WINTER 2007 ISSUE #13

Newsletter of Section 9, Psychoanalysts for Social Responsibility, Division of Psychoanalysis, American Psychological Association

Psychologists, Guantanamo and by Stephen Soldz, Ph.D. While their morally objectionable quality made aspects of their daily life can be monitored and Director of the Center for Research, Evaluation, direct endorsement impossible, these applica- controlled. The administration's legal doctrine and Program Development at the Boston Graduate School of Psychoanalysis. tions could not be openly condemned as this emphasized that essentially anything short of would run the risk of alienating precisely those direct murder was legally acceptable. decision-makers who might be impressed with continued on page 4 the potential contributions of as or years, the various mental health profes- F a science and as a profession. Thus, silence sions in the United States have been fighting turf about such abuses of psychology is what one wars. FROM THE EDITOR would expect from the American Psychological The post-World War II development of a mil- by Steve Botticelli, Ph.D. Association, the country's largest representative itarized national security state provided many of organized psychology and silence is what was In this issue, Stephen Soldz pro- opportunities for psychology to garner attention observed. vides background on the history of for its contributions to the art of propaganda The Global War on Terror, launched after psychologists’ role in aiding mili- and the development of usable high-tech weap- tary and national security opera- 9-11, provided yet another opportunity to ons through human factors engineering, among tions, as well as the recent efforts experiment with these behavioral science- numerous other endeavors. of concerned psychologists to clar- based torture techniques. The establishment One particularly disturbing area where psy- ify, and challenge, the APA’s posi- of a detention center at Guantánamo for those chologists have attempted to demonstrate their tion on psychologists’ participation detained during the Afghanistan war and other value has been in the development of sophis- in military interrogations—efforts battles in the "Global War on Terrorism" pro- ticated techniques of interrogation that could in which members of our Section vided a particularly favorable environment. A have taken the lead. The piece is obtain information from unwilling captives total institution was created whose inmates, the adapted from an earlier essay that through the application of behavior modification detainees, have, at least in the administration's appeared online at Counterpunch. techniques based on psychological science. opinion, absolutely no rights and where all On the clinical side, Nancy Historian Alfred W. McCoy has shed light in this Hollander contributes a brief report area in his recent book A Question of Torture The Psychoanalytic Activist on a Los Angeles-based project and in numerous articles and interviews. He that offers psychological services to Editor: Steve Botticelli, Ph.D. documents the decades-long CIA effort to utilize military personnel. Lynne Layton President of Section 9: psychological expertise to develop forms of reports on the Ideology and the Arlene Steinberg, Psy.D.. torture that could break down the personality Clinic online conferences of fall Past President: Nancy Hollander, Ph.D. of detainees, rendering them, it was hoped, 2005 and 2006, in which many of Treasurer: Neil Altman, Ph.D. incapable of withholding desired information. our members participated. Finally Secretary: Karen Rosica, Ph.D. Many of these techniques were utilized during our new president Lu Steinberg Representative to Division 39 Board: tells of some other recent activi- the Vietnam conflict and in the various brutal Frank Summers, Ph.D. ties of our Section’s members and U.S.-supported counterinsurgency campaigns in Members of the Board of Section 9: what is in store for the Division 39 Latin American in the 1970s and 1980s. Rico Ainslie, Ph.D., Steve Botticelli, Ph.D., conference in April. Such applications of psychological knowledge Susan Gutwill, Ph.D., Adrienne Harris, Ph. D., I encourage members to con- posed thorny issues for organized psychology, Maureen Katz, Ph.D., Lynne Layton, Ph.D., sider writing for the newsletter. always on the lookout for new ways of dem- Rachael Peltz, Ph.D., Steve Portugues, Ph.D. Contact me at [email protected] onstrating psychology's value to the powerful. It has been so exciting to witness the evo- break the ethics code in keeping with “basic Culture and Society, edited by Lynne lution of Section 9 from a small committee human rights.” The ethics committee has not Layton. Rico Ainslie has been working on his to a much larger section within