2008-2009 RAPS SEMINARS OPEN TO NEW MEMBERS:

FEMALE SEXUALITY
Chair: Vivian Pender, M.D.
This group explores issues in female sexuality using primarily clinical material brought by the members.

PSYCHOANALYTIC PERSPECTIVES ON THE BIBLE
Chair: Samuel Pauker, M.D.
This group, now in its 14th year, has been going through the Old Testament exploring a variety of psychoanalytic approaches to the text. We are interested in how these narratives achieve their lasting mythopoetic significance, psychological power, and explosive cultural legacy.

This past year the group has focused on the Books of Daniel and Job and is beginning an examination of ethnic identity. In addition, the group has an ongoing interest in the psychoanalytic understanding of the varieties of religious experiences. We anticipate branching out to a study of kabbalah/mysticism next year.

The group has served as a venue for analysts, clergy, and scholars to present material for feedback and discussion. We have liaisoned with other groups meeting on related topics and are interested in learning about such groups. We eagerly invite anyone with an interest in psychoanalytic views of the Bible, or related texts, to present to the group or to sit in. Meetings are taped, and take place in Westchester, usually on the 2nd Tuesday of the month.

PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY GROUP
Chair: Vivian B. Pender, M.D.
This group meets on the fourth Monday of each month, light dinner at 7:30 pm and round table presentation and discussion from 8:00-9:30 pm. The group has been in its second year and meets at the Montana, 247 West 87th Street, in the Community Room. The dues are $250.00 per year. This covers the honorarium, food and drink. Please contact Vivian B. Pender, M.D. Chair at vp52@columbia.edu to sign up and for further info.

JOURNAL CLUB
Chair: Edward Kenny, M.D.
(awaiting description)

PSYCHOANALYTIC PERSPECTIVES ON RELIGION AND SPIRITUALITY
Chair: Samuel Pauker, M.D.
(awaiting description)

Beginning Groups

ANALYTIC COUPLE THERAPY
Chair: Fred Sander, M.D.
IN the time of an ever increasing number of couples and families are seeking therapeutic help and the mission of this group is not just the perpetuation of psychoanalysis but serving the needs of the broader clinical population.
The group will address
1)how to conduct evaluations of couples to arrive at appropriate treatment modality(ies).
2)The technical conduct of couple therapy and
3)given appropriate clinical material an exploration of the indications, contraindications and complications of concurrent individual and couple treatments.

The Chair will provide reading materials which he had used in teaching this subject in various contexts including past electives at Columbia Psychoanalytic and case material will be presented from his clinical work for discussion.

Currently On-going Groups

FUNDAMENTALS OF PSYCHOANALYSIS
Chair: Robert A. Glick, M.D.
The group is studying concepts fundamental to psychoanalysis in the classic psychoanalytic literature of the world.

RESISTANCE
Chair: Burton Lerner, M.D.
This is a clinical seminar that meets monthly to discuss resistances of patients in the analytic situation. The participants use clinical material to discuss the analytic process, resistance and defense, and transference and countertransference material.

PEER SUPERVISION
Chair: Dr. Sarah Hartman
Members meet bimonthly to discuss clinical cases from their private practice. Topics include medication management, challenging countertransference-, transference paradigms and clinical assessment.

In recess

READINGS IN LACAN
Co-Chairs: Lila Kalinich, M.D. and Stuart Taylor, M.D.
This group focuses on reading primary sources, particularly those of Lacan’s Seminars now available in English. Secondary sources will be utilized when necessary. Other pertinent work, such as that of Freud, Hegel, Kierkegaard, and Merleau-Ponty are read and discussed in relation to Lacan.

PSYCHOANALYTIC TREATMENT OF NARCISSISTIC PERSONALITY AND OTHER DISORDERS INVOLVING NARCISSISTIC PREOEDIPAL PATHOLOGY
Chair: Donald I. Meyers, M.D.
open for a new presenter
This group studies pre-genital development and pathology with special emphasis on narcissism. It is currently suspended, awaiting a new presenter with appropriate case material.