The Hidden Spring: A Neuropsychoanalytic Approach to Consciousness

Mark Solms, PhD, Discussant Maggie Zellner, PhD

Saturday Nov 6, 9:00 AM – 11:30 AM Pacific Time

In his book, The Hidden Spring, Mark Solms traces the source of consciousness to a group of upper brainstem nuclei. He shows that these emotion-generating bodies create the foundational sense of “being” that is the basis of consciousness. In his lecture, Dr. Solms will discuss the clinical work and research that led him away from the traditional cortex-based theories of consciousness toward a view grounded in the emotional systems of the brain. He will discuss how consciousness arises, and the implications of his view for psychoanalysis. Dr. Maggie Zellner will discuss the lecture and moderate our questions, with a view to the clinical implications of an emotion-based theory of consciousness.

CE Credits offered: 2.5

Course Objectives

After completing this course participants will be able to:

1. describe how the emotional systems of the brain are the basis of consciousness
2. describe how emotional processes originating in brainstem nuclei generate consciousness.
3. discuss why the cortex does not generate consciousness.

pincsf.org/events – 415-288-4050 — 530 Bush St, Suite 700, SF CA USA — pincsf@gmail.com

The Psychoanalytic Institute of Northern California (PINC) is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. PINC maintains responsibility for this program and its content. Visit pincsf.org/policies for policies and disclaimers.