Shoshana Ringel

In the Shadow of Death: Relational Paradigms in Clinical Supervision

The process of clinical supervision is a complex undertaking that is influenced by multiple factors, including the personalities and characteristics of the supervisory dyad, developmental considerations, social attitudes, ecological factors and the parallel process. The supervisory interchange becomes even more difficult and complex when it occurs in the context of HIV and AIDS related practice, which introduces the reality of untimely death accompanied by grief and loss. In this paper, I will review the literature in regards to developmental aspects of the supervisory relationship, transference and countertransference paradigms and the parallel process. These particular issues will be framed within a relational perspective and the ways it shapes the supervisory process. The focus of this paper will be clinical work with clients diagnosed with HIV and AIDS and the impact of death and dying on the supervisory paradigm. The literature review will be elaborated on through a clinical vignette followed by an extended discussion.

Trauma : contemporary directions in theory, practice, and research

Overview Cognitive-Behavioral Theory Psychoanalytic Theory (Part I) Psychoanalytic Theory (Part II) Attachment Theory, Infant Research, and Neurobiology Art Therapy with Traumatically Bereaved Children Military Bereavement and Combat Trauma The Trauma of Bullying Experiences Traumas of Development in the Gay Male Cultural and Historical Trauma Among Native Americans The Effects of Trauma Treatment on the Therapist

Psychodynamic Perspectives on Relationship: Implications of New Findings From Human Attachment and the Neurosciences for Social Work Education

In this article, the historical significance of the therapeutic relationship in social casework theory and practice is discussed and elaborated on in relation to contemporary psychodynamic theories and constructs, such as the therapeutic alliance, the holding relationship, and selfobject theory. The significant contributions of investigators in such diverse fields as infant attachment, neurobiology, and feminist theory are then discussed in relation to these psychoanalytic ideas. Based in part upon recent research being conducted in such fields, a more central role is proposed for psychodynamic conceptions of relationship in the education of social work clinicians.

Identity and Gender Roles of Orthodox Jewish Women: Implications for Social Work Practice

Abstract The purpose of this study is to examine how ultra-Orthodox womens unique religious beliefs and values affect their gender roles and everyday life. The ultra-Orthodox community is one of several sub-groups within the Orthodox community that, overall, has a range of attitudes towards the womens roles. To date, little research has been conducted with this community. This study, therefore, aims to examine these womens roles as mothers, wives and community members, and to discuss the implications of those roles for clinical practice.

Comparing Women's Roles in Two Faith-Based Communities with Implications for Value-Based Practice

Abstract This qualitative study compares Evangelical Christian (EC) and ultra Orthodox Jewish (OJ) women, both from conservative, faith-based communities. The findings are clustered around three primary themes-complementary (traditional) gender roles, distrust of outsiders, and the authority of religious leaders. Nine EC women and thirteen ultra OJ women were interviewed for this study, using a modified grounded-theory method. Based on the findings, guidelines for value-based practice with women from these communities are discussed.

Play and Impersonation: Finding the Right Intersubjective Rhythm

The following paper examines a clients developmental process through transference, play, and the clients impersonation of the therapist. Winnicotts notion of the intermediate space, current infant research studies, and Jessica Benjamins concept of “thirdness” are the organizing framework for the treatment. The author uses a clinical vignette to illustrate a relational perspective in which play and creativity become important developmental processes for both patient and therapist.

The Man Without Words: Attachment Style as an Evolving Dynamic Process

Abstract The following paper will use findings from attachment theory and its elaboration by Fonagy and Target to show how attachment findings are linked with intersubjective and relational treatment. These concepts will be applied to the clinical situation through a case vignette that examines the treatment with a patient who has an avoidant-fearful attachment style. The clinical vignette will detail the treatment process and show how, through the treatment relationship and process, an attachment style can change over time.

Spontaneous Moments and the Domain of Non-Verbal Communication

Abstract This paper investigates the impact of non-verbal interactions and spontaneous encounters on the therapeutic process and on a clients structural and behavioral patterns. The following case vignette concerns a client who presents with a pattern of non-verbal relational schemas based on his early traumatic experiences. The non-verbal and verbal role reenactments that unfold between client and therapist will be examined from an intersubjective, dialogical and self psychological perspective. Finally, the paper will explore how important therapeutic shifts may occur by attending to and working through these non-verbal aspects of the treatment, leading to new relational structures.

Using the Classroom to Examine Unconscious Communication Between Student and Client

Abstract This paper investigates the unconscious communication processes between client and clinician by examining interactions between students and the instructor in the classroom. The specific areas that will be examined through classroom illustrations include the parallel process in the classroom, dependence versus autonomy, and cultural identification. A relational perspective will be used to illustrate the process.

The Role of the Creative Process in Holding and Facilitating Traumatic Experience

Abstract Dissociative self states related to early traumatic experience may be elicited through the creative act, visual images, dreams, enactments, and affective collisions in the analytic dyad. In the following article, the author will describe her work with a visual artist and how the creative process, along with affect sharing and facilitation, helped open pathways to hold and communicate traumatic memories and self states.