Transference and Countertransference in the French Tradition
Instructor
Dr. Valeria Penela
Date & Time
Sunday, June 7, 2026
10:00–12:00pm PST
Location
Online Course
Zoom link shared to registrants
CEs
2 CEs offered for qualifying professionals.
Course fee
Early Bird, through May 31
$60 for licensed therapists
$40 for pre-licensed and students
Late Registration, June 1–6
$75 for licensed therapists
$50 for pre-licensed and students
Drawing from Lacan and Freud’s teaching, this course will explore the concepts of transference and countertransference. We will put emphasis on how Lacan extended transference beyond an emotional projection of the patient’s internal world and described the symbolic phenomenon and attribution of knowledge. We will discuss how the mobilization of the patient's unconscious desire is a necessary "lure" that allows for the analysis of their subjective reality. We will also explore how countertransference is considered to be the projection of the analyst's own prejudices, passions, and obstacles and it should not be used as an interpretative tool.
This course offers an introduction or refresher on Lacanian concepts for clinicians at all levels of training. Reading material will be shared with registrants before the course to deepen discussion.
Bibliography:
Fink, B. (1997) A Clinical Introduction to Lacanian Psychoanalysis: Theory and Technique. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press.
Lacan, Jacques. ( 2017). Transference. The Seminar of Jacques Lacan. Oxford, England: Polity Press.
Instructor Credentials
Valeria Ana Penela, Psy.D. is an analyst in private practice in West Los Angeles. She is a member and faculty at LAISPS and member of the California Forum of the Lacanian Field. In addition to her clinical work, she provides supervision and leads a study groups to foster the growth of clinicians and the transmission of the fundamental concepts of psychoanalysis.
For more information or questions contact us at thealamoprograms@gmail.com
Refund policy: Participants seeking a refund can email us at thealamoprograms@gmail.com at least 15 days before the first meeting. Refunds requested 15 days or earlier will receive 100% refund. 14-7 days prior, participants are eligible for a 50% refund. No refund will be provided 6 days prior or less.
Course meets the qualifications for 2 hours of continuing education credit for PhD, LMFTs, LCSWs, LPCCs, and/or LEPs as required by the American Psychological Association and the California Board of Behavioral Sciences.
Please note: Attendance at all class meetings is required for continuing education credits.
Course certificates awarded at the end of the course upon receipt of completed evaluation form.
The Alamo Psychotherapy and Training is a dba of Michelle Harwell Therapy. Michelle Harwell Therapy is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists and many licensed clinicians. Michelle Harwell Therapy maintains responsibility for this program and its content.
No known conflict of interest or commercial support for Michelle Harwell Therapy, The Alamo Psychotherapy and Training, or the instructor.
To request accommodations for special needs, obtain the grievance policy, report a grievance, request a refund, request more information about the course, or if you have general questions, please email us at thealamoprograms@gmail.com