“The Skillful Soul of the Psychotherapist “- 2012 Merle Jordan Conference

Master clinicians Nancy McWilliams, David Wallin, and Salman Akhtar bring personal and professional perspectives together in discussing the mutual, two-way influence of their spiritual lives and professional psychotherapy practice. Each presentation is followed by detailed responses and panel discussions.

Dr. George Stavros  “Opening Remarks”

Dr. Nancy McWilliams  “Reflections on the Effects of a Protestant Girlhood”

Dr. Phillis Sheppard “Religion – It’s Complicated!: The Convergence of Race, Class, and Sexuality in Clinician’s Reflection on Religious Experience” and Dr. Marie Hoffman “The Welcome Return of the Supressed: Religion and Psychoanalysis in Dialogue”

Panel Discussion: Dr. McWilliams, Dr. Sheppard, Dr. Hoffman

Dr. David Wallin  “A Therapist’s Psycho-Spiritual Autobiography with Clinical Implications”

Daniel Shaw, LICSW “Immanence and Intersubjectivity” and Dr. Celia Brickman “Shared Histories, Emerging Horizons: The Jewish Search for Spirituality and the Psychoanalytic Ethos”

Panel Discussion: Dr. Wallin, Dr. Brickman, Mr. Shaw

Dr. Salman Akhtar “Three Pillars of Therapeutic Attitude”

Dr. Thomas Cottle “Evocations” and Dr. Chris Schlauch “Responses to Salman Akhtar”

Panel Discussion: Dr. Akhtar, Dr. Cottle, Dr. Schlauch

Dr. Merle Jordan  “Conclusion”