CL 512 Case Conference I Spring 2010
M. Kim Sarasohn, PhD, Instructor
(212) 873-2694 (office)
mksarasohn@gmail.com
Course Description:
The purpose of this course is to continue the development of each student’s ability to think psychodynamically. Emphasis remains on the student’s self-awareness as the primary tool for conducting a psychodynamic assessment and psychotherapy.
Using core concepts of transference, countertransference, therapeutic alliance, therapeutic contract, developmental frameworks, treatment phase and motivation, among others, we will examine the therapist’s attitude, activity and interventions. We will study the therapeutic encounter as it informs the clinical evaluation of the client. This semester will help students address the concepts necessary for the writing component of the clinical practicum.
Course Objectives:
- Students will understand the clinical attitude necessary for psychodynamic assessment and therapy
- Students will develop self-awareness as a primary tool for assessment
- Students will use core psychodynamic concepts to examinethe clinical interview
- Students will practice writing a psychodynamic assessment with emphasis on psychodynamic formulation
Basis for Grade:
These four components are equally weighted in determining course grade:
- Active contribution to class discussion.
- Presentation of a detailed case write up accompanied by process recordings from 2 or 3 successive sessions of a recent or current case that is in any phase of therapy.
a. The presentation should include a brief description of the client, the presenting problem and its history, a brief report of the relevant developmental history, and why you have chosen to present this case.
b. The process recording should be as full a recalled (from memory)transcript of the dialogue of the sessions as possible. It should resemble a script. The case must be emailed to the instructor and all class members at least two days before class. This is to allow students and instructor time to review the material before the presentation.
- Written Assignment:
Using the Case Study Outline from the ICSW Student Manual students will choose either a past or current case to write a case report. The case does not have to be the same case that you present in class, but it is useful to make use of the class to develop your thoughts.
-It is expected that not all information asked for in the Outline will be known by the student, but that a reasonable and earnest attempt be made with available data to examine the case as fully as possible.
-The assignment for this semester is to write a complete assessment with focus on the psychodynamic formulation.
-The assessment should be between 5-9 pages in length.
-The assessment will be due at the eighth class.
Required Text:
Hall, Jane S. (2004). Roadblocks on the journey of psychotherapy. New York. Jason Aronson.
Course Assignments:
Class 1:
Hall—Introduction and Chapter 7
Student Case Presentation
Class 2:
Hall—Chapter 4
Student Case Presentation
Class 3:
Hall—Chapter 1
Student Case Presentation
Class 4:
Hall—Chapter 2
Student Case Presentation
Class 5:
Hall—Chapter 3
Student Case Presentation
Class 6:
Hall—Chapters 5& 6
Student Case Presentation
Class 7:
Hall—Chapter 8
Student Case Presentation
Class 8:
Hall—Chapter 9
Student Case Presentation