Pathological accommodation is a deeply ingrained psychological defense that forms when an individual unconsciously adapts their feelings, needs, and behaviours to align with others, often to preserve crucial attachments—especially when those bonds are traumatically threatened. Originating in early childhood, this dynamic shapes how individuals relate to others and themselves, leaving a lasting impact that can extend into adulthood.

In this webinar, we will explore Brandchaft's theory of pathological accommodation, focusing on how, from infancy, children learn to suppress their true selves to maintain connection with significant figures, particularly caregivers. In these early relational contexts, the child internalizes the belief that love and belonging can only be achieved by denying their own needs and desires.

We will delve into the unconscious organizing principles and affective sequences that give rise to this pattern, exploring how it develops in childhood and evolves into adulthood, leading to relational dysfunction and emotional distress. Participants will gain valuable insights into how these early patterns influence adult relationships and self-concept.

The webinar will also offer practical strategies for working with patients displaying pathological accommodation, with a focus on transference interventions and helping individuals reclaim their authentic selves from the entanglements of early relational trauma.

Learning Outcomes:

Understand how pathological accommodation develops within early traumatic intersubjective contexts, particularly between infants and caregivers.

Identify how patterns of pathological accommodation emerge and persist within relational dynamics into adulthood.

Recognise how patterns of pathological accommodation may emerge during therapy sessions.

Learn effective strategies for working with patients exhibiting pathological accommodation, including the use of transference interventions.

Venue: Online on Zoom. Includes access to video recording for 30 days, excluding clinical video observation content.

Date: Wednesday, 28th May, 2025 

Time: 6.30 p.m to 8.30 p.m (Sydney/Melbourne Time)

Cost: 79.99 

About Kris Rao: Kris is a psychotherapist & a psychoanalyst primarily providing long term therapy for complex trauma disorders. He is also a clinical supervisor for the Australian and New Zealand Association of Psychotherapy (ANZAP) training program. He has a Master of Science in Medicine (Psychotherapy) and a Doctorate in Psychoanalysis. Kris teaches ethics & psychodynamic psychotherapy as adjunct faculty at universities and higher education institutions across Australia and New Zealand.

About eiseEducation: eiseEducation delivers exceptional webinars, short courses, and professional development training to the mental health, social services & community services sector across Australia & New Zealand.  Find out more at eiseeducation.com.

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