Pathways to Change: Core Aspects of Psychoanalytic Theory & Technique
May 31 @ 1:00 pm – 3:30 pm
Sunday Dialogue Program | Co-sponsoring with MPG Consulting NYC
Sunday, May 31, 2026, 1:00-3:30 pm (EST), on Zoom
with Gene Guberman, LP, MA
3 CE credit hours for Social Workers, Mental Health Counselors, Psychologists and Licensed Psychoanalysts holding licenses in New York State
People registered for this program will be sent the zoom link on Friday evening, May 29.
This presentation will explore some of the core concepts of contemporary psychoanalytic theory and technique as they relate to the issue of therapeutic change. How does psychoanalytic psychotherapy work and why is it an effective treatment modality? What are the mechanisms, processes, and vehicles of change? Which factors are most effective in facilitating a truly therapeutic outcome? How do we understand the multi-varied factors that may put up barriers to growth?
How these questions are understood in the various paradigms of contemporary psychoanalysis will be considered. The role of the analyst’s psychology is spotlighted since their choice of theory and understanding of patient dynamics will affect what, how and when they interpret, intervene and conduct analytic sessions. The varied clinical approaches of contemporary psychoanalysis (ego psychology, modern conflict theory, object relations, relational/intersubjective) will be highlighted and contrasted. Issues such as features of mind, representations and qualia, affect regulation, transference/countertransference relationship patterns, patient-analyst subjectivities and the clinical role of neuroscience will be explored.
Case vignettes will be used to illustrate theoretical and technical decisions.
Learning Objectives:
- Gain insight into how psychoanalytic therapy works and why it is effective.
- Better understand the different ways therapeutic change is conceptualized in various contemporary psychoanalytic paradigms.
- Explain key differences among treatment approaches.
- Understand the reasons that hinder & prevent a patients’ change.
- Gain insight into the role the analyst’s psychology plays in their choice of analytic theories and clinical approaches.
- Explain the importance of the impact of the brain & neuroscience matters on outcome of treatment.
Presenter:
Gene Guberman, LP, MA, NCPsyA is a faculty member, and supervisor at the Postgraduate Psychoanalytic Society & Institute (PPSI), and The Institute for Expressive Analysis (IEA); a former director & faculty member of the New York Center for Psychoanalytic Training (NYCPT) where he graduated in 1990, he has been affiliated, taught and supervised at many training institutes and settings, synthesizing modern conflict theories with relational approaches. Gene lectures on topics addressing the values of psychoanalytic clinical theories and techniques. He is a former editor of the Journal, Issues in Psychoanalytic Psychology at Washington Square Institute. Gene was a former Board Trustee as Secretary, National Association for the Advancement of Psychoanalysis (NAAP).
For further information or questions, please send an email to:
Russell Merritt, LCSW: rgm3@columbia.edu
MPG Consulting LCSW, PLLC is recognized by the New York State Education Department’s State Board for Social Work #0119, Mental Health Counselors #0044, Creative Arts Therapists #0021, Marriage and Family Therapists #0030, Psychoanalysts #0034 and Psychologists #0283 as an approved provider of continuing education. A NYC &
