Theory and Practice of Psychoanalysis in Middle Childhood 3

Child Psychoanalytic Training (CPT)
2022-23, 2nd Trimester — Fridays, 10:15-11:45am

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Introduction

This course will focus on clinical work with children from ages 6-12 (latency) as well as exploring the intersectionality of work with children and their parents as the children set out increasingly on their own into the world. We will examine how psychoanalytic treatment helps children find the capacities to develop following trauma. Additionally we will be focused on the impact of trauma (the child’s and/or the parent’s), disruptions to development, and how we as clinicians are influenced and impacted by our work with children. Our readings will be drawn from both clinical theory and literature focused on this age group. Additionally, I will bring in and ask each participant to bring in examples from films and literature to further elucidate theoretical principles.

At this point in your training you have already read numerous theoretical articles about child development and analysis including middle childhood. These last weeks will be somewhat different. In addition to theoretical and clinical materials we will be exploring themes from literature, memoirs, and films. Each of you will receive a copy of the book When the Emperor was Divine, by Julie Otsuka, (Random House, 2002). The book in its entirety is a compelling and quick read, with the middle chapters specifically exploring the impact of the Japanese internment on two children.

February 10, 2023

[63 pages]

Otsuka, J. (2003) When the Emperor was Divine, Anchor. pp2-64.

Question: What impact does this traumatic forced dislocation have on the mother’s ability to help her children mentalize?