Stephen Seligman, D.M.H.

The Dallas Psychoanalytic Society and the Dallas Society for Psychoanalytic Psychology are pleased to offer this workshop opportunity to explore and discuss Dr. Stephen Seligman's exciting work at the interface of One and Two Person Psychological Approaches. In this workshop, Dr. Seligman will explore some of the ways in which traumatic events in the lives of parents can influence the emerging psychological structure of their children. Drawing upon his extensive background in parent/infant observation, Dr. Seligman will examine how Kleinian concepts of projection and projective identification can be used to elucidate the ways in which the emotional sequelae of parental trauma are, in effect, transmitted to the next generation.

Dr. Charles L. Ragan, a Longview psychiatrist and psychoanalyst, will formally respond to Dr. Seligman's paper during the morning session. In addition, workshop participants are encouraged to enter into the discussion with Drs. Seligman and Ragan regarding the integration of Kleinian and intersubjective approaches. In the afternoon session, Dr. Baer Ackerman, a Dallas psychiatrist and psychoanalyst, will offer a case presentation for Dr. Seligman's comments. Again, workshop participants are encouraged to join in this discussion regarding the treatment implications of Dr. Seligman's theoretical integration.

Stephen Seligman, D.M.H. is a Clinical Professor of Psychiatry in the Infant-Parent Program at the University of California, San Francisco. He is a personal and supervising analyst and a member of the Core Faculty of the Psychoanalytic Institute of Northern California and a faculty member of the San Francisco Psychoanalytic Institute.

Additionally, Dr. Seligman is a Contributing Editor of Psychoanalytic Dialogues, on the Executive Board of the Journal of Infant, Child and Adolescent Psychotherapy, and is Chairman for the Committee on Infant Mental Health, Division of Psychoanalysis, of the American Psychoanalytic Association.

Topic: Intergenerational Aspects of Trauma

President of DSPP

I would like to begin this farewell article by thanking the members of DSPP for the privilege of serving as president this year. It has been an honor for me--one for which I will always be grateful. Secondly, I would like to thank this year’s presenters, respondents, and attendees at our monthly meetings. Their generous participation allowed DSPP to continue its tradition of intellectual excellence and excitement. The program year was, for me, punctuated by many moving and challenging moments that I will recall with great pleasure for many years to come. Thirdly, and most importantly, I would like to thank the committee chairs and the members of the various committees that make DSPP go.

It seems to me that DSPP--like many psychoanalytic organizations--is in the midst of a transformative, re-finding of itself. This questioning, reflective, often daunting process of "not-knowing in the spirit of re-finding" is in the best tradition of psychoanalytic theory and practice. It is my experience that this process is both humbling and richly rewarding. It is humbling in that, more often than not, I have left meetings without having gotten what I came for—at least not in any straightforward, linearly efficient way. It is richly rewarding in that—for the most part--the twists and turns, discussions, conflicts, and debates, have left me with something new, challenging, and even transforming to deal with. So, to the many participants in the many meetings that have occurred this year, thank you for your time, talent, patience, and generosity of spirit.

Finally, I would like to note what an important—but fragile—presence an organization like DSPP is. We are all involved on a voluntary basis, and there’s nothing in it for participants other than the enrichment, excitement, and support we can offer to each other. Those colleagues following marketing trends and looking for sales opportunities will most likely be going to different meetings for some time to come. Thus, I think we can safely assume that anyone we meet at a DSPP function is there searching for encouragement and support in their efforts to deepen their understanding and appreciation for psychoanalytically oriented theory and practice. I am particularly grateful for the efforts that have been made to welcome and meet new colleagues and hope to see these relative newcomers play an ever greater role in our organization. This will be crucially important if we are to remain a community where "finding and being found" can continue in the profoundly valuable way that has been DSPP’s tradition over the last 15 years. Thanks, again, to all the DSPP membership for making this a great year.

Dale Godby, Ph.D.

By

Cheryl Martin RN, LPC

The April meeting, presented by Dale Godby, PhD, brought this year's DSPP Wednesday night meetings to a close in grand style. Dr. Godby served as DSPP's fourth President (1986-1987) and has recently presented workshops for the International Group Psychotherapy Association meeting in London and the American Group Psychotherapy Association meeting in Houston.

The topic of the meeting, The Emergence of theTherapist, continued the theme of Finding and Being Found: Self and Other Through the Lifespan. In his presentation, Dr. Godby reflected upon the role DSPP has played in forming the development of its members as psychoanalytic therapists. He recalled moments of clarity offered by past distinguished speakers, including James Anthony, and connections made within the group.

