Recently completed online programs

A Dynamic Ethical Framework for Psychoanalysts

In 2024, I developed a brand new course on clinical ethics which I presented for my Psychoanalytic Essentials program in November 2024, then for the Confederation for Independent Psychoanalytic Studies (CIPS) in February 2025, and then again for the Psychoanalytic Center of California in November 2025. I explored the legal, ethical, moral, and technical considerations for developing one’s ethical capacity. Then, using Klein’s model of the Oedipus Complex, I offered an advanced conceptualization of ethics in which external guidelines are internalized–an “outside-in” model of lived ethics. When external ethical and legal guidelines can be internalized, then the clinician can apply them in a fluid, dynamic way in the moment by moment challenges of psychoanalytic treatment.

White Liberal Guilt and Racism: Explorations using a Kleinian framework

This Psychoanalytic Essentials read and discuss on-line seminar was held on October 11, 2025 with a very engaged group of clinicians. The course was built around a series of papers from the journal Psychoanalytic Dialogues about the ways in which White liberal guilt serves as an obstacle to reparation and harm reduction related to racism.  Jane Caflisch’s paper, “When Reparation is Felt to Be Impossible: Persecutory Guilt and Breakdowns in Thinking and Dialogue About Race” served as the centerpiece followed by discussion papers from a diverse group of psychoanalytically informed clinicians Kali Cyrus, M. Fakhry Davids, and Sally Swartz.

From Fear to Love: Revisioning the Oedipus Complex

The Psychoanalytic Center of California hosted an online seminar on Saturday, May 3, 2025 from 9 to 10:30 am PST in which I explored the evolution of the concept of the Oedipus complex from Freud’s model to Klein’s model. This seminar was specially designed for those interested in psychoanalysis and open to all licensed clinicians and advanced students. Here’s a snippet from my talk.

Such a wonderful presentation. I love your talks – so clear and thought provoking. You rock as a teacher!

-Psychologist participant

The Rules of Treatment and the Rules of Play: Ethical, Moral, and Technical Considerations in Psychoanalytic Practice

A three hour presentation for members and colleagues at the Western Branch of the Canadian Psychoanalytic Society on Saturday, June 22, 2024, 9:30 am to 12:30 pm PST.

Core Concepts in Psychoanalysis, Part 2: A Master Class

On Saturday, April 27, 2024, I offered a 3 hour on-line presentation in my Psychoanalytic Essentials Core Concepts series, exploring the Oedipus complex and working in the transference. The Oedipus Complex is one of the most challenging and compelling theories in psychoanalysis, and I really enjoy bringing the concept to life and applying it to the clinical situation.

Ethics in Clinical Practice: A Psychoanalytic Approach (repeat)

This course was held on Zoom, Saturday, January 27, 2024 from 9 am to 12:20 pm PST under the sponsorship of CIPS, the Confederation for Independent Psychoanalytic Societies. We had a wonderful discussion with 55 psychoanalytic colleagues!

Core Concepts in Psychoanalysis, Part 1: A Master Class

On Saturday morning, November 11, 2023 I presented two new lectures: “From Mechanistic to Alive: Evolving Models of the Unconscious” and “Friends and Foes of Change: The Life and Death Instincts, Psychic Equilibrium and Psychic Change.” I was reminded how much I enjoy the small group discussion format! 3 CE credits.

It was such a joy to be in this learning space.

-Psychologist participant

Covert Narcissism Unmasked: A Read and Discuss Seminar

On Tuesday evening, October 17, 2023, clinicians gathered to discuss Dr. Craig Malkin’s article, “Covert Narcissism Unmasked: What are we really treating?” The article was both accessible and illuminating, exploring the challenges of working with clients who seek attention but have difficulty receiving our help. 3 CE credits.

Between the World and Me: Clinicians’ Book Study

Our inaugural Clinicians’ Book Study was held on Saturday, September 23, 2023. We read and discussed Ta-Nehesi Coates’ stirring book, Between the World and Me. This book opens new pathways for exploration and engagement as we reconsider the powerful dynamics of “race” in America through the powerful letter Coates writes to his son. The small group format was powerful and one participant shared, “This was one of the best seminars that I have ever attended.” 6 CE credits.

We Need to Listen: Black Psychoanalysts Speak, Video and Discussion

This 5-unit continuing education course for mental health professionals identifying as White or White-adjacent was held on Saturday, June 3rd from 9-10:30 am PST. Participants viewed the film, Black Psychoanalysts Speak, and read articles by the filmmaker and producer. The course included at-home self-reflection as well as live group discussion facilitated by Dr. Kunst.

The Dynamics of Personality Development: Freud, Klein, and Bion Unplugged

This daylong workshop for the Community Institute for Psychotherapy in northern California was offered on on Saturday, March 25, 2023 from 9 am to 4 pm (6 CE credits). This virtual event was ideal for both students and mental health professionals as I translated the models of Freud, Klein, and Bion in a lively and engaging way.

Transformations in Pandemic Times (repeat)

This seminar was offered on Saturday, December 3, 2022, 9:00am to 10:30am. It was a rich exploration of changes in the analytic frame during the time of the pandemic. It was a repeat of the August seminar to accommodate those needing a weekend time.

A Case for the Unconscious

This seminar was offered on Tuesay, November 1, 2022, exploring the unconscious as foundational to psychological life, drawing from social and cognitive psychology, the neuroscientific work of Jak Panksepp, and psychoanalytic models.

Ethics in Clinical Practice: A Psychoanalytic Approach (6 CE credits)

This seminar was offered on Saturday, September 24, 2022, exploring a psychoanalytic approach to the therapy frame and boundary violations.

Transformations in Psychoanalytic Treatment in Pandemic Times

This seminar was offered on Tuesday, August 9. 2022. It was a rich exploration of changes in the analytic frame during the time of the pandemic. Great discussion!

Ethics in Clinical Practice 2-Part Series

This seminar series was offered in two parts on successive Tuesday evenings, June 14 and 21, 2022. The topics included (1) the protective function of the analytic frame and (2) altruism and boundary violations.

Working Psychoanalytically Under Less than Optimal Conditions

We explored my paper, “Lessons from MacGyver: Working Psychoanalytically Under Less than Optimal Conditions” on Monday, May 16, 2022.

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