Intersubjectivity Today: Using IST to Create a Different World for Clients
Description
Intersubjective Systems Theory (IST) originated in 1972 from the sharing of ideas between George Atwood, Robert Stolorow, Sylvan Thompkins, and others’ collaborations at Rutgers University. Increasingly utilized in psychoanalytic discourse, IST provides an important perspective on how relational environments impact an individual’s coping with difficult circumstances. IST also sheds light on themes around individuals’ lives and is inclusive of views of the world. It contrasts from a traditional interpretation akin to linear developments and psychic structures or the cause-and-effect of negative thought patterns.
IST bases relational processes as repetitions in an individuals’ contextualization of experiences of themselves in the world. This also informs the therapist’s relationship with the patient as the therapist’s role is to connect meanings in their patient’s life and world. In exploring and introducing this contemporary relational psychoanalytic theory, participants will gain an understanding of its approach to trauma, primacy of affect, and updated uses of transference and countertransference in accord to human development.
Learning Objectives
- At the end of the workshop, participants will be able to Identify 3 factors necessary for bearing emotional suffering.
- Upon completion of the workshop, participants will be able to differentiate IST’s use of the patient’s negative transference that contrasts with the traditional concept of projective identification.
- By the end of the workshop, participants will apply IST’s prioritization of affectivity to a case example.
Instructor Bio
Donna Wolfskehl DiStefano is a Clinical Social Worker in private practice in Highland Park and Princeton, NJ. Donna became acquainted with Intersubjective Systems Theory (IST) through George Atwood’s teachings at Rutgers University in the late 1990’s. She has 25 years working experience in various clinical social work settings and has been in private practice for 15 years. Donna has also been publishing and presenting internationally on IST’s understanding of individuals’ world-views and healing.
Ms. DiStefano has no conflicts of interest for this program.
Contact Us
For questions, please contact: ce@gsapp.rutgers.edu
Continuing Education Information
Rutgers Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology (GSAPP) is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Psychology as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed psychologists #PSY-0123.
LMFT/MFT and LPC/LAC Licensed in New Jersey: Programs approved by the American Psychological Association are acceptable sources of continuing education credits. Please see https://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/regulations/Chapter-34-Subchapters-10-31-Professional-Counselors.pdf, Section: 13:34-15.4 APPROVAL OF COURSES OR PROGRAMS on page 27. For all other professional licenses and certifications, please reference your issuing state board regulations regarding reciprocity of continuing education credits.
Rutgers Graduate School of Applied & Professional Psychology is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. Rutgers Graduate School of Applied & Professional Psychology maintains responsibility for this program and its content.