Multiple Code Theory and the Psychoanalytic Process: A Conversation between Wilma Bucci and Eslee Samberg

NYPSI’s 1034th Scientific Program Meeting:

“Multiple Code Theory and the Psychoanalytic Process: A Conversation between Wilma Bucci and Eslee Samberg”

Tuesday, January 8, 2019

8:00 – 10:00 pm

Presenters: Wilma Bucci, Ph.D. and Eslee Samberg, M.D.

Drs. Wilma Bucci and Eslee Samberg share the view that psychoanalysis is in need of a general theory of emotion and mind as a basis for clinical work and research. Dr. Bucci has developed the multiple code theory, based on current work in cognitive psychology and neuroscience, to provide a view of humans as having multiple systems of experiencing and processing the world. These systems include symbolic (language and imagery that may be verbal or nonverbal) and subsymbolic processes (visceral and autonomic responses, including sensory and motoric functions); these may operate within or outside of awareness and may sometimes be characterized as unconscious. The ref­erential function involves the linking of subsymbolic bodily experiences with non-verbal symbolic imagery and language. Dr. Bucci will outline these ideas as they apply in the clinical interaction and as a systematic basis for research on the psychoanalytic process. Dr. Samberg looks to fundamental principles in Freud’s metapsychological papers, further elaborated in modern ego psychology, contemporary conflict theory, and object relational perspectives. She views unconscious mental representation as present from earliest development forming the core of the dynamic unconscious and unconscious fantasy as its more complex form. From this perspective subsymbolic processes are also represented symbolically although the prominent manifestation may be somatic or affective. Following Dr. Bucci’s outline of multiple code theory, the presentation will take the form of a discussion between the two participants, addressing points of correspondence of their theoretical approaches and differences between them, and focusing on their application to the therapeutic process. The discussion will be open to the audience and may include, but not be restricted to concepts such as dissociation and repression; embodied communication; instinct, drive and affect; resistance and defense; transference and countertransference; and conflict and compromise.

2 CME/CE credits offered.

Wilma Bucci, Ph.D. is Professor Emerita, Derner Institute, Adelphi University, where she served as Director of Research Training; Honorary Member of the American Psychoanalytic Association (APsaA), the New York Psychoanalytic Society and Institute (NYPSI), and the Institute for Psychoanalytic Training and Research (IPTAR); Visiting Professor in Psychoanalytic Research, University College, London; Faculty of the International Psychoanalytical Association Research Training Programme; Co-Director of Research at the Pacella Research Center;  author of Psychoanalysis and Cognitive Science: A Multiple Code Theory, and many clinical, theoretical and research papers.

Eslee Samberg, M.D. is a Training and Supervising Analyst at the New York Psychoanalytic Institute where she has served as President, Faculty Chair, and Curriculum Chair. She has taught courses on depression, psychoanalytic principles, and Freud’s metapsychology papers. She is a Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at Weill Cornell Medical College where she teaches and supervises psychiatry residents. Dr. Samberg is the co-editor in chief with Dr. Elizabeth Auchincloss of Psychoanalytic Terms and Concepts published in 2012 by Yale University Press and The American Psychoanalytic Association.  She is the recipient of the Charles Brenner Award for exceptional contributions to psychoanalytic education from The New York Psychoanalytic Insitute; The Distinguished Service Award from the American Psychoanalytic Association; The Laughlin Distinguished Achievement Award for educational contributions to psychoanalysis from The American College of Psychoanalysis; and has twice received the Voluntary Faculty Outstanding Teacher Award from the Payne Whitney residents in Psychiatry.

Educational Objectives: Upon completion of this activity, participants will be able to:

1. Explain the importance of a general theory of mind for clinical and research work.

Physicians: 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 New York Psychoanalytic Society & Institute. The American Psychoanalytic Association is accredited by the ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

The American Psychoanalytic Association designates this Live Activity for a maximum of (2) AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

IMPORTANT DISCLOSURE INFORMATION FOR ALL LEARNERS: None of the planners and presenters of this CME program has any relevant financial relationships to disclose.

Psychologists: New York Psychoanalytic Society & Institute is approved by the American Psychological Association (APA) to sponsor continuing education programs for psychologists. New York Psychoanalytic Society & Institute maintains responsibility for these programs and their content.

Social Workers: New York Psychoanalytic Society & Institute is recognized by the New York State Education Department’s State Board for Social Work as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed social workers #SW-0317.

DISCLOSURE: None of the planners or presenters of this CE program has any relevant financial relationships to disclose.