Foster Care Training

In this training, we will begin to define and explore “psychodynamic” as a potential framework that may be useful in serving and supporting complexly-traumatized foster youth in a community mental health setting. Specifically, we will first consider “”what is a psychodynamic approach”” and then go on to consider why such approaches may be useful. We will explore analytic concepts that could be especially relevant, including Frame, Transference and Countertransference, Parallel Process, Evacuation (Denial, Negation, Projection), Projective Identification, (Re)Enactments, “The Third,” Containment/Metabolization, and Negative Capability. We will practice applying these concepts to case vignettes. Throughout, we are encouraged to engage critically about the history, limitations, and complications of such an approach.