Trauma and Race within an Analytic Relationship

Authors: Walters JA*

DOI: 10.23880/pprij-16000229

Volume 4, Issue 5

Abstract

This paper illustrates some of the issues that psychoanalysts face when their work is between persons from a culture and race that is different from their own. Theoretical explanations for race are outlined. The paper further illustrates the ways in which race became entangled with coping mechanisms that developed as a result of severe trauma and abuse. Further, the paper focuses on the transference and countertransference that took place between a white, female analyst and a 34-year old black, male analysand over a two-year period.

Keywords: Trauma; Race; Analytic Relationship

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