility
We are committed to respecting diversity in all of its forms, including age, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, culture, national origin, language, socioeconomic status, religion, and disability. We also strive to make all of our activities accessible to individuals with special needs or disabilities. Please contact the Director at mgersonphd@psychstudies.net if you ever have any questions or concerns regarding any of our programs.
Sources and Relevance
Our programs and teaching methods are supported by current, empirically-based scientific literature, and are designed to provide continuing education that is relevant to psychological practice, education, and/or research, so that psychologists may maintain and expand their ability to serve the public and contribute to the profession.
Target Audience for Classical Psychoanalytic Theory
Our courses are designed for postdoctoral-level psychologists; the course, Classical Psychoanalytic Theory, is an introductory-level course. All mental health professionals, educators, and researchers have a variety of educational backgrounds and needs—if you have any questions about whether this course could benefit you and/or would be appropriate for your level of training, please do not hesitate to contact us. You may contact the Director directly at mgersonphd@psychstudies.net with any questions or concerns.
Course Schedule
This course will be available to you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, so you will be able pace yourself in a manner that is comfortable for you.
Cost and Refund/Cancellation Policy
The cost of the course is noted below; there are no additional fees. Your satisfaction is important to us. If you are not satisfied with a course, please let us know immediately—we will cancel your order and gladly offer you a full refund.
Course Format Summary for Classical Psychoanalytic Theory
The course, Classical Psychoanalytic Theory, includes an online written manuscript and accompanying audio file, for optional review in multiple modalities. An online multiple choice test and Certificate of Completion follow completion of the course for 8 CE credits. Introductory level. A brief video provides opening remarks by Dr. Gerson. This course may be applied to the Certificate of Advanced Study in Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy if desired. $119.
