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DIRECTORS'S COLUMN
By Seth Warren, PhD
I hope that all have managed to survive the transition from summer to busy fall, marked by the start of school, the Jewish holidays, and our own fall ritual, our annual CPPNJ Fall Brunch.
Thinking back, particularly to my undergraduate years, I can remember very well the sense of optimism and possibility that marked the beginning of the school year - brand new, un-cracked books, classes only just beginning, promises to myself for new accomplishments and goals. I can also remember how quickly that feeling of a "new beginning" faded as I settled into the routines of the year, as the new "normal" evolving with things in many ways returning to the familiar and known.
I can remember the sense of disappointment, that things very often didn't turn out the way I had fantasized, the class I anticipated maybe was not the same as the one experienced in reality, that the feeling of a wide-open future, of all possibilities, gave way to a particular path through the year, choices narrowing down inevitably with the passage of time. The experience of limitations, consequences of choices, things being other than as we wished - the opposite of the freedom we experience in the beginning of the new year. The Japanese, who have cultivated chrysanthemums for centuries, and celebrate the Festival of Chrysanthemums on the 9th day of the 9th month, cherish the moment of opening, the first moment of the new blossoming of the flower, with all the beauty of the full open flower yet to come. But each just-opening blossom eventually opens fully and then fades with the passage of time.
I see things differently now. While I understand the importance of the moment of opening, of hope of all possibilities, the beginning of a journey, I also understand that the journey in reality will be, and must be, different from the imagined journey in our minds. And though I still struggle with the transition from hopeful optimism of the year not-yet lived into the real lived experience of the actual time as it passes, I understand better now that it is the whole process that is necessary, the wheel continually turning, each moment bringing the next, each part of the process essential.
In the religious services surrounding Yom Kippur, the Jewish Day of Atonement, the open gate is a central image. We are encouraged to open ourselves, to see the preciousness of life, of the coming year and all its gifts, and we are urged to let go of our regrets, our hopelessness, our bitterness and the hardening of ourselves that takes place - inevitably - in the passage of the year. To do this before the gate closes! We feel the urgency of the closing gate, with the setting of the sun, when the day ends and matters are settled for the year. Yes, of course, we know we will be back again the next year, again needing to let go of the same things, beginning another new year, like this one, another year filled with hope and possibilities.
I understand better now that the gate is always opening and closing, not just in the rhythm of the year. It is an internal rhythm, mirrored by the seasons and the cycles of time, but not bound by those external manifestations that so powerfully shape our sense of ourselves. Like our breath, there are tides of feeling that ebb and flow, as we come together and fall apart moment by moment. One gate closing as another opens. There is an open gate present in every moment. Possibilities disappear, and yet paradoxically each new moment has endless possibility. There is a place within our selves where things are always beginning. It feels right that we celebrate the moment of opening in the new beginning of the new year, but there is always opening, unfolding, away into a particular and yet also infinite future.
