, presents the Stern Distinguished Visiting Professorship Lecture "A Psychodynamic Perspective on the Difficult Patient" for the Weill Cornell Medicine psychiatry department in New York, NY.

Educational Events

Eric M. Plakun, MD,

A Psychodynamic Perspective on the Difficult Patient (The Stern Distinguished Visiting Professorship Lecture)

Eric M. Plakun, MD, presents the Stern Distinguished Visiting Professorship Lecture for the Weill Cornell Medicine psychiatry department in New York, NY.

Conference given by the Austen Riggs Center

This conference, designed for advanced psychiatric residents (PGY3, PGY4, and Fellows), is intended to enhance participants’ capacities to work effectively with difficult-to-treat patients through the integration of psychodynamically-informed and patient-centered perspectives into diverse aspects of the patient’s care. The knowledge, skills, and attitudes of psychodynamic psychiatry are not only useful in the psychotherapy of patients, but also foster leadership skills for addressing systems enactments in relation to challenging patients, and can markedly enhance effectiveness of pharmacotherapy.

10:30-11:00 Introduction, David Mintz, MD

11:00-12:00 Taking Charge of the Treatment Frame, Edward Shapiro, M.D.

12:10-1:10 Seeing the Whole Patient: Integrating Psychodynamic Insights into Case Formulation and Treatment, Jane G. Tillman, PhD, ABPP

2:00 -3:00 Impasse in Psychotherapy, Daniel Knauss, PsyD, ABPP

3:10-4:00 Small Groups–applying our learning

11:00-12:00 The Uses of Countertransference, Erin Seery, M.D.

12:00-1:00 A Psychodynamic Systems Approach to Working with Complex Patients: System Enactment, Samar Habl, MD

2:00-3:00 Psychodynamic Psychopharmacology, David Mintz, MD

3:10-3:50 Small Groups–applying our learning

3:50-4:00 Lessons Learned, Concluding Remarks, and Feedback

Conferences

Austen Riggs Center Centennial Conference attendees watching Dr. Eric Plakun's presentation.

Education and Training at Austen Riggs

6th Annual Residents' Conference on Working with Complex, Difficult-to-Treat Patients 

A virtual conference designed specifically for advanced psychiatric residents (PGY3, PGY4, and Fellows). 

Problem Focused Psychodynamic Psychotherapy is a modified psychoanalytic treatment approach that addresses patient’s specific problems, including symptoms, personality issues, relationship struggles, and behavioral difficulties. The primary facets of this treatment approach will be described, including identification of problems and their associated triggers and feelings, and developing a psychodynamic formulation to aid therapists in addressing specific areas of difficulty. Modifications of psychodynamic techniques to target problems, including use of the transference, will be described. Values of this approach in managing termination and helping the patient to develop psychodynamic skills will also be discussed.

Fred Busch, MD

Problem-Focused Psychodynamic Psychotherapy

Fred Busch, MD, speaks about Problem-Focused Psychodynamic Psychotherapy, which is a modified psychoanalytic treatment approach that addresses patient’s specific problems, including symptoms, personality issues, relationship struggles, and behavioral difficulties.

2024-25 Friday Night Guest Lecture Series

This presentation will address the recent shift towards was has been termed an “ontological” approach to psychoanalysis (Ogden 2019), in which experiencing and becoming oneself more fully are seen as the goals of treatment, with the generation of knowledge taking a back seat. Through a close reading of Bion and Winnicott it will argue against the dichotomization of knowing and being that is often implicit in this framework. Rather than privileging one over the other, it will propose that both Bion and Winnicott view knowing is inextricably bound up with being, given the object psychoanalysis is attempting to know and to reach. This has consequences for how we work, and helps protect against the idealization of experiencing and other trends than can arise within the “ontological” analysis literature. A case example will be used to illustrate.

Dr. Hannah Wallerstein

The Place From Which We Know: a Response to the “Ontological” Turn in Psychoanalysis

Dr. Hannah Wallerstein address the recent shift towards was has been termed an “ontological” approach to psychoanalysis (Ogden 2019), in which experiencing and becoming oneself more fully are seen as the goals of treatment, with the generation of knowledge taking a back seat.

American Psychiatric Association 2025 Annual Meeting

, will be presenting and the Austen Riggs Center will be exhibiting at the American Psychiatric Association (APA) 2025 Annual Meeting in Los Angeles, CA. 

; and Director of the Therapeutic Community Program 

Join Riggs clinical staff members for a Psychiatric Professionals' Mixer on 

 (Lower La Casita). Hors d'oeuvres and drinks will be served. 

