Core Competencies in Relational Psychoanalysis: A Book Launch for Dr. Roy Barsness
Dr. Roy Barsness, Professor of Counseling Psychology, has released a new book, Core Competencies of Relational Psychoanalysis: A Guide to Practice, Study, and Research. Inspired and challenged by his students, Dr. Barsness embarked on a significant qualitative research project with the aim of demystifying the what and the how of relational psychotherapy.
Drawing on the mapping of his own mind as he sat with patients, contributions from his students, and dozens of interviews with senior analysts; Dr. Barsness identified seven core techniques that contribute to healing and transformation in the therapeutic relationship: therapeutic intent, therapeutic stance/attitude, deep listening/affective attunement, relational dynamic: the there and then and the here and now, patterning and linking, repetition and working through, courageous speech/disciplined spontaneity, and love. Drawing on his own work and in collaboration with leading analysts and clinicians, including Lewis Aron, PhD, Steven Knoblauch, PhD, Karen J. Maroda, PhD, ABPP, Nancy McWilliams, PhD, Allan Schore, PhD, Pratyusha Tummala-Narra, PhD; Dr. Barsness brings life and depth to these categories with research, reflections from analytics, and clinical vignettes.
The Forum at The Seattle School is hosting a free book release event to celebrate this new publication. The special event Friday, November 3, 7:00-9:00pm, will include refreshments and feature Dr. Barsness in a lively conversation facilitated by Dr. Stephanie Neill. The evening will conclude with a signing by Dr. Barsness. Books will be available for purchase at 20% off.
Dr. Roy Barsness holds a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the California School of Professional Psychology – Los Angeles, a Masters Degree (M.A.) in Theology from Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, CA, a Postgraduate Certificate in Family Studies from the Los Angeles Family Institute and has completed an intensive training program in Psychoanalytic Theory from the Northwest Alliance for Psychoanalytic Studies. Dr. Barsness also holds a Clinical Associate Professor appointment at the University of Washington in the Department of Psychiatry and the Behavioral Sciences. Prior to coming to The Seattle School, Dr. Barsness was Director of Clinical Training at Seattle Pacific University. He has also taught at Fuller Theological Seminary and Antioch University. His primary interest is in the intersection of psychoanalytic thought and theology.
Dr. Barsness’ is an active member of the American Psychological Association, Relational Psychoanalytic & Psychotherapy Group – Seattle, the Christian Association of Psychology, and the Northwest Alliance for Psychoanalytic Study. Some of his previous publications include: Surrender & Transcendence in the Therapeutic Encounter; Playing with our cards face up: the power of acknowledging sexual arousal within the therapeutic setting; and The Relational Turn in Psychoanalytic Supervision.