Training in Affect and Script Theory

• Object Relations Theory Vs. Shame and Affect Theory by Richard Parsons, 10/24/98
  
  

Richard,

Thanks for your interest in affect theory. Many of us have found that the work of Tomkins, Nathanson, and others in the Silvan S. Tomkins Institute gives us a far more useful framework for understanding people than any of the emotion theories we were taught in our training programs. The best way to learn "The Philadelphia System", as we call it, is to join the Tomkins Institute and learn with us. You will find us listed under organizations on the Behavior.net home page. I highly recommend our journal, The Bulletin of the Tomkins Institute, especially the lead articles by Dr. Nathanson. Once you begin thinking in affect and script theory terms, you may find that all kinds of therapeutic work get easier. I am a psychiatrist who does diagnostic evaluations, psychodynamic psychotherapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and psychopharmacology. I find that my understanding of affect and script helps me to treat people better with all of those modalities. It sure makes the work a lot more fun!

You can get continuing education credits for our conferences and study groups. We have study groups in many places now, or you can start a new one. I hope you will join us!

Sue Deppe, MD; Faculty, The Silvan S. Tomkins Institute; Book Review Editor, Bulletin of the Tomkins Institute

• Thank You by Richard Parsons, 10/31/98
  • Learning Affect Theory by Dave McShane, 11/26/98
  • Study Groups by Don Nathanson, 11/26/98