Freud's theories of Oedipus and Electra were an unquestionable achievement, even despite decades of mounting criticism against fundamental tenets within each perspective.  In our group meetings on August 2, we had lively discussions of Freud's Electra Complex, a framework that conceptualizes how the young daughter negotiates her relational ties with mother and father and is ultimately launched into young adulthood.  For those in attendance, Electra provided a useful lens to help understand and sympathize with the difficulties women may face in adulthood in numerous arenas, including conflictual and/or unfulfilling romantic relationships with men.  

In the next meetings of the Men's Group and the Dating and Relationship Group on Saturday, August 16, 2014, I will present Freud's corollary model of male development: the Oedipal Complex.  As we continue to explore themes of adult romantic relationships, conflicts, and intimacy, women (and men) need to become aware of what men have gone through in their development, i.e., how unresolved issues from the perspective of the Oedipus structure impact male identity across the lifespan and the ways men approach, perceive, and love women. In the group meetings on August 16, we will discuss these issues and set up a framework for conceptualizing the dynamics of adult couples centering on the intersection of incomplete/partial Oedipal and Electra resolutions.  

If you plan to attend the Men's Group or the Dating and Relationship Group on Saturday, August 16, 2014, please RSVP to Dr. Tobin at 949-338-4388 or [email protected] no later than Thursday, August 14.  The Men's Group will meet at 10:45 AM to 12:00 PM noon, and the Dating and Relationship Group at 12:00 PM to 1:15 PM.  The fee is $25.00, and there is a limit of 12 people for each group.  Both groups will be held at The Water Garden Business Center, 23421 South Pointe Drive, Suite 130, Laguna Hills, CA, 92653.