Division 39. yet approved this change, requested by the feature length documentary film entitled Ya The list-serve discussions have provided a Council of Representatives. Basta, about the current climate of insecurity vehicle for the membership to mourn togeth- In response to the growing concerns in Mexico. Through interviews he explores er after the tragedy of 9/11, to commiserate the origins as well as possible solutions to and build advocacy strategies on a variety the insecurity, waves of lawlessness, kidnap- of social issues and to learn together and pings and the general power vacuum that teach one another thanks to the work of the PRESIDENT’S has accompanied democratization in Mexico. Section’s education committee (with Lynne MESSAGE We look forward to screening this important Layton as chair). by Arlene Steinberg, Psy.D. opus. Section 9 members remain at the fore- Our reception at last year’s Division 39 front of discussions on the involvement of spring meeting featured the moving artwork psychologists in interrogation at Guantanamo among Section 9 members that APA has of Wolf Werdigier. His paintings, based on Bay. Most recently, Section 9 co-sponsored not sufficiently addressed this issue, some interviews conducted with Israelis and with Division 48 (Society for the Study members have decided to withhold their APA Palestinians, were tributes to the emotional of peace, Conflict and Violence) a panel membership dues to voice their protest, while struggles shared by both groups. In keep- entitled Psycho-Political Dynamics and others continue to work within the organiza- ing with our desire to highlight creative Consequences of Torture at August APA tion for change. endeavors, this year’s Section 9 reception co-moderated by Neil Altman (Treasurer and This past fall, section 9 co-sponsored with in Toronto will feature the presentation of a former President of the Section) & Linda PsyBc the second annual Ideology and the an achievement award to Donna Bassin and Wolfe (President of Division 48). The panel Clinic conference, organized by Lynne Layton feature a clip from her new documentary included papers by Neil Altman, Nina Thomas and the Section’s Education Committee, The Mourning After. We honor the impor- (past Section representative to the Division’s which was entitled Thinking Critically tant work she continues to do, educating the board), and Wells Dixon, a lawyer from the in the Midst of the Maelstrom: Can public about the traumatic effects of war on Center for Constitutional Rights. Also, Steven Psychoanalysis Help us Stay Sane in an our Vets. Reisner, a member of Section 9, was invited Insane World, for which section members Finally, we will also be co-sponsor- to speak at the Council of Representatives were able to get free CE credits. The confer- ing a symposium in Toronto, with the meeting at August APA about the particular ence featured groundbreaking papers by Neil Committee on Multicultural Concerns, role of psychologists in these interrogations. Altman and Nancy Hollander. They explained titled Psychoanalytic Perspectives on He argued against psychologists’ having any how the psychosocial split is no longer Prejudice and Conflict: A Model for involvement in these settings. Neil, Nina, tenable as we cope with the destabilizing Applied Psychoanalysis for the 21st Steve and other Section members, including impact of dread and insecurity fostered by an Century. Nancy Hollander and Steve Stephen Soldz (who created and dissemi- increasingly violent, polarized and nihilistic Portugues, based on their participation in an nated a petition protesting this involvement) world. Besides Drs. Altman, Hollander and internationally organized psychoanalytic study have been at the forefront during these Layton, panelists for this conference included group dealing with the Palestinian-Israeli challenging times. They have argued for a Philip Cushman, Ruth Fallenbaum, Stephen conflict, will be discussants. Laurie Wagner re-thinking of the ethics code to prevent the Hartman, Jennifer McCaroll, Andrew Samuels, and Marilyn Jacobs have organized this sym- kinds of involvements that might lead to the Stephen Soldz and Annie Stopford. posium. abuses described. We are grateful to Neil In addition, section members have been In addition, we have also organized anoth- Altman, who as chair of the Divisions for involved in a variety of activities. Karen er early morning open forum (on Friday Social Justice and APA Council representative Rosica, secretary of the section, and Jane morning April 20) to discuss psychologists’ introduced a resolution asking APA to call for Whitmore will be attending a workshop in involvement in interrogation at military deten- a moratorium on psychologist participation Uganda as part of a psychosocial