Online Courses

Description

About the Ego Psychology Course

This online Ego Psychology course may be applied as a core course to our Certificate of Advanced Study in Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy. The course traces the theoretical and conceptual developments 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 Anna Freud’s contributions to understanding the importance and dynamics of those ego defenses. The course concludes with the contributions of Heinz Hartmann, who advanced the understanding of the ego as an organizer of the mind, experience, and behavior and emphasized the ego as a system for adaptation. 

While some writings on ego psychology include the work of Erikson, Spitz, Bowlby, Mahler, or Kohut, their contributions differ somewhat from the development of ego psychology addressed in this course and are considered in other courses. 

For an in-depth discussion of Freudian theory, please see Classical Psychoanalytic Theory.

Instructor

The instructor is Dr. Michael J. Gerson, an experienced psychologist and psychoanalyst in California. He has trained clinicians for over 40 years through his private practice, community counseling centers, and graduate psychology programs. He is a professor emeritus with extensive experience in the therapeutic process and in translating complex concepts into terms that can be applied to clinicians’ own work. A brief video provides opening remarks by Dr. Gerson.

CE Credits

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 conflict 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 us if you 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

Our courses are designed for postdoctoral-level psychologists; this course is an introductory-level course. 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 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 to pace yourself in a manner that is comfortable for you.  

Course Format Summary

The Ego Psychology course includes online audio presentations accompanied by written transcripts, allowing participants to review the material in either or both formats. 

After completing the course material, participants take an online multiple-choice test. A passing score of 75% is required to earn CE credit. Participants receive immediate corrective feedback for missed questions and may take the test up to three times. A Certificate of Completion is available online upon successful completion of the test

Cost and Refund/Cancellation Policy

The cost of the course is $119. There are no additional fees. Your satisfaction is important to us. If you are not satisfied with the course, please let us know. We will gladly offer you a replacement course or a full refund.