Psychodynamic Psychopharmacology: Using Practical Psychodynamics to Understand and Address Pharmacologic Treatment-Resistance


Location: Room 153 B, Los Angeles Convention Center


Time: 10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. (Pacific) 

The Role of Photography in Promoting Mental Health Through Lifestyle and Patient Therapy


Chair: Josepha Cheong, MD
Presenters: Carlyle Hung-Lun Chan, MD; Mara Pheister, MD; 


Location: Room 402 A, Los Angeles Convention Center

Don’t Ask How - Ask Y! The Y model as an Integrated Framework for Teaching Psychotherapy Competencies


Chair: Matthew Robert Kelly, MD
Presenters: Alena Balasanova, MD, FAPA; Anne Ruble, MD, MPH; 


Location: Room 406 A, Los Angeles Convention Center

APA Psychotherapy Caucus and the Group for Advancement of Psychiatry 2nd Annual Meet and Greet Mixer
f

1100 South Hope Street Los Angeles, CA 90015

Psychiatric Chronification: When the Patient’s Use of Medications Does not Promote Mental Health


Location: Room 409 AB, Los Angeles Convention Center

Responding to the Impact of Suicide on Clinicians


Location: Room 403 B, Los Angeles Convention Center

Psychopharmacology Master Class: The Art of Psychopharmacology


Presenter: Carl Salzman, MD
Location: Room 502 A, Los Angeles Convention Center

Beyond the Impasse: A Psychodynamic Perspective on the "Difficult" Patient


Location: Room 515 A, Los Angeles Convention Center

Dynamic Therapy with Self-Destructive Borderline Patients: An Alliance Based Intervention for Suicide


Location: Room 405, Los Angeles Convention Center

Visit the Austen Riggs Center (Booth #1000) during exhibit hall hours:

The Austen Riggs Center booth at the APA Annual Meeting.

Austen Riggs at the APA

American Psychiatric Association's 2025 Annual Meeting Logo

2025 American Psychiatric Association Annual Meeting

Riggs staff members Marina Bayeva, MD, PhD; Samar Habl, MD; David Mintz, MD; Eric Plakun, MD; Erin Seery, MD; and Jane Tillman, PhD, ABPP, will be presenting at the American Psychiatric Association (APA) 2025 Annual Meeting.

Association for Psychosocial Studies (APS) logo

, present at the APS annual conference at St. Mary's University in London. 

 will present "Severance: A Capitalistic Tale of Technology Promoting Traumatic Splits and the Healing Power of Office Romance and Unions" on the panel: 

Severed Selves: Romance in the Gothic and Digital Ages

. She also will present "Age Against the Machine: Abject Revelation of the Feminine Midlife Crises in The Substance and Babygirl" on the panel: 

 will present "Crisis and Opportunity: The Death Drive Reformulated through Aulagnier’s Primal Layer of Experience" on the panel: 

. She will also present "Tales from the Dark Continent: Romance in the Gothic and Digital Ages" on the panel: 

. In addition, she is chair and presenter on the roundtable: 

Women in Leadership: Oxymoron or Redemption?

Annual Conference of the Association for Psychosocial Studies - Hope and Despair: Crisis and Opportunity logo.

Annual Conference of the Association for Psychosocial Studies - Hope and Despair: Crisis and Opportunity

Vivian Chan, DO, MS; and Marilyn Charles, PhD, ABPP, present at the APS annual conference at St. Mary's University in London. 

This presentation first explores key concepts from Jacques Lacan’s psychoanalytic theory of psychosis, highlighting its role as one of several ways humans navigate existential dilemmas such as sexuality and love. According to Lacan’s 1950s theory, psychosis arises when conventional frameworks for making sense of reality collapse due to the absence of the so-called Name-of-the-Father, the central organizing element of symbolically structured mental life. When life events bring existential dilemmas to the forefront, psychotic episodes may be triggered.

Building on this foundation, the talk examines how Lacan’s later works from the 1960s and 1970s—particularly his ideas on the fundamental non-rapport structuring mental life—further refine our understanding of psychotic experiences. Particular attention will be given to the role of creativity and invention in overcoming psychotic crises.

Finally, the implications of the Lacanian model of psychosis for clinical practice will be discussed, with a focus on ethical positioning, addressing the unconscious, handling transference, and navigating crisis and stability in psychosis.

Stijn Vanheule, PhD

Treating Psychosis Today: A Lacanian Perspective 

Stijn Vanheule, PhD, discusses the implications of the Lacanian model of psychosis for clinical practice, with a focus on ethical positioning, addressing the unconscious, handling transference, and navigating crisis and stability in psychosis.

The claim that Strachey ‘falsely scientized’ Freud, mainly through the translation of his technical vocabulary, is the red thread that runs through all the major criticisms of the Standard Edition (e.g. Bettelheim, Ornston, Laplanche). In this lecture, professor Solms argues against this criticism on three grounds. (1) It fails to take account of the differing conventions employed in German and English scientific writing. (2) It fails to take account of Freud’s personal involvement in Strachey’s choices. (3) It fails to consider continuities between Freud’s neuroscientific and psychoanalytic writings. These points will be illustrated by way of representative examples. Professor Solms will also take the opportunity to describe and defend other editorial policy decisions that he took, and will provide a general introduction to the form and content of the Revised Standard Edition.

