Denver Psychoanalytic Society upcoming events

Lost and Found: Identifying the Loss of Mutuality—and Restoring It—in the Digital Age taught by Risa Muchnick, PsyD (Virtual) (October 28, 2026)

Thu, 29 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMT

PROGRAM INFORMATION

Description:

This course addresses the rapid deployment of AI in society and its effects on human psychology, specifically on the capacity for relationality and mutuality. As clinicians encounter their patients’ use of AI on a more regular basis, the goal of this course is to help them understand what this use means, what function it serves, and how it alters their patients' relational and intrapsychic world. Learners will expand their understanding of the psychological aspects of AI use, how to think about their patients’ use of the technology, and thus expand what they are able to perceive and intervene upon in the clinical setting.

Learning Objectives:

1. Describe the concept of mutuality as articulated in contemporary relational psychoanalytic theory, and explain how its presence or absence manifests in clinical work with patients, particularly in the context of patients' own technology and AI use and the ways in which the broader technological environment shapes their relational world.

2. Analyze transference-countertransference material for evidence of disrupted mutuality — including disruptions that originate in or are expressed through patients' relationships with AI — and apply psychoanalytic techniques drawn from multiple theoretical schools to support patients in developing or recovering the capacity for mutual relationship.

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INSTRUCTOR BIOGRAPHY

Risa Muchnick, PsyD is a licensed clinical psychologist who works with adolescents and adults in individual, couples, and family treatment. Dr. Muchnick served as an adjunct professor at the Graduate School of Professional Psychology (GSPP) at the University of Denver and the Morgridge College of Education (MCE) at the University of Denver. Dr. Muchnick also served as an assistant to the Latinx Psychology Specialty at GSPP during its development in 2015. Dr. Muchnick co-authored (with Dr. Peter Buirski) the article, “Social media as organizing but not transforming self-experience” (2016), and has maintained an active interest in the intersection between algorithm-based social technologies and psychology.

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PROGRAM DETAILS

Date: Wednesday, October 28, 2026

Time: 6:00 - 9:00 PM (MT)

Location: Virtual using Zoom. The Zoom link will be emailed to registrants 24 hours before the class. If you don’t see our emails, please check your spam, junk, or secondary inboxes as they can sometimes be filtered there.

Cost:

DPS Member: $75
Non DPS Member: $90 (General registration opens 8/26)
Student: $45 (Registration for this category is limited. Please list your training institution during registration).

Donations: Donations are welcome during registration to help keep our programs affordable. We appreciate your support.

Registration: Registration is required and the deadline to register is October 25, 2026. A confirmation email will be sent when registration is complete.

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CME INFORMATION

3 CME Credits Available

CME Certificates: To receive a CME certificate, the attendee must: pre-register, pay in full, attend the session with your last name clearly labeled in Zoom, and complete an online evaluation within 7 days following the program.

An email with the evaluation link will be emailed after the program. Credit will be issued for actual participation time in 15-minute increments. CME certificates will be emailed within 2 weeks following the event if the evaluation is completed. Enabling your video while participating is strongly encouraged.

ACCME Accreditation Statement
This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the accreditation requirements and policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) through the joint providership of American Psychoanalytic Association and Denver Psychoanalytic Society. The American Psychoanalytic Association is accredited by the ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

AMA Credit Designation Statement
The American Psychoanalytic Association designates this live activity for a maximum of 3 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Disclosure Statement
The APsA CE Committee has reviewed the materials for accredited continuing education and has determined that this activity is not related to the product line of ineligible companies and therefore, the activity meets the exception outlined in Standard 3: ACCME's identification, mitigation and disclosure of relevant financial relationship. This activity does not have any known commercial support.

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POLICIES

Confidentiality: During programs, we will follow rules of confidentiality for clinical case material including disguising identifying information. Please do not discuss any case material outside of this program. No recording of case material is allowed.

Cancellation: While we understand that plans can change unexpectedly, our program arrangements and financial commitments are finalized in advance. For this reason, we cannot issue refunds for cancellations made within 10 days of the program. Cancellations received prior to that deadline will be refunded, less a $10 processing fee.

