Creativity, Daydreaming, and Other Dissociative States: Study and Workshop
Presenters: Nikki Karalekas, PhD, LCSW; Harold Braswell, PhD, LCSW
Date(s): Dec. 3, 10, 17, 2026; January 24, 2027
Time: 7:00-8:15 PM; 9:00 AM-4:00 PM (Jan. 24)
Sessions: 4
Credits: 12
Level: Intermediate
Price: $282 (with credits), $100(without credits)
Hybrid
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Description
In psychoanalysis, dissociation is frequently described as a largely pathological state. But Freud has also written about the essential linkage between daydreaming and creativity in art and literature. This course will explore the generative potential of dissociation: how separating oneself from reality can become a necessary part of creatively intervening in it. We will do so through a combination of reading and writing. First, over the course of three meetings, we will discuss psychoanalytic literature and creativity, including work by creative writers. Then, we will hold a day-long writing retreat in which we workshop creative writing by course attendees. Over the course of four sessions, we hope to increase attendees capacity to work with our clients’ creativity and to be creative ourselves.
Course Objectives
- Explore the relationship between creativity and dissociation in psychoanalytic literature.
- Intervene in patients’ dissociative states in a way that promotes creativity.
- Improve attendees to express themselves creatively in writing.
References
- De Masi, F. (2021). The Power of Alternative Realities. Romanian Journal of Psychoanalysis/Revue Roumain de Psychanalyse, 14(1).
- Govrin, A. (2025). Responsible creativity: combining clinical report and literary writing in the psychodynamic case study. Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy, 39(1), 20-39.
- Lafarge, L. (2021). Creativity and the Frame. American Imago, 78(4), 633-644.
About the Presenter
Nikki Karalekas is an advanced candidate in the adult psychoanalytic program at the St. Louis Psychoanalytic Institute. She is a clinical social worker in private practice. She also holds a PhD in Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies from Emory University. She has a special interest in humanizing underground and so-called deviant communities, including tattoo artists, drug addicts, and sex workers.
Harold Braswell is an associative professor of health care ethics at Saint Louis University, a psychotherapist in private practice, and an advanced candidate at the Saint Louis Psychoanalytic Institute.
CONTINUING EDUCATION CREDITS
PSYCHOLOGISTS: St. Louis Psychoanalytic Institute is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. St. Louis Psychoanalytic Institute maintains responsibility for this program and its content.
COUNSELORS: The St.Louis Psychoanalytic Institute has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 5953. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. The St. Louis Psychoanalytic Institute is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.
SOCIAL WORKERS: The Missouri State Committee for Social Workers (reference Code of State Regulations 2263-2.082) accepts continuing education hours approved by the American Psychological Association. For information on instructor(s) and their credentials, please visit stlpi.org or call us at 314-361-7075.