Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy of Cancer Patients with Norman Straker at NYPSI

NEW YORK PSYCHOANALYTIC SOCIETY & INSTITUTE:
Extension Program
247 East 82nd St., between 2nd & 3rd, NY, NY 10028
212-879-6900
www.psychoanalysis.org
www.nypsi.org

PSYCHOANALYTIC PSYCHOTHERAPY of CANCER PATIENTS
Norman Straker, M.D.
Thursdays
7:30 – 8:40 pm
May 7, 14, 21, 2015
(3 Classes)
Fee $120

This course will provide the therapist an introduction to psychoanalytic psychotherapy of cancer patients. It will acquaint the therapist with the important concept of “death anxiety,” long neglected in psychoanalytic theory and practice. The first class will address the unique challenges of facing cancer and the fear of death in both the patient and therapist. A review of psychoanalytic literature on the treatment of the dying patient will set the stage for the presentation of a more flexible approach based on almost four decades of clinical practice. The video “On the Edge of Being: When Doctors Confront Cancer” will be viewed and discussed in the second meeting in an effort to consolidate the experience of working with cancer patients. Class three will highlight the challenges facing the spouses of dying cancer patients, including preparation for death and managing grief and mourning. A video “The Courage to Survive: Facing the Loss of Your Soul Mate” will illustrate the psychoanalytic treatment of a spouse during the terminal phrase of his wife’s illness and after her death.

Norman Straker is Clinical Professor, Weill Cornell Medical Center; Consultant, Sloan Kettering Cancer Center; and Attending Psychiatrist, New York Presbyterian Hospital. He is the author of Facing Cancer and the Fear of Death: A Psychoanalytic Perspective on Treatment. Dr. Straker is on the faculty of NYPSI.

The Extension Program welcomes mental health professionals, trainees in fields of psychiatry, psychology, and social work, and any members of the community who are interested in psychoanalytic principles.

Educational Objectives: This course is designed to help you:
1. Appreciate the emotional reactions of the cancer patient and family members to the challenges posed by a cancer diagnosis, including facing death, grief, and mourning.
2. Utilize interventions based on psychoanalytic practice that are helpful to the patient and family members
3. Appreciate the emotional reactions of medical staff and psychotherapists to the cancer patient with special emphasis on the importance of recognizing the role of “fear of death” and how it is managed.
4. Describe transference and countertransference issues that are especially important in treating patients facing cancer.

Physicians: This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the Essential Areas and policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education through the joint sponsorship of the American Psychoanalytic Association and the New York Psychoanalytic Society and Institute. The American Psychoanalytic Association is accredited by the ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

The American Psychoanalytic Association designates this Live Activity for a maximum of [3.5] AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

IMPORTANT DISCLOSURE INFORMATION FOR ALL LEARNERS: None of the planners and presenters of this CME program have any relevant financial relationships to disclose.

Psychologists: The New York Psychoanalytic Society & Institute is approved by the American Psychological Association (APA) to sponsor continuing education programs for psychologists. The New York Psychoanalytic Society & Institute maintains responsibility for this program and its content.
DISCLOSURE: None of the planners or presenters of this CE program has any relevant financial relationships to disclose.

Persons with disabilities: The building is wheelchair accessible and has an elevator. Please notify the registrar in advance if you require accommodations.