Dr Doris Brothers
Although silent and invisible, the traumatized ancestors of both patients and therapists figure importantly in the therapeutic encounter. Attachment theorists might explain their presence in terms of the largely nonverbal, moment-to-moment relational exchanges that occur between parent and child. According to Dr. Brothers, the resulting traumatic attachments, which involve dissociative processes that reduce the complexity of lived experience and produce rigid and constricting modes of relating, are transmitted from generation to generation. A clinical example illustrates how intergenerational traumas in the histories of both patient and therapist made it impossible for either to fully mourn her dead. Instead, both felt compelled to join them by dissociating aspects of their aliveness. A therapeutic crisis could not be resolved without the recognition of these trauma-generated attachment patterns.

Ms Elizabeth Corpt
Analytic generosity - the analyst's use of the whole of her experience for the benefit of her patient - is of particular importance in work with intergenerational trauma. In the case presented, American philosopher Fingarette's concept of spelling-out, or the conscious action of turning oneself toward the knowing of something, is an important aspect of this inter-subjectively informed therapeutic work. We will consider how spelling-out can lead to a break through in disrupting the cycle of trauma being passed from generation to generation, and what that involves.

Led by Dr Doris Brothers and Ms Elizabeth Corpt
This workshop will provide an opportunity for therapists to explore the ways in which past traumas in their own families affect their work with patients.

PDF brochure of full programme.