Affect Regulation Theory

This 12 session seminar presents the fundamental components of affect regulation theory and provides the background knowledge about attachment theory, neurobiology, and traumatology necessary for understanding them. According to regulation theory the mind is organized by and around affect. The capacity to regulate affect is foundational for all other self functions. It develops in the early attachment relationship. Deficiencies in capacity to regulate affect derive from early attachment trauma. The implicit relationship with the therapist is the basis for therapeutic repair.

This course was the basis for his acclaimed book Affect Regulation Theory: a Clinical Model,and has been an inspiration for students at NIP for years. This is the first time it will be offered to the general public.

The course is taught on Mondays, April 1, 8, 15, 29, May 6, 13, 20, June 3, 10, 17, 24, July 1, 2024, from 11:00am - 12:30pm (Meets 12 times). Note that there will be no classes on April 22 or May 27.

Learning Objectives

I. Students will understand how the mind is organized by affect.

II. Students will learn how the capacity to regulate affect is developed optimally and how early attachment trauma impedes that development

III. Students will learn how the capacity to regulate affect can be developed through the implicit therapeutic relationship

Dan Hill, Ph.D. is a psychoanalyst, educator and a leading proponent of the paradigm shift to affect regulation. In addition to his private practice he has taught courses for over 30 years at psychoanalytic and psychotherapy institutes. Dr. Hill's publications and presentations include topics ranging from the erotic transference, the clinical use of multiple models, the influence of the internet on psychoanalysis, the possibilities and limitations of video-mediated therapy and, more recently, religious fundamentalism understood through the lens of affect regulation. In 1996 Dr. Hill founded PsyBC which in 2016 morphed into The Center for the Study of Affect Regulation (CSAR.nyc). He is on the faculties of the National Institute of the Psychotherapies and the New York University Postdoctoral Program in Psychoanalysis and Psychotherapy. Dr. Hill is the author of the 2015 book Affect Regulation Theory: a Clinical Model (Norton Press).