Cosmo Education English

A clinical exploration of the relationship between the individual and the family system in the psychotherapy of psychosis. Drawing on de Bernàrt’s model, the episode examines the relational function of symptoms, processes of differentiation, and the integration of individual and family treatment, with a focus on developmental dynamics in adolescence. It further discusses the technical implications of moving between family and individual settings, the role of the therapeutic alliance, and the complexity of change processes in relationally rigid family contexts.

An in depth exploration of Gianni Consolaro’s integrated clinical intervention model in developmental age. The episode examines the relationship between diagnosis, development, family dynamics and social context, drawing on developmental psychopathology, systemic thinking and collaborative therapeutic assessment. A clinical and theoretical contribution to understanding the complexity of childhood psychological suffering and guiding therapeutic work with children and families within a multidimensional framework.

n this episode of Cosmo Education, we address the theme of diagnosis in clinical psychology and psychodynamic psychotherapy, questioning its theoretical meaning and clinical usefulness. Drawing on the work of Vittorio Lingiardi, we explore the contribution of the Psychodynamic Diagnostic Manual and the Shedler Westen Assessment Procedure as tools capable of restoring complexity, depth, and meaning to the assessment of personality functioning, overcoming the limits of purely categorical diagnostic models. The episode brings clinical observation and empirical research into dialogue, focusing on the value of case formulation, the integration of dimensional and categorical diagnosis, and the importance of considering not...

A clinical and theoretical exploration of mentalization as a core function of personality functioning and borderline personality disorder. The episode examines the development of mentalizing capacity, its implicit and explicit, cognitive and affective dimensions, and patterns of collapse under high emotional arousal. Clinical implications for affect regulation, identity, relational dynamics, and the therapeutic relationship are discussed.

In this episode of Cosmo Education, Alberto Eiguer’s conception of family therapy as a transferential process is examined in depth. Transference is explored as a field phenomenon emerging from the family as a group subject, while countertransference is treated as a central clinical tool for understanding unconscious bond organization. Particular attention is given to the therapeutic frame as a necessary condition for transforming emotional experience into thought and symbolization, especially in complex and high-risk clinical situations.

In this Cosmo Education episode, drawing on the work of Gaetano De Leo and Dino Mazzei, violence is approached not as an isolated event or a structureless outburst, but as an action organized in systemic form. The analysis focuses on redundancies in action, on the construction of action boundaries, and on the way aims, cognitions, and social meanings intertwine within the scene and across broader contexts. The clinical case discussed illustrates how violent action can become centralized around communicative paradoxes, and how family history, groups of belonging, and systems of social control contribute to stabilizing or rigidifying the relational codes...

In this episode, we revisit Alex Caldwell’s influential contribution on the clinical meaning of the MMPI-2 scales. Rather than treating scale elevations as mere indicators of pathology, Caldwell offers an interpretive framework that understands them as adaptive responses to fundamental psychological threats. Each scale is explored as a strategy of emotional survival, shaped by experiences of bodily danger, loss, pain, relational deprivation, coercion, shock, identity invalidation, and devaluation. This perspective remains highly relevant today, as it allows clinicians to move beyond descriptive assessment and recover the internal logic, coherence, and protective function of patients’ psychological responses.

In this episode of Cosmo Education, the treatment utility of clinical assessment is explored as an active component of the psychotherapeutic process rather than a mere preliminary step. Drawing on contemporary clinical research, the episode examines when and how clinical evaluation, including approaches based on predictive models, can meaningfully inform clinical decision making, strengthen the therapeutic alliance, and facilitate change in complex and stalled treatment trajectories.

This Cosmo Education episode explores Katia Giacometti’s contribution on the therapeutic relationship and the intersubjective space in family clinical work. The focus is on the implicit processes that emerge in the present moment of the therapeutic encounter, the mechanisms through which mutual recognition is supported or hindered, and the therapist’s role within family systems characterized by borderline or psychotic functioning. Through the clinical case of Donatella, the episode illustrates how the therapist’s mind can operate as a space of regulation, differentiation, and integration, allowing new organizing principles to emerge within the family field.

This Cosmo Education episode delves into Constance T. Fischer’s exploration of Rorschach scoring dilemmas as direct access points to underlying personality dynamics. Rather than treating uncertainty in coding as technical noise, Fischer shows how hesitations, shifts, and corrections reveal micro-patterns of perception, affect, motivation, and relational stance. Through vivid clinical examples, the episode illustrates how these moment-to-moment processes bridge assessment and therapeutic work, offering a nuanced, dynamic understanding of how individuals approach ambiguity, contact, and emotional intensity.

In this episode of Cosmo Education, we dive into Constance T. Fischer’s groundbreaking view of Rorschach scoring: not as a technical hurdle, but as a window into lived experience. Each hesitation, reversal, or coding dilemma becomes a glimpse into how a person perceives, feels, and engages with the world. Through vivid examples we explore how the act of scoring transforms into clinical insight. A must-listen for those interested in depth psychology, relational assessment, and the art of seeing beneath the surfac

A deep exploration of "useful care" and the thread of the Self, weaving together insights from developmental psychology, neuroscience, and clinical practice to understand how early relationships shape our capacity to heal, connect, and grow.

