COURSE TEN - Bion in the Clinic
EXTENSION PROGRAM
Online Course
Course Coordinator/Leader: Cynthia Saruk, MD, FRCP(C) DABPN
Thursday, 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm: April 9, 16, 23, 30, 2026 (4 sessions)
Fees: $280
Deadline for registration is April 2, 2026.
Preregistration is required.
** DISTANCE PARTICIPATION ONLY – This course will be conducted online.
The contributions of Wilfred Bion are among the most cited in psychoanalytic literature. Using clinical example, this course will focus on the implications for Bion’s theory on technique. Wilfred Bion’s thinking was rooted in the theories of Freud and Klein. However, he developed his own theory of thinking and with that also made recommendations for analytic listening. Bion emphasized that the field of psychoanalysis was the emotional meeting of two people. Training Analyst and Supervisor of Child and Adolescents of the Mexican Psychoanalytic Association (APM) Jani Santamaria Linares writes, “For Bion thoughts are the non-sensuous manifestation of the experience of frustration that somehow emerges from the sensuous experience of pain, if we can bear it.”
Seminar One: A history of Bion’s life and an introduction to the evolution of his theory.
Seminar Two: Bion’s understanding of psychic processing including links, alpha function, PSD, and formulations on the container/contained.
Seminar Three: Bion’s recommendations for analytic listening and the importance of Negative capability.
Seminar Four: An introduction to Bion’s concept of ‘O’ with clinical examples.
Learning Objectives:
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
- Participants will have gained an understanding of how Bion’s early life experiences might have impacted him and influenced his theory.
- Participants will have looked at Bion’s theory of thinking and how he conceptualized psychic growth.
- Participants will have learned about Bion’s recommendations for analytic listening and his focus on what the analyst can bear.
- Participants will have been introduced to the major themes of Bion’s theory and approach and their implications in the clinic.
Cynthia Saruk MD FRCP(C) DABPN
Cynthia Saruk MD FRCP(C) DABPN, is a psychoanalyst and psychiatrist in private practice in Toronto. For several years, she was in supervision with Dr. Rafael Lopez-Corvo, a training and supervising analyst whose work is informed by Bion. She has faithfully attended the Bion Worldwide Online Seminars through the A. Santamaria Psychoanalysis Mexico A.C. She has taught the third-year course on Bion at the Toronto Institute of Psychoanalysis for several years. Member TPS&I.
This event is eligible for Section 1 CME credits (0.5 credits/hour). This event is an accredited group learning activity (section 1) as defined by the Maintenance of Certificate Program of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, approved by the Canadian Psychiatric Association (CPA). The specific opinions and content of this event are not necessarily those of the CPA, and are the responsibility of the organizer(s) alone. As per the Royal College standard, each presentation provides a minimum of 25% interactive learning.
Full-time students in universities and colleges, and mental-health trainees are eligible for a 25% reduction in course fees. Proof of 2025/2026 status needs to be provided. Please contact the tps&i directly to register at a discount.
Refunds must be requested in writing two weeks prior to the beginning of a course. A handling fee of $30 will be retained. After these two weeks, fees cannot be returned.
For more information about and for registration in the tps&i Extension Programs, Scientific Meetings, Training Programs, Study and Supervision groups and Special Presentations, please visit our website: torontopsychoanalysis.com or email info@torontopsychoanalysis.com