Toward An Ethic of Play:

How to Conceptualize Ethics in Play in Adult Analysis



Steven H. Cooper, PhD

Through a series of clinical vignettes, the author explores the ethical undergirding of play in analytic work with adult patients. He defines play as a form of idiomatic, verbal responsiveness that emerges in the context of the analytic intersubjectivity, one that can illuminate elements of fixed transference-countertransference engagement. He outlines an ethic of play that considers whether these forms of responsiveness deepen and enliven the patient’s understanding of unconscious fantasy, conflict, and internalized object relations. Play poses challenges and potential risk for the analytic couple since in play, rules are often changing in the dialogue between the conscious and unconscious minds of the analytic couple.

This conference is intended to fulfill licensure renewal requirements for continuing education in ethics. However, registrants should check with their licensing board if uncertain.

AGENDA

10:00am-10:10am Welcome, upcoming programs, conference logistics, introduction of speakers

10:10am-11:30am Presentation by Dr. Cooper

11:30am-11:45am BREAK

11:45am-1:15pm Presentation by Dr. Cooper and Q&A with audience

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

After attending the program in its entirety, attendees will be able to:

1. observe and describe how play develops in relation to patient’s defenses, conflicts, and unconscious fantasy in clinical psychoanalysis.
2. assess the patient's ability to make use of play with regard to self-reflective capacities, including their limitations in doing so.
3. observe and assess how play relates to transference-countertransference engagement in the deepening of treatment.
4. observe and describe his or her self-reflective participation including when and how play emerges in clinical process.

ACCME Accreditation Statement

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 American Psychoanalytic Association and Houston Psychoanalytic Society. The American Psychoanalytic Association is accredited by the ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

AMA Credit Designation Statement

The American Psychoanalytic Association designates this Live Activity for a maximum of 3 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Disclosure Statement

The APsA CE Committee has reviewed the materials for accredited continuing education and has determined that this activity is not related to the product line of ineligible companies and therefore, the activity meets the exception outlined in Standard 3: ACCME's identification, mitigation and disclosure of relevant financial relationship. This activity does not have any known commercial support.