63rd Annual Conference

Thursday, February 23

Afternoon Workshops

2:45-6:00 P.M.

Workshop 20

Identification of Specificity Theory to Group Psychotherapy

Chair:   

Gil Spielberg, Ph.D., Institute of Contemporary Psychoanalysis, Los

Angeles, California

Specificity Theory (H.Bacal) is an attempt to provide principles for the optimization of therapeutic responsiveness.  Within the range of psychodynamic treatments there has been a long standing tension between the positions of therapeutic abstinence and provision.  Recently, the newer concept of  therapeutic responsiveness has attempted to address this tension.  This workshop will develop the 4 central principles of Specificity Theory and its applicability to group treatment.

Didactic-demonstration-experiential-sharing of work experiences

Learning Objectives:

The attendee will be able to:

1. Identify the four principles of specificity theory.

2. Utilize specificity theory to evaluate the efficacy of a therapeutic intervention.

3. Understand the historical roots of specificity theory.

Course References:

1. Bacal,H. (1985). Optimal Responsiveness and the Therapeutic Process.  In Goldberg, (Ed.). Progress in Self Psychology. 202-226. New York: Guilford Press.

2. Bacal, H. (1998). Optimal Responsiveness: How therapists heal their patients.  Northvale, NJ: Jason Aronson.

3. Bacal, H. & Thomson, P. (1996). The Psychoanalyst's Selfobject Needs and the Effect of Their Frustration on the Treatment: A new view of countertransference.  In A. Goldberg, (Ed.). Progress in Self Psychology. 12, 17-35. Hillsdale, NJ: The Ananlytic Press.