In this presentation we will discuss “sexualization,” as Kohut defined it, and argue for the continued clinical relevance of his ideas. We will discuss the psychological sequence that leads to sexualization; emphasize the fluid relationship between sexuality and sexualization; offer insight into the underlying role that shame plays in sexualization; and note the role of trauma in the early experience in those drawn to sexualized experiences, especially in forms of mirroring. In sexualization, there is often an objectification of the other and a detachment of empathy. It is necessary to define sexualization by an empathic understanding of the individual’s experience of the sexualized activity, rather than by the activity itself. We note the treatment implications of our formulations in the context of a number of case vignettes.
Two Continuing Education Credits for NYS social workers and psychoanalysts. We will update about potential continuing ed credits for psychologists, when available.
Charles Strozier
Charles B. Strozier, PhD, is Emeritus Professor of History at The City University of New York, is a product of the Chicago Institute for Psychoanalysis, and has been an active member of TRISP since its founding. His psychoanalytic practice is now virtual from a lovely condo on the beach in north Florida. He wrote Kohut’s biography (Heinz Kohut: The Making of a Psychoanalyst, Farrar, Straus & Giroux, 2001) that remains in print and has been translated into Italian, Japanese, and, just last year, Hebrew, as well as 12 other books on aspects of history and psychoanalysis.
Konstantine Pinteris
Konstantine Pinteris, LCSW (NIP, 2014) holds degrees in Psychology and Social Work from New York University. In 2014 he completed the Adult Psychoanalytic Training Program at the National Institute For The Psychotherapies in New York City. He served as director of the NIPPA Case Presentation Series in 2014, and from 2014 to 2016 served as President of the Executive Council of NIP’s Professional Association (NIPPA). He is published in a variety of psychoanalytic journals. He currently teaches, supervises and is in private practice in New York City.
Kathleen Kelley
Kathleen Kelley, DMin., LMFT, has been in private practice in New York City for the past 13 years. She completed post-graduate training in marriage and family therapy at the Blanton Peale Institute in New York City where she also trained extensively in psychoanalysis. Currently, she is in her 2nd year of an Intensive Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy Program at IPSS. TRISP was the first psychoanalytic community she joined after her post-graduate training, which inspired further study and professional involvement. She is a member of Dr. Strozier’s Kohut writing group which has published five journal articles including; “Heinz Kohut’s Theory of Aggression and Rage,” Psychoanalytic Psychology; “On Dreams,” International Journal of Psychoanalytic Self Psychology; and,“Termination in Self Psychology,” Psychoanalytic Review.
Deborah Mart
Deborah Mart is a writer and psychotherapist based in New York City (with a growing virtual practice). She is a graduate of New York’s National Institute for the Psychotherapies, holds a BA in English Literature, a Masters in Middle East Studies, and has a working background in terrorism research. Her fiction and non-fiction writings have been published in various journals, ranging from psychoanalytic publications to science-fiction zines. Deborah is a mother of a 2 year old and loyal servant to a psychopathic, 4 pound maltipoo named Bear.
Gordon Powell
Gordon Powell, Discussant is a licensed clinical social worker and psychoanalyst in private practice in New York City. In addition to being a faculty member at TRISP, he is on the faculty at ICP, The Institute for Contemporary Psychotherapy, and PPSC, The Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy Study Center, both in Manhattan. He is the author of “Intersubjective Self Psychology and Sexuality: What Matters,” in Intersubjective Self Psychology: A Primer.
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