develop- tion centers, and to work on strategies for in interrogations at U.S. detention centers ment initiative in that part of the world. section intervention. This meeting will be co- holding foreign detainees. This measure is They promise to keep us posted so that moderated by Nancy Hollander and myself. currently working its way through the gover- more of us can get involved. Also, Frank As you can see there is a lot happening in nance structure, with Dr Altman having exten- Summers’ article entitled Psychoanalysis, section 9. We look forward to continuing to sive communication with the ethics commit- the American Psychological Association work together on the many crucial issues of tee. He has also been working on a change to and the Involvement of Psychologists the day. On behalf of the Section 9 Board, I the ethics code specifying that psychologists, at Guantanamo is to appear as a field note wish you all a happy and healthy new year, when ordered by a lawful authority, may only in an upcoming issue of Psychoanalysis, filled with peace for everyone. ❏

2 PSYCHOANALYTIC ACTIVIST • WINTER 2007 T he Ideology and the Clinic study group sented a number of thoughts about what thera- the choice to leave a lucrative profession and on PsyBC held its first conference from Sept. pists can do when political material comes up become a full-time writer; Jennifer wanted 29- October 25, 2005; a second was held from in the session. Using an example of a patient to respect that choice but was faced with her Oct 4 to November 1, 2006. Our goal in the who felt that Germany’s position on allowing own financial burdens. A supervisor thought first conference was to look at the ways that Turkey to enter the EU reflected Germany’s it would be good for the patient to have his fee ideologies that support unjust social systems racism and Islamophobia, Samuels asks the raised; Jennifer opted not to raise it and to shape individual psyches, and how ideologies client about the history of his thinking on this support the patient’s career choice. Adrienne are enacted consciously and Harris commented on unconsciously in macro- one of her supervision and microscopic interac- groups in which fees tions between patient and PsyBC Online Conference: have begun to be dis- therapist. Panelists Neil cussed in the broader Altman, Philip Cushman, context of money’s role Stephen Hartman, Nancy Ideology and the Clinic throughout the analytic Hollander, Jennifer “exchange.” Lynne Layton McCarroll, Andrew Samuels by Lynne Layton, Ph.D. felt therapists too often and Annie Stopford dis- deny their dependence on cussed two papers by Lynne patients—the fee being Layton, “From Culture to Couch: Investigating a matter, who influenced the thinking, how it but one arena in which this dependence is Social Unconscious,” and “Attacks on Linking: connects with the patient’s class and educa- made concrete. the Unconscious Pull to Dissociate Individuals tion background. He asks how central the view Stephen Hartman noted that Layton’s case from their Social Context.” Annie Stopford is to the client and how intensely the client examples show that normative unconscious began the conference with an interview of holds the viewpoint. He asks if the patient processes often register in affect and in body Lynne Layton, in which Layton explained the has fantasies or dreams about this material, reactions. Layton speaks of the heebie jeebies, concept of “normative unconscious processes” and, finally, he wonders whether the patient for example, an emotional and body reac- that she develops in the two papers. Layton imagines his view is congruent with that of the tion to the noise, people, décor, and quality assumes that cultural norms rooted in power therapist or not. of goods in lower class stores. When one of differentials—gender and sexual norms, Perhaps what was most powerful about the Layton’s patient talked about feeling betrayed racial norms, class norms—are internalized conference was the courage of the participants by current US politics, the patient became relationally and erect barriers to what can as they made questions about what is ideologi- alarmed that this wasn’t proper therapy talk; be thought, felt, and articulated in speech. cal personal, discussing the way their own simultaneously, she noticed she’d put her She further argues that because in certain everyday conflicts register in their bodies, feet on the couch and wondered if that was ways they share the same dominant middle- in values clashes, in feelings of unease about proper. Hartman concludes that a bodily urge class culture, therapists and their clients privilege. For instance, one thread focused “registers social norms in the body as a choice often adhere, consciously and unconsciously, on participants’ personal