DIRECTORS' COLUMN

By Seth Warren, PhD

Torture and Professional Ethics

By now I assume our members are aware of recently published information addressing the role of psychologists in the use of torture of prisoners held at the Abu Ghraib prison in Bagdad, the Guantanamo Bay Detention Camp in Cuba, and other CIA "black sites"during the George W. Bush administration and the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. While this is by no means a new story, information released recently by investigative journalists and human rights activists have raised new questions about the role of those psychologists involved in the development of "enhanced interrogation techniques"used at those locations, their participation in torturing prisoners, and more importantly, the role of individuals at high levels in the American Psychological Association both to minimize the extent of these activities and to provide rationalization and legitimization of such activities.

The vast majority of psychologist-members of APA have long been opposed to the idea of any form of participation in torture. It is clearly and unambiguously a violation of the Ethical Principles of Psychologists. The first principle in the document states, "Psychologists strive to benefit those with whom they work and take care to do no harm." 1 This principle is incompatible with the work done by psychologists to facilitate interrogations of prisoners. It is clear that psychologists may have no role to play whatsoever in the torture of human beings, regardless of the circumstances.

The position taken by the Ethics Committee of APA when this issue first arose in 2006 was that the role of psychologists in "enhanced interrogations"was limited to assess and observe the interrogation process and to ostensibly prevent permanent harm to prisoners. The effect of such a revision to the ethical principle of "do no harm"was to provide cover for the inhumane treatment of prisoners in violation of international laws held in US facilities, and therefore clearly facilitated and rationalized the use of torture. But even beyond this there is good evidence to suggest that the psychologists directly involved in these interrogations were actively responsible for creating some of the protocols used in interrogations.

It is my personal opinion that the handling of this matter over the past 8 or so years by the Ethics and Public Relations committees of the APA and its Chief Executive and Vice President has been characterized by evasiveness, deceptiveness, secrecy, and a failure to take necessary and appropriate actions in response to the allegations that have been made. It remains to be seen whether the current APA-sponsored investigation will be a full and honest appraisal of this disgraceful episode, and whether the information will be released to the public completely and promptly. It should be noted that this current investigation was prompted by outside criticism and "bad press"; it seems fairly certain that APA would not have taken even this action if not for the recent publication of James Risen's book2 on the Bush Administration and the release of emails strongly suggesting a level of cooperation between APA and military and intelligence agencies that they had previously concealed or denied.

I was among many members of APA to withhold my dues for several years beginning in 2007 in protest of the involvement of psychologists in torture during the Iraq War, and the handling of the matter by the APA's leadership. I am also proud to note that psychologist-psychoanalysts have been in the forefront of the dissent movement from the beginning in relation to the issue of torture. It is also noteworthy that the APA Division of Psychoanalysis (Division 39) was among the more active of organized groups of psychologists opposed to torture and the evasiveness of the APA leadership in relation to these issues (and in fact Division 39 members remain among the leadership of current calls for full transparency and disclosure of all information pertaining to this matter).

Members of the New Jersey Psychological Association have also been expressing great concern about this issue, and NJPA has recently published a statement opposing any justification for the participation in torturing prisoners by psychologists, and also calling for prompt release of information gathered by the recently concluded APA-sponsored investigation of its own activities.

Even though many of our members are not psychologists, I would like to encourage all our members to express their concern about this issue through NJPA, through Division 39, through Psychologists for Social Responsibility, and also via a petition which has been circulating on various email lists including our own calling for full and immediate release of the results of the APA-sponsored investigation of the torture issue and demanding further investigation as needed and appropriate remediation. The petition makes it clear that one need not be a psychologist, or a member of APA, to sign and register one's concern about this important ethical issue.

For me, one of the central lessons to be taken from this disturbing situation is the importance of asserting the inviolability of ethical principles. As a result of the 9/11 attacks and the wars that followed, many citizens in the US were willing to allow a curtailing of basic rights to privacy, due legal process, and full democratic process in government. Many viewed such compromises as necessary or desirable in the face of fears about terrorism and possible future attacks on the US. This context of violence and fear made such compromises seem acceptable to many; it formed the basis of the rationalizations offered for the abusive treatment of prisoners held in US facilities, among other things.

Whatever one may think of the political responses that characterized the post-9/11 era, we need to assert the importance of ethical principles that, by their nature, cannot be modified or changed to accommodate a new cultural or historical context. They are fundamental to our practice and our identities as psychotherapists and analysts, and must be held apart and protected from issues of political expedience, historical necessity, even our responses to fear of harm. It is my hope that the coming months will bring some real clarity and finally, resolution of an issue that has festered for too long, and the restoration of the APA as an institution with which psychologists would be proud to be associated.

1 American Psychogical Association (2010). Ethical principles of psychologists and code of conduct. Retrieved from http://www.apa.ethics/code/index.aspx.

Spotlight on ... CPPNJ Instructors    

Marion Houghton, EdS, LMFT and Cheryl Thompson-Sard, PhD  

Cheryl Thompson-Sard and Marion Houghton taught an advanced course on Attachment Theory in Psychoanalysis and Psychotherapy during the academic year 2010-2011. Eight CPPNJ students participated. Here are some of Marion and Cheryl's thoughts about the course.

How did you get involved with Attachment Theory?

Cheryl: As a psychoanalyst trained in a one-person frame, primarily Freudian, the concept of a person evolving through conflict resolution did not resonate for me as a reality. It seemed to me that people are really the sum of the reflections and projections of others. I noted early on that most of the women psychoanalysts took a different theoretical position. Women such as Horney, Fromm-Reichmann, Mahler and others viewed psychoanalytic treatment from the perspective of two--a dyad.