Dr. Godby set the tone for the meeting with pictures of the Columbarium in London where Freud's ashes are housed, offering a context to our reflections on emerging as therapists. In addition, he evoked a sense of imagery with a Shakespearean quote,

Glory is like a circle in the water

That never ceases to enlarge itself

Until by broad spreading it disperses to naught.

(Henry VI, part 1, Act 1, Scene 2)

The quote was repeated throughout the presentation, emphasizing its impact on the audience. Dr. Godby suggested that at some level therapists start by seeking glory through fantasies of "curing our parents" or some other benevolent gesture. I would imagine he is referring to conscious as well as unconscious efforts.

Referring to Carl Goldberg's studies of the development of the therapist in mid life (The Seasoned Psychotherapist), Dr. Godby invited members to reflect on how their roles as therapists have changed over the years. He wondered if our view of the therapeutic process, the patient's role, and our roles as therapists have altered as we have matured. He also considered the, sometimes neglected, contribution of the inexperienced therapist.

Moving from the individual back to the collective, Dr. Godby considered how the organizational structure of DSPP impacts on our perceptions of ourselves as emerging therapists. He confessed that for some time his own perception of Freud's "pure gold of analysis" engendered the thought that those who had not completed an analytic training were in a different class than those certified as analysts. He mentioned going back and reading the original context for Freud's comments on the "pure gold of analysis" and the "copper of suggestion". He discovered that Freud's remarks were not focused on the uniqueness of psychoanalysis proper, but on the fact that psychoanalytic inquiry is valuable in other spheres as well, broadening the social perspective. Dr. Godby then suggested that by considering a broader social context, clinicians may apply psychoanalytic understanding in "all areas of our work, groups, couples, organizations, politics, and culture".

Dr. Godby discussed how "loss" impacts our practice and how we view our emergence as therapists. The scope of experience includes our disillusionment and our personal and professional losses as well as the impact of managed care and other changes in the field.

Continuing his presentation, Dr. Godby referenced insights offered by Wilfred Bion, Murray Cox, Lawrence Friedman, Hans Loewald, and others as contributing to the mix in the development of the psychoanalytic therapist.

Returning to the method initiated at the beginning of the meeting, Dr. Godby presented photographs of Michelangelo's Pieta. He asked members to consider Freud's understanding of the task of the therapist as being similar to that of a sculptor, not adding but taking away. On the other hand, the task could also be seen as a form of "poesy", i.e. "calling something into existence that wasn't there before", as poets do.

Dr. Godby then highlighted a case presented by James Grotstein, M.D. at a joint meeting of Division 36 and Division 39 of APA in 1996 entitled, Why Oedipus and Not Christ? The importance of "innocence", "original sin", and human sacrifice in psychoanalytic theory and practice: The Crucifixion and the Pieta, and the transference/ countertransference neurosis/psychosis". The formal presentation was completed with comments regarding the role of ethics and values in developing as a therapist.

Following Dr. Godby's warmly received presentation, the members of DSPP reflected upon their own experiences as emerging therapists. Key issues involved: learning to allow patients and therapists to love and hate; less global thinking; becoming uniquely oneself; not being as dependent on "the voice of authority"; loosening not eliminating neurosis; hope as crucial; gradual accumulation of information and insight; achieving a sense of voice; the role of creativity and playfulness; deeper sense of one's own pathology; not being terrified by one's mistakes as a therapist; coming to terms with limitations; the less "sure" the more self-assured; the concept of core identity/peripheral flexibility; and our work cannot substitute for other aspects of living our lives fully.

TOUS les Matins du Monde

1991 French Film won 7 César Awards

Jean Pierre Marielle - Gérard Depardieu

Film examines the relationship between Sainte Columbe, the 17^th century baroque composer and cellist, and his protégée, Marin Marais. Exquisite soundtrack. Characters worthy of analysis.

Saturday, May 22, 1999, 6:00 P.M.*

Hosted by Alice VanHuss

3813 Azure Lane, Addison, TX 75244

972 484 4338

A discussion focused on psychoanalytic issues arising from the film will follow.

• Please note change in day of week and time.

$100 advance registration by May 15 $120 on-site: $35 student registration

Checks payable to: NTSPA

7777 Forest Ln., B240, Dallas, TX 75230

Contact Dr. Sharon Jenkins (jenkinss@unt.edu)

940 565 2671

940 565 1493

CE credits for psychologists offered.