experiences of class that must be made about how to desire.” The to some of the same cultural norms. These privilege or lack thereof. Annie Stopford spoke group discussed the way that we all stand in norms not only condition thought, feeling, and about what came up for her when a patient the spaces between being embedded in norma- behavior, but they create dynamic unconscious was talking about their class differences and tive processes and observing them, and several conflicts as well—because they require peo- remarked on her costume jewelry, a sign participants felt that the best way to challenge ple to dissociate parts of themselves that are Annie wasn’t “a snob.” Annie’s response, an normative splits between classes and races required for healthy human functioning. For example of what she calls “thinking socialist is to step out of our comfort zones and really example, traditional norms of white middle and acting capitalist,” was to want to wear her encounter otherness. class femininity and masculinity required girls better jewelry in the next session. She analyzed Several threads presented more philosophi- to split off agentic strivings and boys to split this as an ego reaction that, to her mind, tran- cal musings about ideology. Philip Cushman off relational ones. Such cultural demands, scends class, gender, or race wounds. spoke of the ways that he tries to challenge Layton argues, can generate particular kinds Jennifer McCarroll talked about the psycho- Cartesian dualisms in the work he does with of clinical enactments, ones in which therapist analytic establishment’s seeming indifference patients and students. A conversation arose and patient unconsciously collude in uphold- to the financial sacrifices training requires, about whether or not everything is ideologi- ing the very norms that might in fact contribute and to the limits the expense sets on who can cal: is there any escape from ideology? Eyal to ongoing psychic pain. train. She described a dilemma that arose for Rozmarin took up the distinction between The discussion ranged widely over a num- her when she thought about raising the fee of critical vs ideological discourse, and others ber of topics, only a few of which can I men- a patient who was transitioning from a clinic debated whether such distinctions hold. Critical tion in this short review. Andrew Samuels pre- to her private practice. The patient had made thinking, like ideology, takes place within a continued on page 7 PSYCHOANALYTIC ACTIVIST • WINTER 2007 3 Psychologists, Guantanamo and [More information on the interrogation tech- why the membership of the Task Force was kept Torture niques used by American forces at Guantánamo confidential, though one member claimed it was continued from page 1 and elsewhere, as well as on their effects on the “because of concerns expressed about their per- psychological well-being of those subjected to sonal safety.” Since this secrecy has been report- Various “behavioral scientists” from psychol- them, can be found in the Physicians for Human ed in the press, and notwithstanding explicit ogy and psychiatry were brought in to help the Rights report: Break Them Down: Systematic statements by Association officials that this development of this total institution devoted to Use of Psychological Torture by US Forces.] membership was indeed secret, the Association complete destruction of the personality. In 2005 Even leaving aside the general issue of recently has taken to denying that the PENS mem- it was revealed by the New England Journal of whether interrogations of the kind conducted bership was ever secret, citing the apparent fact Medicine (NEJM) and the New York Times that at Guantánamo are ever morally acceptable, that it was listed on a certain website, if one had mental health professionals were serving as the participation of mental health professionals the idea to go there. consultants on Behavioral Science Consultation in them is potentially in conflict with the ethics Among its membership the Task Force includ- Teams, BSCT (colloquially referred to as “biscuit” codes governing the psychiatric and psychological ed Colonel Louie (Morgan) Banks, identified by teams) at Guantánamo, designed to advise inter- professions, those of the American Psychiatric Jane Mayer in the July 7, 2005 New Yorker as a rogators. These teams consult in every aspect of Association and the American Psychological psychologist involved in the Pentagon's Survival, interrogation. As the New Yorker's Jane Mayer Association. The Abu Ghraib scandal with Evasion, Resistance, and Escape (SERE) program told Democracy Now!, one psychiatrist deter- its graphic photographic evidence shone a which trains military personnel considered likely mined that a particular inmate would be allowed