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Fall 2011 Faculty Programs October 30, 2011 - Supervision Workshop for CPPNJ Faculty: Relational Perspective on Supervision Presented byJudi Oshinsky, LCSW  Institute for Women's Leadership, Ruth Dill Johnson Crockett Building, Rutgers University/New Brunswick 10:30am-1:00pm Judi will discuss relational perspectives on supervision. Specific topics will include: the unique properties of the supervisory relationship, transference and counter-transference, power and authority, boundaries, regression, self-disclosure and the teach/treat dilemma. We will then explore the strengths and limitations of this model. There will be ample opportunity for case presentation and discussion. Participants are encouraged to bring case material. Judi Oshinsky, LCSW, is a graduate of Columbia University and the Training Institute in Mental Health Practitioners. She has over 20 years experience working in schools, agencies and in private practice. She is on the faculty of the Center for Psychotherapy and Psychoanalysis of NJ and The Graduate School of Social Work at Rutgers. November 4, 2011 - Faculty Forum: Overwhelming Patients and Overwhelmed Therapists Presented by Monica Carsky, PhD  Lenfell Hall, The Mansion, Fairleigh Dickinson University. Madison, NJ 7:00pm-9:30pm 2 CEUs offered for social workers Even very experienced therapists sometimes find they are in impasses with certain patients. They have come to feel uncomfortable about their own behavior with these patients, yet unable to extricate themselves from the roles in which they find themselves.This presentation will focus on the dynamics and management of these difficult situations, using concepts from the object relations-based mode of treatment known as transference-focused psychotherapy, or TFP (Clarkin, Yeomans and Kernberg,2006), for personality disorder patients. Typical problematic situations involve markedly paranoid or self destructive patients, or those who tend to elicit special efforts from therapists. In such cases the therapist's empathy for and comfort in interpreting patients' aggressive feelings may determine the outcome of treatment. Using detailed clinical examples, I discuss risk factors, the roles of projective identification and narcissism, and the provision of a secure treatment frame for both patient and therapist. Monica Carsky, PhD, is a member of the faculty at CPPNJ. She completed her psychoanalytic training at the Institute for Psychoanalytic Training and Research, and she is on the faculty there as well as at the NYU Postdoctoral Program in Psychoanalysis and Psychotherapy. She is also a Clinical Assistant Professor of Psychology in Psychiatry at Weill Cornell Medical College, where she is a supervisor and research therapist in the Personality Disorders Institute at New York Presbyterian Hospital. She is particularly interested in understanding and helping individuals with personality disorders, and her publications and teaching address the treatment of borderline and narcissistic conditions, transference-countertransference dynamics, and psychotherapy integration. She has offices in Teaneck, NJ and midtown Manhattan where she sees adults and couples, and she also offers reading and supervision groups. Click HERE to register for these programs |
December 11, 2011 All Day Conference Sex and the Psychoanalyst, Perversion and Desire: A View from 21st Century Feminism Presented by Muriel Dimen, PhD  Lenfell Hall, The Mansion, Fairleigh Dickinson University, Madison, NJ 9:30am - 4:00pm 6 CEUs offered for social workers In this day-long workshop, Muriel Dimen, PhD, a psychoanalyst and feminist scholar well-known for her engaging, thought-provoking presentations, will reflect on her new ideas about sexuality. In the first part of the day, Dr. Dimen will recount her own journey from anthropology to psychoanalysis along the feminist path, and discuss the clinical negotiation of sexuality, including transference and countertransference, which demands a thoroughgoing critique of conventional notions of sexuality. In the second part of the day, she will continue her focus on gender and sexuality in the clinical setting by discussing case material presented by two colleagues, and will solicit audience participation; audience members are encouraged to bring their own relevant clinical vignettes too. Click HERE to register for this program |
 2012 Conferences
February 26, 2012 - The Integration of Attachment Theory and Neurobiology: Clinical Applications
Presented by Dan Hill, PhD
Location: Women's Institute, Rutgers University
9:00am - 12:30pm
3 CEUs offered for social workers
June 24, 2012 - An Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy Approach to Sexual Problems and Crises
Presented by Sue Johnson, PhD
Lenfell Hall, The Mansion, Fairleigh Dickinson University, Madison, NJ
8:30am - 4:30pm
6 CEUs offered for social workers
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Our E-Newsletter Editorial Staff
Mary Lantz, Editor-in-Chief
Rose Oosting, Consulting Editor
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The New Jersey Couples Therapy Training Program
Three Spaces Remaining in Our Incoming Class, Beginning January 2012
The New Jersey Couples Therapy Training Program begins its year in January. Training consists of a series of eight classes over a two year span, with a dual focus on intensive clinical presentation and discussion, and on the spectrum of theoretical approaches to couples therapy. NJCTTP is evolving a systemic-psychodynamic integration of modern approaches to couples therapy (object relations, attachment & EFT, Imago, Gottman, etc.) which provides candidates with an exciting opportunity to be a part of a clinically and theoretically advanced group. 