Sleeping with the Enemy: AI, Grief, and the Shadow of the Analyst presented by Valerie Frankfeldt, PhD (Virtual) (November 12, 2026)

Fri, 13 Nov 2026 02:00:00 GMT

PROGRAM INFORMATION

Description: When Dr. Frankfeldt lost her analyst in 2024, she turned to an unexpected companion: ChatGPT. What began as a cursory attempt at coping with grief became a profound reckoning with her own ambivalence about AI, a journey she has since turned into an unflinching and deeply personal paper.

Dr. Frankfeldt used ChatGPT to help her explore a dream she had about that loss — and discovered surprising depths of insight and self-understanding. The AI even offered some solace during a time when beginning with a new analyst felt unpalatable. Yet the difference between intellectual insight provided by a machine and what is offered by a human-to-human relationship became unquestionably clear.

For a "proper" analyst who had always upheld the frame that provides a safe holding environment for treatment, was using ChatGPT as an adjunct helper "sleeping with the enemy"?

Dr. Frankfeldt’s commitment to human communication came up against ChatGPT's now-familiar "superpowers" — mirroring, sycophancy, and validation — raising urgent questions for the entire field:

The field of psychoanalysis is in jeopardy now that free or cheap AI "therapy" apps have become ubiquitous. Are analysts colluding with the erosion of the field?
Why are people — even therapists — flocking to chatbots for "therapy" in the first place?
What is the allure, usefulness, and danger of AI "therapy" apps?
What does it mean to reach a patient with a quintessentially human emotional communication?

This honest, searching talk raises essential questions for anyone who cares about the future of psychoanalysis and the irreplaceable human dimension of clinical work.

CME Objectives: (Participants will be able to:)

Describe the forces that make use of AI increasingly appealing.
Discuss the threat of AI in potentially replacing therapists.
Summarize the differences between an AI therapy bot and a human psychotherapist.

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PRESENTER BIOGRAPHY

Valerie Frankfeldt, PhD is a training analyst, faculty member, and supervisor at the Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy Study Center. She has a special interest in the effects of technology on analytic work. Dr. Frankfeldt is a member of the American Psychoanalytic Association Council on AI and Psychoanalysis. She is in private practice seeing individuals and couples and providing clinical consultation in Greenwich Village in New York City.

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PROGRAM DETAILS

Date: Thursday, November 12, 2026

Time: 7:00 - 8:30 PM (MDT)

Cost:

DPS Members: $30
Non-DPS Members: $45
Students: $10

Guest Registration: Guests may be added to a DPS Member, Non-DPS Member, or Student registration for $10. Credit is not available for guests.

Registration: Registration is required and will close on September 10th. The cancellation policy is listed below.

Credit Note: Registration is required for CME credit. Guest registrations are not eligible for credit.

Donations: Consider including a donation with your registration to ensure programs like this continue to reach our community. Even a small gift creates a big impact. We are grateful for your support!

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CME INFORMATION

1.5 CME credits available

CME Certificates: To receive a CME certificate, the attendee must: pre-register, pay in full, attend the session with your name clearly labeled in Zoom, and complete an online evaluation within 7 days following the program.

ACCME Accreditation Statement

This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the accreditation requirements and policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) through the joint providership of American Psychoanalytic Association and Denver Psychoanalytic Society. The American Psychoanalytic Association is accredited by the ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

AMA Credit Designation Statement
The American Psychoanalytic Association designates this live activity for a maximum of 1.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

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POLICIES

Confidentiality: During all programs, we will follow rules of confidentiality for clinical case material including disguising identifying information. Please do not discuss any case material outside of this program. Recording without authorization is prohibited.

Society Member Gathering (In Person) (November 19, 2026)

Fri, 20 Nov 2026 00:30:00 GMT

Society members are invited to join us for a relaxed evening of conversation, connection, and time together outside of our usual programming.

This free, member-only gathering will be hosted at the office of Dr. Shoshana Adler (Society President) near I-25 and CO Blvd. Registration is required, and the exact address will be shared with registrants in reminder emails a few days before the event.

Light refreshments will be provided.

We’d love to see you there!

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REGISTRATION DETAILS

Date: November 19, 2026

Time: The event runs from 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM. Feel free to stop by whenever is convenient for you.

Location: Office building near I-25 and Colorado Blvd. The exact address will be provided in registration confirmation and reminder emails.

Parking: There is an outdoor parking lot as well as parking in nearby retail locations.

Cost: Free

Space is limited to 30 participants.