Mark Solms

A Rapaport-Klein Study Group Presentation: Did Strachey Falsely Scientize Freud?

Professor Solms argues against the claim that Strachey ‘falsely scientized’ Freud.

Gould Farm & Ellenhorn roundtable retreat main image

Hosted by Ellenhorn & Gould Farm | With presentations from Ellenhorn, Gould Farm, The Austen Riggs Center, and Windhorse Integrative Mental Health

Join us for an enriching retreat focused on humanistic approaches to psychosis care, bringing together leaders in clinical treatment, advocates, and individuals with lived experience. Building on the momentum from last year's retreat, this gathering will offer a collaborative, intimate setting to explore innovative, person-centered approaches to psychosis treatment within both residential and community environments.​

This retreat is dedicated to professionals, clinicians, and advocates passionate about supporting recovery through approaches that go beyond symptom management, helping individuals discover purpose, identity, and connection. Through small-group discussions, presentations, and community-building activities, participants will engage in thought-provoking conversations about best practices in psychosis care, the impact of community-based treatment models, and how to navigate fragmented systems of care in the U.S.​

Set against the backdrop of the Berkshire Mountains, Gould Farm offers a unique, restorative setting for our discussions, having served as a sanctuary for healing since its founding in 1913. We invite you to connect with peers and leaders in the field, share insights, and contribute to shaping the future of psychosis care.​

If you have any questions about this event, please reach out to Ellenhorn's Director of Brand & Identity Development, Gabe Dunn at 

Special Events

Psychosis Care and Connection: A Retreat on Humanistic Approaches - June 26-28, 2025

Psychosis Care and Connection: A Retreat on Humanistic Approaches

Psychosis Care and Connection:  A Retreat on Humanistic Approaches

A roundtable retreat hosted by Ellenhorn & Gould Farm with presentations from Ellenhorn, Gould Farm, the Austen Riggs Center, and Windhorse Integrative Mental Health.

Join us for a meaningful weekend of reconnection, inspiration, and celebration.

Engaging Presentation Panel with Alumni (hybrid)

Discussion Groups (including a Zoom group)

Making Meaning: Exploring Art and Expression in the Activities Program - A special exhibition featuring artwork by former and current patients, along with a historical perspective of 100+ years of the Activities Program and the 75th Anniversary of the Nursery School.

For alumni artists wishing to display a piece of your artwork, please contact Jodi ASAP to discuss details on how this will work.

For questions, contact Jodi Shafiroff at 

 or 413-931-5333. We can't wait to see you here.

Alumni Events

Looking back and moving forward is the theme of the 20205 Austen Riggs Alumni Reunion.

2025 Austen Riggs Alumni Reunion

Former patients, staff, and Board members should save the date for the 2025 Austen Riggs Alumni Reunion to reconnect with old friends, make new connections, and celebrate the impact of our shared experiences.

Erikson Institute of the Austen Riggs Center Conference.

Save the Date! Schedule and registration info coming soon.

Mistrust is a growing problem for individuals and contemporary society. Mistrust affects our foundational institutions of education, science, religion, medicine, and governance. This conference is dedicated to fostering intergenerational dialogue and understanding around the growing crisis of institutional mistrust. Through three thought-provoking roundtable discussions and a closing plenary, participants will explore the psychological, social, and historical dimensions of trust, as well as practical solutions for rebuilding confidence in institutions across generations.

Rebuilding Trust in Institutions: Bridging Intergenerational Insights

2025 Fall Conference on Rebuilding Trust in Institutions.

Explore a wide range of psychotherapy conferences, lectures, workshops, and educational events with Riggs clinicians, as well as online CE/CME courses. 

Therapy Conferences & Educational Events | Austen Riggs Center

For answers to any questions about events, conferences, or CME courses, please feel free to contact us.

In addition to wide ranges of published articles, interviews, and other materials featuring the work of Riggs clinicians, our Resource Center houses video excerpts and select full presentations from past academic conferences and educational events.

Educational conference given by the Erikson Institute of the Austen Riggs Center.

The Erikson Institute for Education, Research, and Advocacy of the Austen Riggs Center provides extensive psychoanalytic education and clinical training for professionals in all stages of their careers.

Educational Conference for Mental Health Professionals

An important part of the Erikson Institute's educational mission is providing online continuing education and continuing medical education courses with an emphasis on psychodynamic psychotherapy. Certificates and CE/CME credits are availabile for those with an MD, PhD, or PsyD, and for social workers.

Austen Riggs offers free CE/CME courses for mental health professionals.

Events

Featured

Alumni Events

2025 Austen Riggs Alumni Reunion

Past Presentations

CE/CME Courses

Contact Us for More

For answers to any questions about events, conferences, or CME courses, please feel free to contact us.

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