New classes alternate their location in either northern or central New Jersey, with day and time determined by the needs of the students. In 2012, classes will be located in northern New Jersey, in the Montclair/ Livingston/ Morristown area. In January 2013, the incoming class will be located in the New Brunswick area. Prospective students are welcome to take one or two classes before applying for the full two year sequence. Candidates and faculty who are currently members of CPPNJ are also welcome to take classes. For more information, contact Daniel Goldberg, Ph.D. at dcgphd@yahoo.com or go to our website at www.cppnj.org and click on the couples tab.
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All Programs are Co-Sponsored with the New Jersey Society for Clinical Social Workers
The New Jersey Society for Clinical Social Workers (NJSCSW) provides leadership and support to clinical social workers in all pracice settings. NJSCSW has given voice to clinical social workers dealing with the health care industry. The organization provides outstanding education programs and opportunities for collegial contact. www.njscsw.org
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Our CPPNJ Blog
By Eric Sherman, LCSW
Understanding self sabotage
Still repeating the same self-defeating patterns?
Dating the same kind of controlling jerk you vowed to avoid three controlling jerks ago?
Putting off assignments until the last minute, then making sloppy mistakes in a rush to meet deadline?
Sleeping late, not going to the gym, overeating... and then hating yourself for it?
On the surface, it makes no sense. Why would anyone keep shooting themselves in the foot when clearly they can see their toes smoking?
But when you consider the unconscious -- the thoughts, feelings and motivations that "secretly" guide your actions -- even the most irrational behaviors come in to focus. Consciously, you want to complete the assignment, find a healthy romance, and stop angering friends by running late. But deep inside, conflicting desires are at odds with your conscious intentions.
Sure you want to prove yourself, but what if you unambivalently attack an assignment and then fail? What if you pursue a romantic partner who can truly nurture you -- and he walks away? It feels worse to be rejected by Prince Charming than to stick with the jerk you know isn't right for you.
Click HERE for complete post |
Member Publications and Presentations
Please note: If you have an announcement of either a paper you've recently published or a presentation you've given, let us know - send Cathy Van Voorhees an email at cppnj@aol.com and we will be happy to get the word out.
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Welcome New CPPNJ Candidates
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 Introducing Shirley Court Gonzalez
I am very excited about joining the CPPNJ community. I earned my Master's Degree in Social Work at Columbia University in 1993. I have worked clinically with children, adults and families at Union Settlement, Johnson Counseling Center, Puerto Rican Family Institute and St. Vincents Hospital outpatient behavioral health serving the Latino population. I have also worked in substance abuse treatment programs at Greenwich House and Veritas, Family and Children Services.
I participated in clinical training at NIP and Postgraduate Center (one year program) and New York School for Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy and Psychoanalysis where I obtained my theoretical foundation in Ego Psychology and Object Relations.
Since moving from Brooklyn, NY to New Jersey six years ago, I have maintained a private practice in the West Village, NYC and have been developing my private practice in West Orange, NJ where I work with adolescents, adults and couples.
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 Introducing Joe Vernic
I work at the PTSD residential treatment program at the VA Hospital in Lyons, NJ where we treat veterans with combat trauma. I also have a small evening private practice in Parsippany, NJ. I enjoy working with immigrants, artists, minorities, and people in transition.
After graduate school I have completed two levels of psychoanalytic training at NPAP Institute in New York City. I have also completed a 2 year program in mindfulness-based somatic psychotherapy called Hakomi. My clinical and theoretical interests include: human development, Kleinians, group work, feelings, trauma and dissociation, mind/body integration, creativity, and cultural issues.