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Cancellation: If you register and can no longer attend, please let us know by emailing office@denverpsychoanalytic.org.

Beautiful Thing with discussant Brian Ngo-Smith, LCSW, FABP (In-Person Film) (November 22, 2026)

Sun, 22 Nov 2026 22:00:00 GMT

The purpose of the film series is to encourage psychoanalytic dialogue with respect to creativity and movies.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

Description: Set in a working-class housing estate in Southeast London during a sweltering summer, Beautiful Thing (1996) is a tender and uplifting coming-of-age story about two teenage neighbors, Jamie and Ste. Escaping their troubled home lives, the boys find solace in each other's company, slowly transforming their close friendship into a deeply touching romance. Supported by a vibrant cast of neighborhood characters, this classic perfectly balances sharp British humor with heartfelt realism to offer a wonderfully optimistic celebration of first love and self-acceptance.

Format: We'll watch the film together at the Sie FilmCenter, followed by a discussion. We are excited that this venue offers a full theater experience, complete with lounge, concessions, and full bar, providing plenty of opportunity to mingle before or after the event. Family and friends are welcome!

Discussant Biography: Brian Ngo-Smith, LCSW, FABP is a psychoanalyst and clinical social worker in Denver, CO. He received his MSW from the University of Iowa and completed analytic training at the Denver Institute for Psychoanalysis, where he is now on faculty. Brian has worked in the mental health field for over 20 years in residential, hospital, community mental health, and private practice settings. He is a past president of the American Association for Psychoanalysis in Clinical Social Work and he was the recipient of the 2024 Ernst and Gertrude Ticho Memorial Award from the American Psychoanalytic Association.

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PROGRAM DETAILS

Date: Sunday, November 22, 2026

Time: 3:00 - 6:00 PM (MDT)

Location: Sie FilmCenter located at 2510 East Colfax, Denver, CO 80206. Free parking is available in the garage located above the Sie FilmCenter, accessible from both Columbine and Elizabeth streets. Street parking is also available throughout the surrounding neighborhood, where posted.

The FilmCenter has a lounge area, concessions, full bar, accessible entrances and exits, accessible bathrooms, water fountains, and elevator/ramp access to all theaters. Click here for more information about accessibility at the theater.

Cost: To help cover the cost of theater rental, there is a $20 general admission fee for all attendees. There are a limited number of $10 student tickets available. If registering as a student, please list your training institution during registration. Friends and family are welcome. The registration fee covers admission only.

Registration: Registration is required and must be completed by 12:00 PM (MT) on November 19th. A confirmation email will be sent when registration is complete.

Guest Registration: If you would like to bring a guest, please include the number of guests and pay their fee during the registration process.

No CE credit offered.

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POLICIES

Cancellation: Due to fixed venue costs and advanced commitments, we are unable to offer refunds for this event. We appreciate your understanding in helping us sustain these programs.

Photography Notice: By registering for this event, I hereby acknowledge and agree that the Denver Psychoanalytic Society (DPS) or its agents may take photographs and recordings for DPS purposes, including but not limited to news, publicity, and fundraising purposes, without further compensation to me. All such photos and videos are the sole property of the DPS.

Good Will Hunting with discussant Christopher W. T. Miller, MD (Virtual) (January 14, 2027)

Fri, 15 Jan 2027 01:30:00 GMT

The purpose of the film series is to encourage psychoanalytic dialogue with respect to creativity and movies.

FILM DESCRIPTION

Description: Will Hunting (Matt Damon) is a brilliant but troubled young man working as a janitor at MIT. When Professor Gerald Lambeau (Stellan Skarsgård) discovers Will’s extraordinary, self-taught talent for mathematics, he offers him a chance to avoid a prison sentence for a street fight on the condition that Will study mathematics with him and attend court-ordered therapy with unconventional psychologist Dr. Sean Maguire (Robin Williams). With the support of his best friend Chuckie (Ben Affleck) and a budding relationship with Harvard student Skylar (Minnie Driver), Will is forced to confront his painful past and decide where he truly wants his life to lead.

Format: The evening will begin with a presentation by the discussant followed by group discussion. Please watch the film prior to the event. Good Will Hunting is available to view with a premium subscription or to rent on several platforms such as: Hoopla, Prime Video, Apple TV, etc.