When Winnicott, Fairbairn and Erikson took a similar position there was a shift toward the importance of understanding early development. Gradually, it was recognized that early development laid the foundation for all subsequent relationships. Bowlby further clarified this idea and has provided a solid basis for understanding the significance of the infant-caregiver relationship.

Marion: I became interested in attachment theory as it emerged in the literature beginning with the writings of John Bowlby. The work of Daniel Hill linked this up for me with studies done on affect regulation by Alan Schore. These ideas also fit nicely into the evolving literature of relational psychoanalysis. The work of Peter Fonagy on mentalization helped me understand the development of the self and how "psychological-mindedness" is actualized.

Why is Attachment Theory so important to psychoanalysis?

Cheryl: As attachment theory emerged as a major component of our understanding of the course of human development, it meant moving away from the focus on libido and aggression as the core of the process. It was not an easy matter for psychoanalysis to integrate these ideas. The momentum for inclusion of attachment theory concepts in psychoanalysis has gathered strength as we have learned that custodial care is not enough to insure the development of a fully functioning human being.

We believe that because this is so important and basic to new ways of understanding human development, attachment and its vicissitudes should be integrated early in the curriculum.

Marion: Winnicott told us that "there is no baby without a mother". Attachment theory tells us why. Besides providing safety and nourishment for the infant, the mother enters into a dialogue with her child that choreographs the development of a unique human being. The initial symbiotic unit grows over the first few years into a dyad in which the mother's awareness of her baby's mind leads to the psychological birth of a separate person. The outcome of that process affects the child's ability to have a mind of his/her own and to realize that other people have their own minds.

Training in becoming a therapist involves understanding the nature of the therapeutic relationship, meaning-making and how to effect change. Attachment concepts provide us with a process that embraces all three of these tasks and can be integrated into clinical work from the very beginning of training in psychoanalysis.

How did you develop the course?

Cheryl: The course unfolded based on our shared understanding and enthusiasm. The content seemed to flow naturally from our mutual theoretical interests.

We learned from the first group of students who took the course that there was a great interest in applications of the theory to clinical work. A new course would blend theory and application in each class.

Marion: Being in supervision with Cheryl at the time was serendipitous for me. She was already well versed in attachment theory, and we both liked and admired Winnicott. When we thought about teaching a course together, it seemed natural that she would present John Bowlby's work on separation and loss, as well as "the Strange Situation" of Mary Ainsworth. Since I was interested in Peter Fonagy's work on mentalization, and also in applying attachment ideas to couples therapy, it was easy to divide the coursework.

Describe your practice.

Cheryl: I have a private practice in West Orange and have been a member of the faculty of IPPNJ, now CPPNJ, for the last twenty years. My practice is diverse and includes people of many backgrounds. I am interested in the work of the Outreach Committee which focuses on understanding people of different backgrounds.

I hope to begin running a supervision group for therapists particularly interested in learning about diversity.

A Change in Leadership for the New Jersey Couples Therapy Training Progam

Daniel Goldberg, Tom Johnson & Rose Oosting

After June's graduation, a new leadership team will assume the helm of the couples division within CPPNJ. Maureen Gallagher, will assume the Director"s position, Sandra Sinicropi will be Associate Director, and Ellie Muska, will become the Director of Training. We're so pleased to have such a strong and experienced group step forward and want to continue to bring new ideas to the development of the NJCTTP, the couples division within CPNNJ.

To state the obvious, couples therapy itself is a challenge. So, our efforts to craft a comprehensive training program that reflects the complexities of working effectively with couples has been a daunting task. Seven years ago when we started the division, we knew that we wanted an integrated program, one that reflected our psychoanalytic roots, and yet one that incorporated contemporary models, such as attachment and family systems. We've learned, revised, and restructured the curriculum so that clinicians can have multiple options to become involved with training. Candidates can receive a certificate in psychoanalytic-systems couples therapy if they meet requirements, but many clinicians just want a part of the training, Each year, we now offer:

• Annual Fall Conference in couples therapy
• Three Training Options (culminating in a certificate in psychoanalytic-systems couples therapy)
• 12 week foundation courses
• Mini-Courses (5 sessions about specific topics)
• Weekend workshops
• Group supervision in different geographic areas
• Summer Institute for faculty development

Personally, it has been a special opportunity to work side by side with Rose Oosting and Tom Johnson. We wouldn't have been able to do this unless we developed a deep, lifelong respect and fondness for one another. The division also has taken shape due to the tireless work of many faculty members. Each of our new program offerings have been packed, and their quality comes primarily from the many months the faculty puts into preparation.  

The New Jersey Couples Therapy Training Program began during the merger of the two institutes that then formed CPPNJ. In a sense, the formation of our reconstituted family emerged from our first "couple"-Jim Garofallou and Irwin Badin who worked tirelessly on their relationship or the creation of CPPNJ would never have happened. They allowed us to take risks with the couples program. Seth Warren fostered that spirit of innovation when he became the first Director of CPPNJ. Now, CPPNJ initiatives are rapidly expanding, like the child and adolescent study group, the eating disorders study group, the supervision training program, a continuing education division, and a new trauma program may be in the works. Stay tuned. Times are a changin'.

Maureen Gallagher

Sandra Sinicropi

Ellie Muska

Upcoming 2015-2016 Events

Thank you for joining us. Look for our next newsletter in June 2015.