PINC and the Neuropsychoanalysis Association present:

The Role of the Brain’s PLAY System in the Formation and Treatment of Depression, Addiction, and Sleep Disorders

Daniela Flores Mosri, Ph.D., Discussant Maggie Zellner, Ph.D.

Saturday Mar 25, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM, Pacific Time

Why PLAY matters in depression, addiction, and sleep disorders and ways to work with it psychotherapeutically

The neuroscientist Jaak Panksepp proposed that the brain’s PLAY networks were “perhaps one of the major brain sources of joy.” However, the PLAY system is one of four social emotional systems in the brain (the others being PANIC/GRIEF, CARE, and LUST) that are dependent on the quality of our connection with others. If these connections are faulty, sustained painful feelings may result. PLAY and the other social emotional systems will be discussed both as instincts crucial to our survival due to our early dependence on caregivers, and as facilitators of other non-social needs. Dr. Flores Mosri will focus particularly on compromised infant-caregiver relationships as the source of protracted separation distress. This distress may lead to different forms of depression, thus compromising the more positive social emotional systems. She will discuss the neurochemical implications of depression and relate them to symptomatic formulations, such as an enhanced vulnerability to addiction and sleep disorders. The second part of the lecture will cover clinical applications of neuropsychoanalysis. It will focus on the psychotherapeutic use of PLAY as a key candidate to reinstate the capacity for social joy. Findings of a modified psychotherapeutic technique will be presented to further propose PLAY as a realistic type of relationship that favors the joy of spending time with peers. The question of why PLAY matters in the symptomatic formulations covered in this lecture (i.e. depression, addiction, and sleep disorders) and potential avenues on how to work with it psychotherapeutically will be discussed.

CE Credits offered: 3

Course Objectives

After completing this course participants will be able to:

1. Participants will be able to describe four types of social instincts.
2. Participants will be able to discuss the role of affects, instincts and emotions to solve problems of survival.
3. Participants will be able to utilize the Play system in the therapeutic treatment of Depression, Addiction, and Sleep Disorders.

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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.