Linking Field Theory and Systems Psychodynamics to Enhance Leadership: Exploring Our Complex Identities and Finding Social Resonance in Turbulent Times

Developed by the Department of Psychoanalytic Education Council for Leadership and Organizational Studies

10-Week Advanced Leadership Seminar

Thursdays| Oct 9, 2025 – Dec 18, 2025

10:30 AM-1:30 PM

Virtual | Zoom

29 CME/CE Credits | $299

The American Psychoanalytic Association (APsA) and the International Psychoanalytical Association (IPA) are co-sponsoring the third iteration of this innovative virtual seminar. Developed by the Council for Leadership and Organizational Studies (CLOS) of the Department of Psychoanalytic Education (DPE), this seminar is open to those currently in leadership positions or with strong interests in leadership in our psychoanalytic and community-based organizations from various countries and cultures to help us all engage more effectively.

This 10-week virtual seminar will focus on critical concepts in systems psychodynamics and field theory such as the social unconscious, projective identification, splitting, social defenses, complex identities, and intersubjective processes. Widening our conceptual lens so that we can think of individual, group, organization, and the social-political-cultural surround as co-creating the field and influencing and shaping each other, we will use these concepts to deepen our understanding of leadership challenges as we engage racism and othering in ourselves and in the groups and systems in which we are embedded.

Each session will be evenly divided between theoretical and experiential components. In the group-as-a-whole, presenters and participants will discuss key points in the assigned readings; break into pre-assigned small self-study groups to reflect on our own group process as it relates to our primary task of learning together about the challenges of leadership as we encounter and address racism and othering; and return to the large group to continue our self-reflection and organizational self-study.

Ultimately, the primary aim is to enhance our individual and collective efforts, particularly in the face of hate and human destructiveness, to become more inclusive, more open in our thinking, and equitable in sharing power.

Co-Chairs:

Paula Christian-Kliger, Ph.D., ABPP

James W. Barron, Ph.D., ABPP