Reconsidering Analytic Endings
About this Event

From Finality to Futurity: Reconsidering Analytic Endings

In a 2010 paper that remains relevant to this day, Martin Bergmann revisited his influential critique of the termination paradigm in psychoanalysis (1997), which he aptly named "The Achilles Heel" of the field. This lecture offers a groundbreaking update that may transform your approach to analytic endings, especially, and more broadly your work. The newer model transitions from traditional, regressively oriented methods, to emphasizing futurity. We will critique conventional termination methods through a review of relevant theory and research, highlighting their failure to keep pace with advances from ego psychology, psychoanalytic developmental psychology, and relational psychoanalysis—captured in the significant "ontological" trend recently identified by Thomas Ogden. While crediting Edward Glover for his pioneering 1955 emphasis on the importance of endings, rooted in the dominant Freudian theory of his time, we also recognize that his formulations have become anachronistic—yet continue to subtly influence contemporary analytic endings. An alternative, cutting-edge approach is presented, advocating for a forward-looking perspective that balances individualized and theoretical considerations, and integrates past insights with patients' futures, within contemporary psychoanalytic thought. Now, the analyst serves as a catalyst for further patient change, rather than simply an object of loss.

Learning Objectives

I. Attendees will be able to describe how termination practices have evolved, dating from early Freud and Ferenczi in the 1920s and 1930s to contemporary analytic approaches.

II. Attendees will be able to critique traditional ending methods from a contemporary perspective.

III. Attendees will be able to discuss an updated reformulation incorporating futurity, approaching endings, especially, and analytic treatment, in general, to benefit many patients.

Dr. Frank has published a prolific body of work, comprising over 60 scholarly publications, including three books, numerous book chapters, and articles in leading psychoanalytic journals. This lecture expands on his earlier work on psychoanalytic termination, as explored in his pivotal article "Ending with Options" (Psychoanalytic Inquiry, 2009). His academic pursuits delve into the relational dynamics of therapeutic action and the integration of relational psychoanalytic frameworks with non-analytic modalities. Dr. Frank’s role as co-founder and key board director at NIP underscores his enduring commitment to advancing psychoanalytic education and practice, where he also contributes as a faculty member and supervisor. His critical role in founding the journal Psychoanalytic Perspectives underscores his lasting impact on the field, as evidenced by his ongoing membership on its Editorial Board, as does his past tenure as a Clinical Professor at Columbia University’s Department of Psychiatry.

Continuing Education

This class is approved for 3.0 CE contact hours for psychologists, social workers, and psychoanalysts:

The National Institute for the Psychotherapies is approved by the American Psychological Association to offer continuing education credits for psychologists. The National Institute for the Psychotherapies maintains responsibility for this program and its content.

The National Institute for the Psychotherapies is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Social Work as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed social workers #SW-0018.

The National Institute for the Psychotherapies is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Mental Health Practitioners as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed psychoanalysts #Psyan-0004.

Personalized CE certificates can be downloaded at the end of this event after completing an evaluation form. Attendance for the full duration of the lecture is mandatory for CE credits.

Refunds, & Cancellation Policy

Cancellation requests made more than a week prior to the event will be given a full refund of registration fees. Refunds will not be granted for cancellation requests made within a week of the first day of the event or for no-shows on any of the days event take place.