Announcements by SEPI Members

Dissociation theory and clinical practice

Posted By: Sandra Shapiro, Ph.D
Date: Thursday, 25 October 2007, at 1:40 p.m.

Dear Colleages,
A course announcement-- theoretical and clinical aspects of Dissociation, starts OCTOBER 24

Dissociation theory and clinical practice: bridging psychoanalysis and traumatology
May Benatar, LCSW, PhD. 10 Wednesdays, 2:00 to 3:30pm. 10/24, 10/31, 11/7, 11/14, 11/28, 12/12, 12/19,
Jan. 2, 9, 16. fee: $475. location: conference room, National Inst. for the Psychotherapies, 250 West 57th Street,
suite 501. To register call NIP at 212-582-1566 x 123. View other trauma program offerings at www.nipinst.org

"Dissociation" is a bio-psychological mechanism that is intrinsic to all mental activity. Dissociative functioning in its most supple, adaptive form enhances functioning. By contrast, dissociation as a component and consequence of trauma creates mental structures that make realistic adaptation all but impossible.

Historical and contemporary writing will be considered including the work of Freud, Janet, Judith Herman, Philip Bromberg, Elizabeth Howell, Richard Kluft, and others.

Clinical work with dissociation is challenging. We will consider issues of transference, countertransference, projective identification, and the phenomenon of re-enactment within the treatment as they relate to working with both the milder and more acute forms of dissociation. Clinical material will be presented by the instructor, and class participants will be invited but not required to discuss their cases as well.

May Benatar, LCSW, Ph.D.
Dr. Benatar's area of practice specialty is the treatment of adult survivors of childhood trauma, including individuals with dissociative disorders. She has taught at NYU in the Masters and Doctoral programs in clinical social work and has published and presented in the field of trauma treatment and dissociation, with special emphasis on issues of countertransference. Dr. Benatar is a psychotherapist and supervisor in private practice in Montclair, New Jersey.

this communication comes from
Sandra Shapiro, Ph.D
director, the Trauma Program
National Institute for the Psychotherapies, 250 West 57th Street, New York, NY. 10019