The Loving Self is the optimal condition of self for our post-modern era. The potential for this optimal state exists in most of our patients on the basis of early, deep parental love. However this rudimentary loving self later becomes inhibited due to neurotic parental impositions. The mutually loving therapeutic process leads to actualization of the loving self. The concept of the loving self was first offered by Dr. Natterson over 15 years ago and has subsequently been presented to numerous professional and student groups. Over the ensuing years the depth and range of pertinence of the loving self has steadily increased. Clinical illustrations are cited. Related themes in the 20th century by notables such as Winnicott, Kohut, Loewald and Bion are discussed, as well as more recent related work by Axel Honneth, Daniel and Donnel Stern, and the Boston Group (BCPSG). Presentness, compatibility of contradiction, and deep intuition are features of the loving self are discussed.

Learning Objectives

As a result of attending this course, participants should be able to:

• Identify conceptual antecedents to the loving self
• Explain the mutually-loving intersubjective essence of therapy
• Describe the origin of the loving self

Joseph Natterson, MD, PhD, is a training and supervising analyst at NCP, Clinical Professor of Psychiatry, Emeritus at UCLA, Attending Psychiatrist Emeritus, at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, and Consultant at the Maple Counseling Center. His numerous books and articles deal with dreams, therapists’ subjectivity in the therapeutic process, and love in psychotherapy. Two of his publications on The Loving Self appeared in 2015 and another is forthcoming in 2018.

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Pricing & CE Credits 

• $55 Pre-registration, $65 at the door, $30 Student Rate
• 3 CE Credits

CONTINUING EDUCATION CREDIT 

IMPORTANT DISCLOSURE INFORMATION FOR ALL LEARNERS: None of the planners and presenters of these CME/CE programs have any relevant financial relationships to disclose. 

PHYSICIANS: This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the accreditation requirements and policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) through the joint providership of the American Psychoanalytic Association and the New Center for Psychoanalysis. 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 the maximum number of 3 hours of AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.  

PSYCHOLOGISTS: The New Center for Psychoanalysis is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. New Center for Psychoanalysis maintains responsibility for this program and its content. Full attendance is required for psychologists to receive credit; partial credit may not be awarded based on APA guidelines. For the psychologists’ records, certificates of attendance are provided at the completion of the course.  

SOCIAL WORKERS, MARRIAGE and FAMILY THERAPISTS (LCSW, LMFT, ASW, IMF, LEP, LPCC, PCCI) 

The New Center for Psychoanalysis is a continuing education provider that has been approved by the American Psychological Association, a California Board of Behavioral Sciences recognized approval agency. 

REGISTERED NURSES: The New Center for Psychoanalysis is an accredited provider approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing (Provider #CEP1112). Registered Nurses may claim only the actual number of hours spent in the educational activity for credit.