1st Friday of every month from 1:10-2:40 pm
3000 Connecticut Avenue, NW, Suite 214
Washington, DC 20008

The challenges of working with couples will be explored through readings that draw from self psychology, attachment theory, intersubjectivity and relational theories, neuroscience, as well as clinical discussion. Topics will include working with oppositional couples, countertransference dilemmas, sexual issues, infidelity, loss and blended families. Additional topics will be determined by the interests of group participants.  Group members should be actively working with couples.

Members who attend this study group will be able to:

Semester #1

  1. Discuss the importance of cultivating curiosity to address issues of diversity when working with couples.
  2. Describe the central impacts of race and racism on a given couple.
  3. Demonstrate how the therapist’s implicit bias impacts the subjectivities of both therapist and couples.
  4. Explain the ways in which Heather MacIntosh uses psychoeducation in the initial stage of her treatment model: Developmental Couple Therapy for Complex Trauma.
  5. Describe how childhood trauma impacts attachment in couple relationships.
  6. Discuss how the capacity for mentalizing is important in the development of emotional connection and regulation.

Semester # 2 Learning Objectives are still under development