Description
Ego Psychology
This CE course on Ego Psychology 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 traces the theoretical and conceptual changes that have shaped our present-day understanding of the ego as both a metapsychological construct and a mental system.
The course is divided into three parts.
It begins with an overview of the classical theoretical foundations of Sigmund Freud, including his topographic model and structural hypothesis.
It then considers the ego defenses and the contribution of Anna Freud to understanding the importance of recognizing and understanding the dynamics of ego defenses.
The course ends with a discussion of the contributions of Heinz Hartmann, who advanced the theme of the ego as an organizer of the mind, of experience, and of behavior and presented an appreciation of the ego as a system for adaptation.
While some writings on the topic of ego psychology include the works of Erikson, Spitz, Bowlby, Malher, or Kohut, their focus is somewhat different from the development of ego and so will be addressed in other courses.
For an in-depth discussion of Freudian theory, please see the course, Classical Psychoanalytic Theory.
Sources for Photos: Sigmund Freud photo: By David Webb from Alicante, Spain – Sigmund Freud Uploaded by Viejo sabio, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=10437635; Anna Freud photo: Dutch National Archives, The Hague, Fotocollectie Algemeen Nederlands Persbureau (ANEFO), 1945-1989 bekijk toegang 2.24.01.04 Bestanddeelnummer 923-9360, https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Anna_Freud_1957.jpg; Heinz Hartmann photo: By Stilfehler – cropped from File:Jauregg_and_coworkers_Vienna.JPG, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=43899487
Instructor for Ego Psychology
The Instructor is Dr. Michael J. Gerson, an experienced Psychologist, Psychoanalyst, and Marriage and Family Therapist in California. He has been training clinicians for over 40 years, both in his private practice, in community counseling centers, and as a psychology professor in graduate programs. He is a professor emeritus and is 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 Ego Psychology
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 Ego Psychology
Our courses are designed for postdoctoral-level psychologists; this course on Ego Psychology 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 Ego Psychology
This Ego Psychology course includes an online written transcript and accompanying audio files, 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. This course may be applied to the Certificate of Advanced Study in Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy if desired. $119.
Click here for opening remarks by Dr. Gerson.
