The New Orleans-Birmingham Psychoanalytic Center Presents
Psychotherapy as Portrayed in HBO’s
In Treatment
The Program: Please join us for this discussion series which will utilize the HBO series In Treatment as a
catalyst for discussion of psychotherapy, particularly how a psychotherapist copes with the realities of personal
and professional stressors as well as counter-transference and ethical issues. Discussion will also focus on clinical
decision making regarding diagnosis and treatment.
The group will meet for discussion four times over a two month period. Prior to the meeting, participants will be asked to
prepare by watching 10 to 13 specified episodes of “In Treatment” and reading related articles. The discussion will be led
by a psychoanalyst, Dale Firestone, LCSW, and coordinated by psychologist, Mindy Kronenberg, Ph.D.
The Schedule (including learning objectives):
All sessions will meet at 3624 Coliseum Street from 7:00 to 8:30 PM.
March 10th, 2010: Diagnosis of Four Fictional Clients (Episodes 1 – 10)
1. Discuss how psychopathology is portrayed in popular culture.
2. Utilize clinical reasoning to diagnosis the characters portrayed in “In Treatment.”
Selections from: McWilliams, N. Psychoanalytic Diagnosis: Understanding Personality Structure in the
Clinical Process
March 24th, 2010: Psychotherapy with Four Fictional Clients (Episodes 11-20)
1. Discuss how psychodynamic psychotherapy is portrayed in popular culture
2. Discuss the psychotherapeutic techniques utilized by the fictional psychotherapist in “In Treatment.”
3. Evaluate the appropriateness of psychotherapeutic techniques utilized in “In Treatment” given the clinical
presentation of each character.
Zerbe, K.J. (2007). Psychotherapy and Psychoanalysis: fifty years later. Journal of the American Psychoanalytic
Association, 55(1), 229-238.
April 14th, 2010: Psychotherapeutic Challenges and Professionalism (Episodes 21-30)
1. Utilize the content of “In Treatment” to discuss how counter-transference and boundary issues affect the
psychotherapeutic relationship
2. Discuss the personal and professional difficulties psychotherapists encounter and the importance of clinical
consultation and self care
Maroda, K.J. (2007). Ethical considerations of the home office. Psychoanalytic Psychology, 24, 173-179.
April 28th, 2010: Ethics Violations: “The Slippery Slope” (Episodes 31-43)
1. Discuss the ethical issues portrayed in “In Treatment.”
2. Discuss the progression of boundary violations presented in “In Treatment.”
3. Utilize the content of “In Treatment,” to discuss how boundary violations may occur and be avoided in
psychotherapy
Celenza, A. & Gabbard, G.O. (2003). Analysts who commit sexual boundary violations: a lost cause? Journal of the
American Psychoanalytic Association, 51(2), 617-636.
"This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the Essential Areas and Policies of the Accreditation Council for
Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) through the joint sponsorship of the American Psychoanalytic Association and the New
Orleans-Birmingham Psychoanalytic Center. The American Psychoanalytic Association is accredited by the ACCME to provide
continuing medical education for physicians and takes responsibility for the content, quality and scientific integrity of the CME
activity. The American Psychoanalytic Association designates this educational activity for a maximum of 6 hours in category 1 credit
towards the AMA Physician's Recognition Award. Each physician should claim only those hours of credit that he/she actually spent
in the educational activity. IMPORTANT DISCLOSURE FOR ALL LEARNERS: None of the planners and presenters of this CME
program have any relevant financial relationships to disclose."
Registration
Registration fees: $60 for Center members; $75 for non-members (includes 6 CME credits)
Complete and mail with your check to:
The New Orleans-Birmingham Psychoanalytic Center
3624 Coliseum St.
New Orleans, LA 70115
Name ________________________________________________________________________
Address ______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
Phone _______________________________________________________________________
Total enclosed $_______ Requesting continuing education credit? Yes/No
Please respond quickly. This program will be limited to 12 participants.
If you have any questions, please contact Mindy Kronenberg at (504) 343-5476.