Description
Couch or Face-to-Face Seating in Psychoanalysis?
This CE course on couch or face-to-face seating in psychoanalysis may be applied to our Certificate of Advanced Study in Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy if desired.
What are the relative neurobiological benefits of couch and face-to-face seating in psychoanalysis? Schools of psychoanalytic thought vary in their adherence to use of “the couch”, wherein eye contact and access to facial cues are minimized between analyst and analysand. Current research demonstrates a neurobiological relationship between eye contact, arousal, and various emotions. Might some situations benefit from use of the couch and others from face-to-face positioning? This brief journal article reviews the scientific research and considers the seating arrangement in terms of object relations and patients’ varying needs.
Authors and Instructor for Couch or Face-to-Face Seating in Psychoanalysis?
The article was authored by Bariş Önen Ünsalver, Alper Evrensel, Fatma Duygu Kaya Yertutanol, and Mehmet Emin Ceylan of the Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Uskudar University, and Aslihan Dönmez of the Department of Psychology, Bogaziçi University, Istanbul, Turkey. Dr. Ünsalver is a psychiatrist and has published extensively on the interface between biological and psychological processes.
The article was selected by Dr. Marylie Gerson. Dr. Gerson received her PhD in Psychology from Princeton University and is both an experimental social psychologist and clinical psychologist. She is psychology Professor Emeritus and combines teaching and research with an active clinical practice.
CE Credits for Couch or Face-to-Face Seating in Psychoanalysis?
Couch or Face-to-Face Seating in Psychoanalysis? earns 1 CE credit. 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 Couch or Face-to-Face Seating in Psychoanalysis?
Couch or Face-to-Face Seating in Psychoanalysis? is an introductory-level course. Our courses are designed for postdoctoral-level psychologists, but we do not restrict access to our courses. 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. The journal article is open access—please contact the Director (mgersonphd@psychstudies.net) if you have any difficulty accessing it. 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 for Couch or Face-to-Face Seating in Psychoanalysis?
The course Couch or Face-to-Face Seating in Psychoanalysis? consists of reading the open-access article, Önen Ünsalver et al. [2021]. The changeable positioning of the couch and repositioning to face-to-face arrangement in psychoanalysis to facilitate the experience of being seen. Frontiers in Psychology, 12(718319), 1-4, and passing an online multiple choice test. A Certificate of Completion for the course will follow passage of the test. Please contact the Director if you need any assistance in accessing the article (mgersonphd@psychstudies.net). This course earns 1 CE credit. Introductory level. This course may be applied to the Certificate of Advanced Study in Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy if desired. $14.
