The Vitality/Futility Continuum

About the Instructor

Dr. David Wayne has been in private practice for the past forty-three years. As a faculty member at NPI for the past 28 years, he has taught basic and advanced courses in the writings of Winnicott. In addition, he served as Dean of Education at NPI for ten years.

The Vitality/Futility Continuum: How to be “Isolated” without being “Insulated”

About this Course

Central to Winnicott’s developmental schema is the concept of “the false self.” Winnicott views the false self as a sophisticated and effective protection from “unbearable agonies.” At the same time, he also articulates the great costs of this defense; futility and isolation. This seminar will consider developmental factors that contribute to the development of the false self and the accompanying sense of futility, and how to identify when the false self is active. In addition, therapeutic strategies that nurture the true self will be explored.

Course Objectives

• Participants will be able to identify developmental factors that foster the development of the false self.
• Participants will be able to describe developmental factors that contribute to the sense of not feeling real and a sense of futility.
• Participants will be able to articulate therapeutic strategies for the development of the true self.