In this episode of Cosmo Education we explore “Body to Body. From Suffering to the Healing Encounter. The Body in Therapy” by Roberto Losso and Ana Packciarz Losso. Before words, the body speaks in therapy—through breath, tension, silence, and resonance within the clinical relationship. The essay examines the body as a site of memory and transformation, where symptom, contact, and symbolization intertwine within individual, family, and group therapy. A profound exploration of the body as the boundary of the self, an instrument of thought, and a channel toward the healing encounter.

In this episode of Cosmo Education we explore Family Myths and Social Myths by Roberto Losso and Ana Packciarz Losso. The myth as the symbolic matrix of family life, between generational heritage, contemporary cultural myths, and therapeutic transformation. A reflection on identificatory functions, mythic countertransference, and the restoration of a living psychic skin to the family bond.

In this episode of Cosmo Education, we explore The Intrapsychic, the Interpsychic and the Transpsychic in Couple Psychoanalysis by Roberto Losso and Ana Packciarz Losso. This work examines the couple as a dynamic field of psychic transmission, interweaving intrapsychic, interpsychic, and transpsychic levels. The authors describe the role of the negative pact, unconscious collusions, and transgenerational legacies, illustrating how couple psychoanalysis can transform alienating contents into symbolizable experiences. A rigorous and captivating reflection that bridges theory and clinical practice, culminating in the proposal of symmetrical heterosexual co-therapy as a transformative model for relational growth.

The second part deepens Roberto Losso’s reflection on the suffering of contemporary families and the crisis of social and symbolic bonds. Through the psychoanalysis of ties, Losso illustrates how therapy can restore containment, reflection, and generational continuity, helping families recover their creative and relational potential.

In the first part of this Cosmo Education episode on Roberto Losso’s What Resources Do Families Have in the Contemporary World, we explore the theoretical foundations of psychoanalysis of bonds: the concept of the psychic tie, identifications, unconscious alliances, and the therapeutic field as a space of relational and psychic transformation.

In this episode of Cosmo Education, we explore Ancilla Dal Medico’s The Family Therapist and the Family Between Two Geological Eras: The Real and the Symbolic. A profound reflection on the relationship between the real and symbolic structures of the family, on social transformation, and on the therapist’s task of building safety within uncertainty. A clinical and anthropological analysis of the evolving family, balancing belonging and autonomy in the postmodern landscape.

In this episode, we explore Donald S. Williamson’s powerful theory on how personal authority emerges through the end of intergenerational hierarchy. Discover how redefining the parent-child dynamic—moving from obedience to mutual respect—unlocks emotional freedom, adult intimacy, and true autonomy. A deep dive into psychotherapy, family systems, and the path toward mature, fearless love.

In this episode of Cosmo Education, we delve into “The Importance of Being Siblings” by Rodolfo de Bernart, Maurizio Ferrara, and Stefania Pecchioli. We explore how, in systemic therapy, the sibling subsystem can become a powerful engine of transformation when the parental axis is fragile or blocked. Through clinical cases and theoretical insights, we examine the transformative potential of sibling relationships—horizontal spaces of affection, rivalry, shared memory, and negotiation. This episode offers a fresh perspective on family therapy, highlighting the creation of the “sibling mind” as a therapeutic and emotional resource.

In this episode of Cosmo Education, we explore “The Adolescent’s Suicide” by Cristina Dobrowolski and Lilia Gagnarli — a powerful and insightful work that frames suicidal behavior not as an individual act, but as a dramatic communication within a dense emotional and relational system. Drawing from clinical experience, the episode highlights the role of family dynamics, seductive bonds, and unprocessed emotions, stressing that prevention must begin with understanding relationships. A must-listen for therapists, educators, and parents.

In this episode of Cosmo Education, we explore The Useful Couple by Paolo Menghi — a text that examines the couple not as a measure of normality or pathology, but as an evolutionary space where infatuation, love, crisis, and conflict become transformative opportunities. This clinical analysis highlights the role of the personality mask, responsibility, shame, and power, revealing how the couple’s bond can become an extraordinary arena for awareness and psychological growth.

In this Cosmo Education episode, we explore Rodolfo de Bernart’s article Inside the Relationship, Outside the Family. The focus is on the therapist’s ability to balance closeness and distance, belonging and individuation, while navigating the therapeutic relationship with the family. Drawing on clinical examples and theoretical insights, the episode illustrates how integrating different perspectives allows for meaningful change without being absorbed by the family system.

This Cosmo Education episode explores De Bernart and Dobrowolski’s work on adolescence as a key developmental transition for both individuals and families. Drawing on an integrated systemic–relational and psychoanalytic framework, the discussion addresses the role of the couple, generational boundaries, the adolescent body, peer relationships, and the clinical use of images in assessment and therapy. A resource-rich episode for professionals working with adolescents and families in psychotherapy and personality assessment.

