Lisa Lyons, Ph.D., Director

Relational Theory in Clinical Practice is a full year program that focuses on the origins and foundational ideas of Relational psychotherapy and psychoanalysis as well as on the application of these ideas in clinical work. By the completion of the program we expect that students will have developed an understanding of the fundamentals of the Relational approach, have been introduced to some of the newer directions of Relational thinking, and have had a chance to look at their own clinical work through a new and expanded lens.

The year-long program is divided into pairs of classes. Each pair includes one class focused on an essential aspect of Relational theory, and a second class focused on related clinical applications. The second class of each unit - the class focused on clinical applications - is an opportunity for a member of the class to present a case. Additionally, throughout the year the instructors weave in vignettes from their own clinical work and encourage students to bring up relevant clinical material for exploration and discussion. Each unit is led by a member of the Mitchell Center faculty who is a leading voice in the topic at hand.

Enrollees will be exposed to a range of concepts and clinical styles, and will have the opportunity to explore ideas with internationally recognized thinkers and clinicians, many of whom have from the start been essential contributors to the development of the theory and practice of Relational psychotherapy and psychoanalysis. Students will also hear from newer, emerging voices. Dr. Lyons will meet periodically with the class throughout the year to facilitate discussion and integration of the material.

The year will begin with exploration of the work of some of the early psychoanalysts whose work had profound influence on the development of Relational thinking. We continue with exploration of the early beginnings of the Relational approach, including the foundational work of Stephen Mitchell. We then move on to essential topics in Relational psychotherapy and psychoanalysis, including the model of mind that forms the scaffolding for the Relational approach, dissociation, trauma, enactment, mutuality and the two-person model, the Relational unconscious, the inter-generational transmission of trauma, work in the community, and the essential incorporation into theory and clinical understanding of race, class, gender, and culture.

Classes include both didactic presentations and interactive discussion. As in all Mitchell Center programs, we aim to create a warm and collegial atmosphere, where students feel free to present their ideas and clinical work, pose questions, and engage in lively open discussion with the faculty and with each other.

This program is appropriate for both experienced and newer mental health clinicians, and is ideally suited for those who have at least some familiarity with psychodynamic theory and practice. It is suitable both for clinicians who have completed analytic training as well as for those who are interested in beginning analytic training. We offer two partial scholarships to applicants who are BIPoC-identified and who can demonstrate commitment to issues relevant to BIPoC communities. Please contact Lisa Lyons for more information about how to apply.

Students will have the opportunity to join low-cost supervision groups led by Mitchell Center faculty, per faculty availability. Graduates of Relational Theory in Clinical Practice have the opportunity to join the year-long Advanced Clinical Seminar offered by the Mitchell Center.

Classes meet on Zoom, Wednesday evenings, from 7- 9pm Eastern Standard Time, from October through May. Enrollment is capped at around 15.