Airless Worlds, Needed Relationships and Complex Selfobjects

Dr. Stern will describe in greater depth the clinical processes involved in treating what he terms airless world syndrome. This work requires integrating his research on airless worlds with his earlier study of needed relationships (Stern, 2017). In addition, two new concepts will be introduced: complex selfobjects and breathing together.

Workshop Information

Date

November 2, 2025

Time

10:00am-1:00pm EST

Location

Online, live via Zoom

CEUs

3 CE contact hours available for NYS: Psy, SW, MHC, MFT & Psychoanalysts and APA: Psy

Fee

$85 – General Admission
$60 – Derner Alum, Adelphi faculty/clinical supervisor, Non-Adelphi psychoanalytic Candidate/student
$30 – Derner student/Postgraduate candidate

Registration will close 48 hours before the start of the event.

Speaker

Steven Stern, PsyD

Steven Stern is a faculty member, teacher and supervisor at the Massachusetts Institute for Psychoanalysis (MIP) and the Institute for the Psychoanalytic Study of Subjectivity (IPSS) in NYC, and is Clinical Associate Professor of Psychiatry at Maine Medical Center and Tufts University School of Medicine. He is a former member of the International Council of the International Association of Psychoanalytic Self Psychology and serves on the editorial board of Psychoanalysis, Self, and Context. He has been a frequent contributor to the contemporary psychoanalytic literature, with a particular interest in theoretical integration. His book, Needed Relationships and Psychoanalytic Healing: A Holistic Relational Perspective on the Therapeutic Process was published by Routledge in 2017 in the “Psychoanalysis in a New Key Book Series.” A second book, Airless Worlds and the Restoration of Psychic Breathing is due to be published this summer, also by Routledge. Dr. Stern practices in Portland, ME with specializations in psychoanalysis, psychodynamic psychotherapy, couples therapy, clinical supervision and consultation.

Discussant

Karen Lombardi, PhD

Karen Lombardi, PhD, is a practicing psychoanalyst, faculty and supervisor of the Adelphi University  postgraduate programs,  and professor emeritus of the doctoral program in clinical psychology at Adelphi University.

Case Presentation

Rakefet Einav Gruberg, LMSW

Rakefet Einav Gruberg, LMSW is a social worker and a fourth-year candidate in the Postgraduate Program in Psychotherapy and Psychoanalysis at Adelphi University. She has an extensive experience as a licensed social worker in Isarel, working with women and families facing terminal illness, children with chronic conditions, geriatric patients in rehabilitation, and survivors of trauma and terrorism. Her work blends clinical depth with a longstanding commitment to community care and volunteerism. Ms. Einav Gruberg is a former supervisor and trainer of volunteers at the Israeli National Crisis Hotline, offering crisis support during acute emotional distress.

As a fourth-year candidate in the Postgraduate Program in Psychotherapy and Psychoanalysis at Adelphi University, Ms. Einav Gruberg continues to deepen her clinical understanding through ongoing academic study, supervision, and psychoanalytic training. Her work is rooted in presence, relational depth, and a commitment to helping people uncover resilience and meaning even in the most painful circumstances.

Credentialing Information

Adelphi University is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. Adelphi University maintains responsibility for this program and its content. Adelphi University, Derner School of Psychology, is recognized by the New York State Education Department’s State Board for Psychology as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed psychologists #PSY-0024 and by the New York State Education Department’s State Board for Social Work as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed social workers #SW-0607 and by the New York State Education Department’s State Board for Mental Health Practitioners as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed mental health counselors #MHC-0185; for licensed marriage and family therapists #MFT-0083; and for licensed psychoanalysts #P-0058.

Disclaimer Statement

This continuing education seminar, seminar instructor/s, and the Postgraduate Programs as the seminar’s sponsor, receive no commercial support for the content of instruction (e.g., research grants funding research findings etc.), or benefit for endorsement of products (e.g., books, training, drugs, etc.) that are known to present a conflict of interest.

Cancellation Policy

Full refunds are issued for cancellations made up to 7 working days before the event. Cancellations of less than 7 days for any reason, or no-shows are not refunded. Credit towards a future event/workshop are issued for cancellations less than 7 days and up to 24 hours before the event. No credit is issued for cancellations less than 24 hours before the events or no-shows.