This engaging and intellectually rich talk by Professor Don Carveth revisits the Oedipus complex - a foundational concept in psychoanalytic theory. Drawing on the work of Freud, Klein, and Lacan, Carveth explores how this complex shapes psychic development and relational dynamics.
The presentation delves into evolving perspectives on the Oedipus complex, including debates about its universality, cultural specificity, and whether its roots lie in desire or narcissistic need for centrality. Carveth integrates Freudian theory with Kleinian positions and Lacanian perspectives, helping practitioners understand how these ideas manifest in clinical settings.
This talk is particularly valuable for psychologists working in psychodynamic or integrative modalities, offering fresh insight into long-standing developmental and relational conflicts in therapy
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this talk, participants will be able to:
Describe the traditional Freudian concept of the Oedipus complex and its psychodynamic significance.
Understand and contrast Kleinian and Lacanian interpretations of the complex.
Critically evaluate the cultural and clinical relevance of the Oedipus complex in contemporary practice.
Recognise how oedipal dynamics may present in clients’ relational patterns.
Apply theoretical concepts to improve formulation and psychotherapeutic intervention.