Sequel: Can a post-therapy friendship transcend the transference?

Joyce Slochower, Discussant Sam Gerson

Saturday Dec 3, 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM

Therapeutic sequels—post-termination friendships between therapist and patient—are an open secret. Although they are hardly uncommon, sequels are rarely named, much less explored. Using the unfinished story of a good treatment and its yet-to-be-defined ending to illustrate, I query and unpack the complexities of treatment sequels for both patient and therapist.

CE Credits offered: 1.5

Course Objectives

After completing this course participants will be able to:

1. define the termination ideal and examine its utility and problematic elements;
2. elucidate the power dynamics inherent in analysis—when, whether, and how they might shift toward a more mutual and egalitarian connection, and when such power dynamics remain in ways that are problematic and contaminating for both parties.

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.