Courses

Introductory Course in Psychoanalysis

In this two semester, introductory program, students will be introduced to concepts that lie at the heart of psychoanalysis. The course is both theoretical and practical, with an emphasis on the famous case studies that Freud used to introduce his discovery of the unconscious. It also explores the conceptual fame works that different schools of psychoanalysis have used to construct models of intervention. Psychoanalysis is both a body of theory and a clinical praxis. It also has a powerful research function. All these will be touched upon in the course over the duration of the year. In one and a half hour, weekly seminars, the teaching will cover the basic ideas of psychoanalytic practice, and the way they are implemented in the clinic. As the source from which all psychotherapies derive, psychoanalysis aims most potently to produce truthful knowledge, and this will be a theme of the course, which is suitable for both those who intend to practice clinically, and others with a more general interest. Over the many years the course has been running, this seminar format has proved an accessible way to introduce psychoanalysis.



The course consists of 24 seminars over two semesters:



Day: Thursdays

Time: 7.30pm-9.00pm



Semester 1: March 5th – June 11th

Semester 2: August 1st – October 3rd



Venue: Treacy Conference Centre, Parkville

Contact: Dr Peter Ellingsen (Convenor)

T: 0408 125 076

E: peterjellingsen@gmail.com

3. Theory of the drive and sexuality
The theory of infantile sexuality put forward by Freud is fundamental because it distinguishes sexuality within the field of psychoanalysis from that of instinct and reproduction. This subject includes a close study of the structure of the drive, Lacan’s unique theory of the object, and the complex topic of sexual identity. 

4. Theory of discourse and repetition
This area of study involves a close examination of Freud theory of transference which is fundamental to the appearance of repetition compulsion in psychoanalytic practice. We consider Freud’s theory of repetition and Lacan’s extension which situates it as the effect of language on the speaking being. Lacan gives the name “Discourse” to the particular social bonds that are possible as the result of this effect, arguing the “Analyst’s Discourse” marks a new form of social bond possible for the speaking-being.

5. Psychopathology: neuroses, psychosis and perversion
The subject begins with a study of the general theory of psychopathology and clinical structures developed by Freud and extended by Lacan. Each clinical structure of neuroses, psychosis, perversion and their subsets are studied in depth and current nosological categories are critically examined. 

6. Ethics and Praxis
The fundamental ethical questions posed by the clinical practice of psychoanalysis. This includes an exploration of the Lacanian concept of the analyst’s desire, and investigation of the contributions made by Freud and Lacan to the field of ethics. 

7. Psychoanalysis with Children and Adolescents
This subject is devoted to the study of the theory and clinical practice of psychoanalysis with children and adolescents. It includes consideration of the typical problems encountered in the work and the many epistemological, ethical and technical questions that arise. The program includes an examination of the contribution made by pioneers in the field: Melanie Klein, Donald Winnicott, Maud Mannoni, Rosine and Robert Lefort and others.  

8. Special Clinical Problems

In the final semester of the program we allocate time to investigate clinical and conceptual questions that arise in the treatment of special conditions such as addictions, severe depression, psychosomatic phenomena, borderline conditions, atypical psychosis, transgender/sexual identity issues and other problems that arise in contemporary clinical practice.



Participation in any of the subjects is open to any member or interested person but enrolment must be organised via the course co-ordinator and fees apply. Not all subjects are taught every year.



Day: Saturdays 

Time: 8:45am – 12:30pm



Semester 1: Commences February 27th – June 19th (14 weeks)

Semester 2: Commences July 31st 1st – November 20th (14 weeks)

Student Study Day: To be announced. 



Venue: Treacy Conference Centre, Parkville