Psychoanalytic Strategies in Child and Adolescent Psychotherapy: The Psychological Consequences of War

Training Course
November 21, 2026 – May 16, 2027

Psychological assistance, guidance, support, and psychotherapy for children and families have always been an important part of the work of psychoanalysts and psychologists. In the context of war, children and adolescents find themselves in a particularly vulnerable position: the real threat to their lives, forced displacement, separation from loved ones, and disruption of their familiar environment present professionals with complex clinical and ethical challenges.

• How can we make sense of the psychological consequences of war while taking into account the unique developmental characteristics of young individuals?
• How can we maintain an analytical space in the office and online, and structure our work with parents?

This course provides a space for reflecting on complex clinical cases, deepening theoretical knowledge, and developing a solid professional and ethical stance. The psychoanalytic approach emphasizes attention to the uniqueness of a child’s or adolescent’s subjective experience, manifestations of the unconscious, and the role of symptoms in mental life.

The program is structured on a modular basis and covers the spectrum from classical psychoanalytic foundations to techniques for working with children and adolescents, including in wartime conditions. Infantile sexuality, psychosexual development, infantile neurosis, primal fantasies, and anxiety will be examined as theoretical frameworks for understanding clinical material.

Special attention is given to Françoise Dolto’s approach and her ethical principles. The program will also explore the specifics of organizing and conducting online sessions, as well as the role of meetings with parents in working with children.

Studying theories of psychological trauma, loss, and the grieving process will help deepen understanding of clinical situations related to war and explore the possibilities of psychoanalytic work in crisis situations.

Who will benefit from this program?

• Psychoanalysts, psychologists, and psychotherapists who are already in practice and seek to deepen their theoretical knowledge and clinical understanding of working with children and adolescents.
• Beginning professionals who plan to start working with children and adolescents and need theoretical, practical, and ethical guidance.

Format and Structure of the Program

• Scope: The program consists of 6 separate, self-contained thematic modules plus the defense of final projects.
• Content of each module: 6 in-depth theoretical lectures and 4 hours of group discussion of clinical practice (supervisory format).
• Schedule: The course will be held exclusively on weekends (Saturday and Sunday), allowing participants to comfortably balance the course with their professional activities.
• Duration: November 2026 through May 2027.

Course Syllabus

1. Fundamentals of Psychoanalysis. The Concept of Infantile Sexuality. The psychosexual development of children.

November 21–22, 2026 (16 academic hours)

Instructor: A. Tataryan

2. The concept of infantile neurosis. Primordial fantasies. Anxiety.

December 19–20, 2026 (16 academic hours)

Instructors: I. Chebotar, A. Tataryan

3. F. Dolto: An Introduction to the Psychoanalysis of the Young Subject.

F. Dolto’s Ethical Guidelines for Working with the Young Subject.

January 16–17, 2027 (16 academic hours)

Led by: A. Tataryan

4. Techniques for psychoanalytic work with children. Specifics of online work and meetings with parents.

February 20–21, 2027 (16 academic hours)

Facilitators: I. Dyakiv, M. Ryabovol

5. Characteristics of Adolescents’ Mental Life and Adolescent Issues. The Psychoanalyst’s Work with Adolescents in Wartime. The R Scheme.

March 20–21, 2027 (16 academic hours)

Instructors: I. Dyakiv, N. Kulik

6. Theories of psychological trauma in wartime. Loss and grief. Understanding the work of grief in psychoanalysis. Characteristics of experiencing loss during wartime. Working in crisis situations.

April 17–18, 2027 (16 academic hours)

N. Ulko

7. Defense of Final Projects

May 15–16, 2027 (16 academic hours)

Each module is accompanied by a PRACTICAL DISCUSSION (4 hours).

Upon completion of the full course and successful defense of the final project, a certificate from the International Federation of Psychoanalysis will be issued.

Format: ONLINE/IN-PERSON

REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED

REGISTRATION FORM

Course fee: 34,000 UAH.

Payment details