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Our Events: Welcome Back Brunch
By Michelle Bauer, LCSW
 The CPPNJ annual Welcome Back Brunch was held on September 18th in Lenfell Hall at Fairleigh Dickinson University. The Brunch marked the beginning of our third year as CPPNJ. Seventy-three members attended the brunch, including seven new candidates and four new faculty members. The morning began with breakfast and socializing; it was nice to have the opportunity to catch up with colleagues. Seth Warren, Director of CPPNJ, took the mike and announced that we have eight new candidates starting this fall, evidence that our Institute will continue to thrive. Most of the new candidates came from referrals by our community - thanks to all for the recruitment efforts! Seth then spoke about the need for the creation of a Board of Trustees. This board would consist of representatives from outside CPPNJ who would serve as an advisory board, offering political and networking connections, helping us in fundraising activities, and giving CPPNJ wider roots in New Jersey. Please think of people who you know who might be appropriate members for this Board. Seth also spoke at length about the issue of proposed laws regarding certification of psychoanalysts which is currently being considered by the NJ Division of Consumer Affairs. The proposed rules of certification are controversial. Seth has attached the rules to recent e-mails to the community and has asked that each of us take the time to write to Michael Walker, coordinator of the Division of Consumer Affairs, to let him know our views. Sample letters will be provided via e-mail. The candidates left for a meeting of the Candidate's Organization and the various committee chairs gave their reports. All committees (Psychotherapy Center, Public Relations, Marketing, Program, Publications, Recruitment, Website, and E-Newsletter) need more help. Meet new people and become more involved by choosing a committee that interests you and contacting the chairs (listed in the handbook/directory). Daniel Goldberg, Director of CPPNJ's Couples Division, reported that six new candidates will be starting the couples program in January, 2012. Rose Oosting, Chair of the Public Relations Division, spoke about that division's role as the interface between CPPNJ and the public, via its various committees. Individual committee heads also spoke: Bob Morrow, Chair of the Marketing Committee, spoke of our efforts to promote CPPNJ to the larger Mental Health community. The committee has increased our e-mail list and has fostered relationships with county mental health organizations. Marion Houghton, Chair of the Recruitment committee spoke about going to various organizational programs to promote CPPNJ and keeping in touch with those who attended various conferences in order to foster interest in becoming a part of the CPPNJ community. Tom Johnson, Dean of Faculty, spoke about the new Faculty Committee. This committee will work to develop more programming for CPPNJ faculty members in order to foster a greater sense of community and support amongst the faculty. The creation of reading and study groups are among the goals of the committee. Faculty members are asked to think about areas of interest for these groups - if you are interested in leading a group please contact Tom Johnson, Bob Levine, Michelle Bauer or Rose Oosting. There will be "Faculty Forums" three times a year. The first will be a presentation by Monica Carsky, "Overwhelming Patients and Overwhelmed Therapists," on November 4th at Lenfell Hall. Judy Oshinsky will present on the relational models of supervision on November 6 at Rutgers University. The others will be held in Central and South Jersey.
Click HERE for the rest of the article |
 Dreams and the Unconscious Through the Lens of Neuro-Psychoanalysis: A Look at Unconscious Motivational Systems Within the Brain
By Debra Roelke, PhD and Harlene Goldschmidt, PhD This is the third article in our series on the ways new developments in neuropsychoanalysis support our clinical work. The investigation of unconscious processes is a cornerstone of psychoanalytic study and treatment. Freud's keen interest in dreams as "the royal road to the unconscious" has influenced analytic thinking for over 100 years. The convergence of neurological research with the study of dreams and unconscious processes offers a unique perspective on human emotions, motivations and behaviors.
