Description:
OPD Points: 5
Relational psychoanalytic psychotherapy is a contemporary and dynamic approach that reframes the therapeutic relationship as a mutually influential and co-created space, rather than a one-sided analysis. Emphasising collaboration, respect, and depth, this modality offers an ethical and effective alternative to more traditional, abstinent approaches—particularly for clients who may struggle with emotionally distant models of therapy.
In this engaging CPD session, participants will be introduced to the key concepts and clinical applications of relational psychoanalysis, including how the minds of both therapist and client shape the therapeutic encounter. The course explores the therapist’s subjectivity as a valuable lens into the therapeutic process and highlights the importance of self-awareness, attunement, and socio-cultural context in co-constructing meaning and healing.
This presentation is ideal for psychologists interested in deepening their understanding of therapeutic relational dynamics and working more intentionally with transference, countertransference, and mutual influence in session.
Key Learning Objectives / Outcomes:
By the end of this CPD session, participants will be able to:
Describe the foundational principles of relational psychoanalytic psychotherapy.
Understand the mutual influence of therapist and client in co-creating the therapeutic space.
Recognise how the therapeutic relationship itself can serve as a clinical unit of analysis.
Reflect on the ethical implications of working with relational dynamics in therapy.
Develop increased awareness of the therapist’s own responses, beliefs, and cultural context.
Apply relational concepts in clinical work to support clients who may not respond to more neutral or abstinent approaches.
Assessment:
Presenter / Provider:
Prof. Gill Eagle and Prof. Gill Straker
Presenter Qualifications:
Prof. Gill Eagle
Gillian Eagle is a professor and Head of Psychology at the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg. Gill has been involved in clinical practice and supervision of psychotherapy, and has a particular interest in treatment of and research around traumatic stress. She has published widely in the areas of traumatic stress, violence studies and gender studies, with research interests generally in examining the interface between social psychological and clinical theory.
