LAISPS

Extension Division
Presents:
Psychopathology and Literature:
The Internal World of Franz Kafka and The Desire For Nothing
Instructor: Valrie Rubinstein von Raffay, Ph.D.
LAISPS Member

2 Saturdays May 16 & 23, 2015

10:00 AM 12:00 PM

Course will be held in LAISPS Classroom

12011 San Vicente Blvd., Suite 520
Los Angeles, CA 90049

4 CME/CE Credits
Cost: $80.00

Course Description:
This course will provide an experience of what literature can contribute to psychoanalysis. Literature describes fascinating case studies that uniquely bring to life
the complexity of human beings and interpersonal relationships. The literary works of Franz Kafka, a born "psychoanalyst", will be used to explore an internal world
filled with terror, the terror of the powerful paternal introject that reduces him to a "no thing". Concepts of the refusal of desire and human needs and Lacan's idea
of "desire for nothing" (Zizek, S. (2007)) will be emphasized, including how this dynamic relates to anorexia. The short story The Hunger Artist by Franz Kafka will be
used to explore concepts of psychic retreat, the refusal of desire and human needs, which illuminates Lacans idea of desire for nothing

The psychoanalytic and clinical understanding of male patients who are dominated by powerful paternal introject that can result in the avoidance of oedipal rivalry
will be enriched by consideration of meanings found in classic literature by Franz Kafka. The psychoanalytic and clinical understanding of anorexia will be enriched
by consideration of meanings found in classic literature by Franz Kafka

Objectives:
Upon completion of this activity, participants should be able to:
1. Describe the relationship between psychoanalysis and literature.
2. Describe how Kafka's conflictual relationship with his father dominated his internal and external world.
3. Describe what is meant by "refusal of desire" and human needs, in relationship to Lacan's idea of "desire for nothing".
4. Give a clinical example of the relationship between "refusal for desire" and the development of anorexia.

Important Disclosure: None of the planners or presenters of these CME/CE programs has any relevant financial relationship to disclose.
Physicians: LAISPS is accredited by the Institute for Medical Quality California Medical Association (IMQ/CMA) to provide continuing medical education for physicians. LAISPS takes responsibility for the
content, quality and scientific integrity of these CME activities and designates these educational activities for AMA PRA Category 1 Credits. Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the
extent of their participation in the activity. This credit may also be applied to the CMA Certificate in Continuing Medical Education.
Psychologists: LAISPS is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. LAISPS maintains responsibility for these programs and its content. Full
attendance is required for psychologists to receive credit; partial credit may not be awarded based on APA guidelines. Each activity is designated as marked for credit hours.
Social Workers and Marriage and Family Therapists: LAISPS is approved by the Board of Behavioral Sciences to grant continuing education credit to those holding LCSW and MFT licenses (Provider
#PCE311). Each activity is designated as marked for credit hours.
Nurses: LAISPS is approved by the CA Board of Registered Nursing to grant continuing education credit to nurses.

Psychopathology and Literature:

The Inner World of Franz Kafka and The Desire For Nothing
Registration Fee: $80.00
(No refunds will be given after course begins)

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Please make check payable to LAISPS and mail with this Registration Form to:
(No credit cards accepted at this time)

Los Angeles Institute and Society for Psychoanalytic Studies

12011 San Vicente Blvd., Suite #520, Los Angeles, CA 90049

For further information, please contact:

Phone: (310) 440-0333
Email: admin@laisps.org
www.laisps.org