January 2023: "A Felt-Self: Aspects of Symbolization in Child Psychotherapy" with Jeffrey Eaton, MA, FIPA, BCPsa

Frances Tustin explored the role of sensation in the creation of a primitive sense of a “felt-self” in both ordinary development and in forms of psychopathology. Extensive case material from the psychoanalytic treatment of child diagnosed on the Autism Spectrum will give a window into the complexity of the role of the body and its symbolization through the child’s increasing ability to use the therapist as a container for intense emotional experience. Learning Goals 1.The participant will appreciate the role of sensation in the creation of what Frances Tustin calls “a felt-self”. 2. The participant will differentiate how ordinary sensations are patterned by relationship while auto-sensuality can use sensations as a barrier to relationship in autistic defenses. 3. The participant will recognize the challenge of becoming able to pattern and mitigate a feeling of sensory “too-muchness” and how symbolization can promote the capacity for self-regulation.