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DISCUSSANT BIOGRAPHY

Christopher W. T. Miller, MD is a Psychiatrist and Associate Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Maryland School of Medicine. He trained in Adult Psychiatry at the University of Maryland/Sheppard Pratt Residency Program, graduating in 2012. He completed training in Adult Psychoanalysis at the Washington Baltimore Center for Psychoanalysis. He is the Director of Psychotherapy Education for the University of Maryland/Sheppard Pratt Psychiatry Residency Program. He has published and lectured on educational frameworks for teaching psychotherapy, on the intersection between the neurosciences and psychotherapy, and on psychodynamic dimensions of film and literature. He is the author of “The Object Relations Lens: A Psychodynamic Framework for the Beginning Therapist".

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REGISTRATION DETAILS

Date: Thursday, January 14, 2027

Time: 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM (MDT)

Location: Virtual using Zoom. The Zoom link will be emailed to registrants 24 hours before the event.

Many of our emails get filtered through secondary inboxes, so please do a search within your inbox for key words such as: Denver Psychoanalytic Society, DPS, Zoom link, and/or the name of the speaker or title of the event to find the email with the link.

Cost: To help cover costs, there is a fee to register for this event. Donations are welcome during registration to help keep our programs affordable.

Nonmembers - $15
Society Members - $10
Students - Free (Please list your training institution during registration.)

Registration: Registration is required. Society members receive early access beginning September 24th. General registration opens October 1st.

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POLICIES

Confidentiality: During events, we will follow rules of confidentiality for clinical case material including disguising identifying information. Please do not discuss any case material outside of this conference. No recording of case material is allowed.

To contact the Society office, please email office@denverpsychoanalytic.org.

Echoes of the Infant: The Voice in Treatment presented by Davis Fleming, MD (Lecture) (January 22, 2027)

Sat, 23 Jan 2027 02:00:00 GMT

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

Description:
Despite being present in every session, the voice—its tone, timbre, pitch, and rhythm—remains undertheorized in psychoanalytic literature, leaving clinicians with little guidance on paralinguistic expression.

This presentation introduces a developmentally grounded, psychoanalytic framework to understand the voice as a vital clinical instrument. Participants will gain the competence to recognize paralinguistic features as carriers of unconscious communication and transference, directly expanding their capacity for diagnostic attunement and therapeutic intervention in an increasingly digital landscape.

CME Objectives:

Analyze vocal features — including tone, timbre, pitch, and rhythm — as clinically meaningful data within the psychoanalytic frame.
Apply a developmental framework to understand how early relational experiences shape patients' vocal expression.
Demonstrate increased attunement to the analyst's own voice as a transference object to formulate clinical interventions that incorporate paralinguistic and preverbal dimensions of the therapeutic relationship.

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PRESENTER BIOGRAPHY

Davis Fleming, MD is a board-certified child, adolescent, and adult psychiatrist in Denver, where he provides psychotherapy, psychoanalytic treatment, and medication management in private practice. He completed psychodynamic psychotherapy training through the Denver Institute for Psychoanalysis and is beginning analytic training in both child and adult psychoanalysis. His clinical and scholarly interests include the role of voice, affect, development, and the therapeutic relationship in psychoanalytic work.

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REGISTRATION DETAILS

Date: Friday, January 22, 2027

Time: 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM (MDT)

Location: Lowry Conference Center located at 1061 Akron Way, Denver, CO 80230. There is plenty of free, accessible parking around the Conference Center. The lecture will NOT be livestreamed.

Cost: This program is being offered free of charge as part of our ongoing mission to support accessible professional development and relevant continuing education for the community. To help keep our educational programs accessible, we are offering a 'pay what you want' option during registration. There is no minimum requirement and any contribution is deeply appreciated.

Registration: Registration is required and must be completed by noon on January 22nd. Society members receive early access beginning September 24th. General registration opens October 1st. A confirmation email will be sent when registration is complete.

Credit Note: Registration is required for CME credit. Guest registrations are not eligible for credit.

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CME INFORMATION

1.5 credits available

CME Certificates: In order to receive a CME certificate, the attendee must: pre-register, attend the session, and complete an online evaluation. A link to the online evaluation will be sent after the program and must be completed within one week. Certificates will be sent out within two weeks of the program to allow for evaluations to be completed.

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POLICIES

To contact the Society office, please email office@denverpsychoanalytic.org.