In this episode, we explore Thomas Joiner’s Interpersonal Theory of Suicide. We examine in detail the three key constructs: thwarted belongingness, perceived burdensomeness, and acquired capability. This integrative, empirically grounded model helps clinicians understand when suicidal ideation turns into action. A must-listen for professionals in personality assessment, clinical psychology, and suicide risk evaluation.

This episode delves into the concept of suicide warning signs, as proposed by Rudd, Joiner, and colleagues. We differentiate warning signs from risk factors, discuss their clinical interpretation, and present examples across ER, outpatient, family, and school settings. Ethical concerns and integration with therapeutic models like CAMS and SPI are also addressed. Essential listening for suicide prevention and clinical decision-making.

Therapy is meant to heal—but what happens when it harms? In this episode, we explore a powerful study that brings the voices of adolescents into the spotlight, revealing the subtle ruptures and unspoken tensions that can derail the therapeutic process. Based on research by Aschieri and colleagues, we dive into stories of emotional disengagement, misattuned interventions, and missed opportunities for repair. These are not tales of malpractice, but of missed connection—and they offer deep insight into how therapy can be both a place of pain and transformation. A must-listen for therapists, students, and anyone curious about what really happ...

What makes therapy truly meaningful for young people? This episode explores a study by Aschieri and Cassera, focusing on the positive moments adolescents and young adults recall from psychotherapy. From emotional presence to flexible boundaries, we dive into the relational elements that foster healing and growth—through the voices of the clients themselves.

In this Cosmo Education episode, we explore how the Hierarchical Taxonomy of Psychopathology—HiTOP—can be applied in clinical practice. Moving beyond categorical diagnosis, HiTOP offers a dimensional and hierarchical framework to improve case formulation, assessment, and treatment planning. Based on the work of Ruggero, Kotov, Hopwood, and colleagues, this episode provides a detailed yet practical overview tailored for experienced clinicians in psychotherapy and personality assessment.

In this additional content episode, we take a closer look at the practical techniques used in Therapeutic Assessment to reduce epistemic hypervigilance and foster epistemic trust. Building on our previous discussion, we explore how structured assessment steps, collaborative inquiry, and controlled interventions help clients process new information safely and engage more openly in therapy. By applying these techniques, clinicians can support self-understanding, reduce resistance, and promote lasting therapeutic change.

Welcome to this special episode of the COSMO podcast, where we explore the concept of epistemic trust and its crucial role in psychotherapy. Based on the article by Jan Kamphuis and Stephen Finn, published in the Journal of Personality Assessment (2018), we delve into how Therapeutic Assessment can help individuals with personality disorders rebuild their ability to trust interpersonally transmitted information. In this episode, we discuss: 🔹 The impact of epistemic hypervigilance on therapy outcomes 🔹 How Therapeutic Assessment fosters collaboration and insight 🔹 Techniques such as extended inquiries and assessment intervention sessions 🔹 The role of shame regulation in rebuilding trust 🔹 Real-world applications for long-term thera...

In this episode, we dive deep into the concept of therapist responsiveness—the ability of therapists to adapt their interventions and relational dynamics to meet the unique needs of each client. Drawing from the insightful meta-analytic review by Wu and Levitt (2020), we explore how therapist responsiveness plays a crucial role in fostering effective therapeutic relationships and enhancing treatment outcomes. We discuss the three key clusters of therapist responsiveness: 🔹 Relational Dynamics – Timing, attunement, self-disclosure, and repairing ruptures in therapy. 🔹 Intervention Strategies – Understanding client emotions, fostering insight, and adapting techniques for different psychological conditions. 🔹 Client Characteristics – Addressing cultural backgrounds, trauma histories, depression, and personality d...

In this episode of Cosmo Education Insights, we delve into the intricate dynamics of psychotherapy under pressure, as explored in "Therapist Performance Under Pressure: Negotiating Emotion, Difference, and Rupture" by J. Christopher Muran and Catherine F. Eubanks. Join us as we examine the nuanced interplay of stress, decision-making, and relational dynamics in the therapeutic process. Discover how therapists navigate high-stakes clinical scenarios, mitigate cognitive biases like anchorage, and foster emotional resilience through deliberate practice. We’ll also explore the pivotal role of reflective practice, emotion regulation, and attunement in sustaining therapeutic efficacy. Designed for seasoned professionals, this episode provides actionable in...

In this episode of the COSMO Education Podcast, we delve into the Reflecting Rorschach Group Intervention (RRGI), an innovative approach designed to help staff in residential treatment centers understand and empathize with adolescents. Using the Rorschach test as a tool, this intervention facilitates deeper connections between staff and patients by exploring the adolescents' internal struggles through vivid imagery and shared narratives. Discover how this technique not only enhances staff cohesion but also transforms treatment outcomes by turning challenges into opportunities for growth. Whether you're a clinician, educator, or mental health professional, this episode provides actionable insights into how psychological assessment...