Dear Colleagues:

I am pleased to write to you to announce the Radó Advanced Psychoanalytic Seminars for the 2008-09 academic year. 

 Last year was a successful one for RAPS and their related activities.  Bob Michels and Fred Pine each led a thought-provoking series of seminars with the Journal Club.  The second Master Series was devoted to the contributions of Arnie Cooper who graciously hosted an overflowing audience in his home.  At APM Movie Night, Hilary Beattie gave an erudite discussion of “Hilary and Jackie.”  Lucy LaFarge’s lucid introduction to the work of this year’s International Psychoanalytic Scholar, Antonino Ferro, was greatly appreciated.  Many had the privilege of attending the seminars with Dr. Ferro himself where they got to experience his warmth and way of working close-up.  A new RAPS group, Psychoanalytic Perspectives on Religion and Spirituality, had an auspicious beginning.

This year’s program already includes a number of exciting opportunities. We are very fortunate to have Stan Coen as our “master” in the Master Series. The APM’s biannual international symposium, Missing: Siblings in Psychoanalysis, is scheduled for November 8-9.  This will bring together a roster of distinguished scholars and psychoanalysts to consider a neglected topic.  A new group chaired by Fred Sander, Analytic Couples’ Therapy, will begin to study this important modality.  Movie Night 2009 is in the planning stages.  Please look out for details on this as well as other events which may take place.

 RAPS are a means to further professional development, pursue individual interests, and participate in the intellectual life of the Association.  Members of the Association and graduates and advanced candidates of the center may join.  The following six groups are presently accepting new members: Female Sexuality and Psychopharmacology Group chaired by Vivian Pender; Psychoanalytic Perspectives on the Bible as well as the above mentioned group on religion and spirituality, both led by Sandy Pauker; Journal Club with Ted Kenny as Chair; and Fred Sander’s new group.  Four “ongoing” groups are closed to new members but openings may become available at a later date. 

The APM website has recently been updated and provides comprehensive information on RAPS.  You may find forms to register for RAPS and to receive CME credit for participating via the Post-Graduate Education link.  It is not too late to start a new RAPS group or join an existing one.  I think either will be a rewarding experience and hope that you will contact me so that I may be of help.

With best wishes,

Peter M. Bookstein, MD
Chair, RAPS
September, 2008