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Interpretation and the Elaborative Function - Neal Vorus, PhD (Webinar live online)
2026-27 Friday Night Guest Lecture Series
In this lecture, Dr. Neal Vorus discusses an area of convergence between Hans Loewald’s processive model of therapeutic action and a more recent perspective advanced by Italian Field Theorists (especially Antonino Ferro and Giuseppe Civitarese). In particular, he compares Loewald’s (1960, 1975) view of analytic change as occurring through a process of overcoming a differential within the “force field” of the transference to Ferro’s (2009) depiction of a “constantly expanding oneiric holographic field.” While originating from different traditions, both perspectives reflect the crucial influence of philosophical perspectives aimed at deconstructing the subject-object split in western metaphysics (Heidegger and Merleau-Ponty, respectively). Relatedly, both perspectives advance what might be termed a “general field model,” wherein the centrality of interpretation is both retained and transformed to reflect a dialogic, processive model of analytic change (see Vorus, 2025). In this model, the elaborative function of therapeutic interaction is emphasized above approaches aimed at divining and naming unconscious contents. Dr. Vorus will end his presentation by presenting several clinical vignettes and discussing implications for psychoanalytic technique.
Target Audience
______ Introductory ______ Intermediate ___X___ Advanced
Learning Objectives
- Discuss and critique the traditional conception of interpretation in psychoanalysis.
- Summarize and explain the relevance of the process model of interpretation.
- Apply the concept of elaborative function to a clinical example.
Neal Vorus, PhD, is the editor-in-chief of The Psychoanalytic Quarterly. He is a faculty member and training and supervising Analyst at IPTAR, faculty and clinical consultant at the NYU Postdoctoral Program in Psychotherapy and Psychoanalysis, and a visiting lecturer at the Anni Bergman Parent-Infant Program. Dr. Vorus has published papers and book chapters on the history of theoretical controversy and on comparative models of therapeutic action and technique. His forthcoming book, Phantasy in Psychoanalysis: A Concept in Conflict will be published by Karnac in 2027.
Austen Riggs Center Inc. adheres to the ACCME’s Standards for Integrity and Independence in Accredited Continuing Medical Education. All those at Austen Riggs Center involved in the planning of this activity, including the presenter(s) listed above, report they have no relevant financial relationships with an ineligible company*.
The views and opinions expressed in this presentation are those of the presenter(s) and do not necessarily represent the official policy or position of the Austen Riggs Center.
Available Credit
- 1.50 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™
ACCME - As a Jointly Accredited Organization, The Austen Riggs Center, Inc. designates this learning activity for a maximum of 1.50 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
- 1.50 APA
As a Jointly Accredited Organization, The Austen Riggs Center, Inc. designates this learning activity for 1.50 continuing education credit(s) (CE) for psychology. Continuing Education (CE) credits for psychologists are provided through the co-sponsorship of the American Psychological Association (APA) Office of Continuing Education in Psychology (CEP). The APA CEP Office maintains responsibility for the content of the programs.
Austen Riggs Center, Inc. is recognized by the New York State Education Department’s State Board for Psychology as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed psychologists #PSY-0115.
- 1.50 ASWB-ACE
As a Jointly Accredited Organization, The Austen Riggs Center, Inc is approved to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Organization, not individual courses, are approved under this program. State and provincial regulatory boards have the final authority to determine whether an individual course may be accepted for continuing education credit. Austen Riggs Center maintains responsibility for this. Social workers completing this Webinar live will receive 1.50 continuing education credit(s).
Austen Riggs Center, Inc 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-0843.
- 1.50 Contact Hours/ ParticipationA certificate of attendance for all Learners.