INCARNATION: AN EXPLORATION FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF SELF PSYCHOLOGY
by David J. Burkhard, M.A., LMFT, LCSW, LMHC

Monday, December 10, 2007
7:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Workshop Description:  This program consists of four parts: 

Part 1 examines the use of metaphor in psychoanalytic thought.  Points of convergence in the use of metaphors found in science, spirituality, and psychoanalysis are explored.  Incarnation is then reflected upon as a metaphor for the process of "Love (Word) becoming flesh and then flesh becoming Love (Word)." Special attention is given to the role/place of Love in the practice of psychoanalysis and psychoanalytic psychotherapy.

Part 2 examines the metaphor of incarnation developed in part 1 from the perspective of psychoanalytic self psychology.  The focus will be on the process by which a "self" comes into existence and is sustained throughout a person's life through "self-object experiences".  A detailed review of the major concepts and therapeutic styles/techniques associated with psychoanalytic self psychology is included.

Part 3 briefly compares similarities in the metaphors used in the psychoanalytic self psychological approach and the phenomenological approach of integrative psychotherapy.  Particular attention is given to the similarity of "relational needs" from integrative psychotherapy and "self object experiences" that establish and sustain the "self" through various kinds of transference in psychoanalytic self psychology.

Part 4 briefly explores how self psychology contributes to an ecological understanding of the metaphor of "soul". This will then lead to a dialogue concerning how each individual therapist uses metaphors as they attempt to assist clients with the subjective process of embracing and integrating the events of their lives through the construction of new stories of their personal histories that provide them with meaning and freedom to truly be themselves.

About the presenter: 
 
David J. Burkhard, M.A., LMFT, LCSW, LMHC earned his Masters in Pastoral Care and Counseling at Christian Theological Seminary, as well as completing his two-years of graduate studies in Theology at St. Meinrad Seminary.  He has a 2-year (300 hours) Certificate in Gestalt Therapy from the Indianapolis Gestalt Institute, and a 2-year Certificate in Personology and Psychopathology from the Institute for Advanced Studies in Personology and Psychopathology and the Indianapolis Psychological Institute.  In addition to being ISPT president-elect, he is a Clinical Member of American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy, and an Active member of Central Indiana Friends of Jung.

David is currently in private practice as a Marriage and Family Therapist.  He is also the Director of Religious Education at St. Christopher Church in the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Indianapolis at Little Flower Church.