Mark Solms, a neurologist and psychoanalyst, describes how in dreams, the brain activity of the frontal lobes is dormant (i.e., inhibited or under activated). Normally, the frontal lobes are the "scene of action" with their goal-directed systems guiding cognition while we are awake. With this part of the brain quiet during dreaming, the scene of action shifts to the posterior forebrain, activating the parietal, temporal, and occipital lobes. The perceptual systems are now dominant: visual senses, spatial orientation and other senses predominate in dreams. We experience ourselves in dreams beyond the realm of verbal logic.  Solms' research into the area of dreams goes back several decades. He published Neuropsychology of Dreams in 1997. This is a case book of people who have suffered neurological injury. Part of Solms' research correlates types of brain injures with particular disturbances in dream functioning. When you look at the parts of the brain that are activated in the dream state, these are basically the same areas of the brain that are activated in emotional states. "The dream occurs instead of motivated action" (Solms and Turnbull, 2002, p. 202). Solms writes about the basic-emotion command systems such as the SEEKING system, "which runs from the transitional area between brainstem and forebrain to the limbic components of the frontal components of the frontal and temporal lobes. ... The SEEKING system is a nonspecific motivational system engaged in looking for something to satisfy need" (ibid, p. 210). The other basic emotion-command systems include the Pleasure/Lust subsystem, as well as the Rage system (involving the amygdala in the limbic area), Fear, and Panic systems. All have neural pathways to the upper brainstem, which connect from there to all the major body systems. When the SEEKING system is damaged, patients lose interest in objects in the world, and dreaming ceases. Interestingly, in the case of psychosis, damage to the SEEKING system decreases hallucinations and delusions. Solms speculates from the growing body of neuroscientific research that dreams are motivated ideas in line with Freud's wish fulfillment theory. In dreams, he says, we go a little crazy, "the insanity of the normal man." Looking at dreams and the unconscious through the lens of Solms' work, we are in many ways using a one person drive model. Opening this discussion to a two-person, dynamically interactive model, we can consider more about the unconscious and neurological correlates through the writings of Allan Schore. While Schore does not address the realm of dreams as much, the focus in early nonverbal unconscious infant/mother affective regulation is perhaps a look into the stuff that dreams are made of. Interested in reading the first two articles in this series? Go to cppnj.org and click on Newsletter Archive. The articles are in our March and June issues. Click HERE for the rest of the article |
 What Does Culture and Race Have to do With Psychoanalysis?
By Ruth Lijtmaer, PhD From a clinical viewpoint, culture and race play a role in etiologies of disorders, diagnosis and the therapist's approach to treatment. Therefore, the clinician comes to the consulting room with a set of predetermined ideas about the characters of the respective patients. For example, a clinician reading an intake of a Hispanic mother of six children living in a poor neighborhood and on public assistance might immediately have the expectation that she physically abuses her children, is probably incapable of real intimate connection with her children, and is probably incapable of any intimate connection with an adult partner. Or, a therapist who is sought for a clinical consultation with an upper middle class professional family might promptly entertain the assumption that children are emotionally unattended, and dysfunctions in the family system are compensated by lavish material (Perez-Foster, 1999). With these examples I suggest that the clinician's cultural assumptions may be correct or incorrect; however, to think that the clinician is neutral or "culturally free" is inaccurate. For those cultural assumptions will quickly serve to guide the clinician's judgments about such things as the patient's human values, likeability, personal threat, amenability to treatment, capacity for insight and change, and other judgments that will influence the course of treatment. Culture can be defined as a composite of beliefs about the purpose of life, symbolic rituals, concepts of time and space, causation of events, the individual's responsibility for those events to occur, and how mind and body work. Certain ideas included in this definition of culture can have different meanings in different cultures. Think of the dichotomy East/West, dependence/independence. How do you explain to medical personnel that a 70 years old Japanese man with cognitive deficits, who lived his entire life within traditional Japanese family roles, and has never dressed himself, cooked or cared for his home, is not confused or noncompliant with his treatment when he refuses to do certain tasks because the treatment may be irrelevant to him? Or that to "save face" from a burdensome injury, a "samurai" male believes suicide is a noble choice? This individual defines independence in beliefs and actions far differently than the treating cultural beliefs of the Western health care system. Considering this, culture can be viewed as having defensive hierarchies that result in cultural patterns and ethnic characters. There is a commonality of defenses and conflicts that are both provided and facilitated by a particular culture. Anxiety, depression, defense mechanisms, dreams are present in people of all cultures. Nevertheless, their modes of expression may differ in diverse cultures. Click HERE for the rest of the article |
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Unsolicited articles are welcome. Something you'd like to write? Send it to us at cppnj@aol.com. We're happy to hear from you.
Thank you for joining us. Look for our next newsletter in November when the featured article will be "How a Psychoanalyst Got Permission to Use Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Mindfulness and More," by Joan Glass Morgan, PsyD.
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No need to print this email - for future reference, all issues are archived. |
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