bright spotlight on the abuses that occurred in to be captured in resisting extreme abuse by their seven toilet paper squares a day, while another American detention facilities in this global war, captors. Strangely, for one serving on a policy- inmate who was afraid of the dark was deliber- and after the horrors occurring at Guantánamo recommending body, Col. Banks was not even a ately kept almost totally in the dark. Another con- and the role of mental health professionals in member of the Association. Frank Summers, an sultant behavioral scientist, psychologist James them were widely reported on, silence by the activist in attempts to change Association policy, Mitchell, recommended that interrogators treat a American Psychological Association became succinctly stated the problem with Banks being detainee in such a way as to generate a form of more difficult to maintain. Pressure mounted on the Task Force when he wrote in an email helplessness known as “learned helplessness.” for both the Psychological and Psychiatric “Isn't putting him on the TF equivalent to Cheney Authors M. Gregg Bloche and Jonathan H. Associations to do something about psychologists being in charge of energy policy?” Marks noted in their 2005 NEJM article that and psychiatrists aiding the torturous interroga- Like the membership and its process of interrogations at Guantánamo are often designed tions occurring at Guantánamo. appointment, information about the deliberations to increase stress by means verging on, or even After an extended period of discussion of the Task Force was also kept confidential; constituting torture: and debate, on May 22, 2006, the American under considerable pressure from Association “Military interrogators at Guantánamo Bay Psychiatric Association endorsed a policy state- staff, members agreed to let the Task Force's have used aggressive counter-resistance mea- ment that unambiguously stated that under no report stand on its own and not to discuss its sures in systematic fashion to pressure detainees circumstances should psychiatrists take part in deliberations. The report does indicate that to cooperate. These measures have reportedly interrogations, at Guantánamo or elsewhere. agreement was not reached on several issues. included sleep deprivation, prolonged isolation, The American Psychological Association, in Other accounts indicate that a weak initial draft painful body positions, feigned suffocation, and contrast, has adamantly refused to endorse any was strengthened by pressure from unhappy beatings. Other stress-inducing tactics have alleg- such statement, saying only that psychologists Association members. edly included sexual provocation and displays of should behave ethically. Initially, the organization In June, 2005 this Task Force issued its contempt for Islamic symbols.” did what organizations often do when embroiled final report. In a highly unusual procedure, the They go on to note that: in unwanted controversy: they appointed a Task Association's Board of Directors immediately “Since late 2002, psychiatrists and psycholo- Force. The Task Force was given a broad man- formally adopted the report without the usual gists have been part of a strategy that employs date to look into what position the Association discussion and approval by the broader-based extreme stress, combined with behavior-shaping should take regarding psychologist involvement Council of Representatives. This report explicitly rewards, to extract actionable intelligence from in national security interrogations in general. This stated that it is ethical for psychologists to engage resistant captives.” mandate may have had the effect of diluting the in national security interrogations: Recently, the United Nations Committee against Task Force's focus on the abuse at Guantánamo “It is consistent with the APA Ethics Code for Torture went further and stated that “detaining and psychologists' involvement in them. psychologists to serve in consultative roles to persons indefinitely without charge, constitutes This Presidential Task Force on Psychological interrogation and information-gathering process- per se a violation of the Convention” Against Ethics and National Security (PENS) included es for national security-related purposes.” Torture. Thus, according to this official body, members of the Peace Psychology division of the While the report reiterated that psychologists the existence of Guantánamo in its present form Association, but it included a majority (six out of should not be involved in any way in “torture or is itself illegal. They went on to join the many nine voting members) of psychologists engaged other cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment,” organizations and institutions, including most in national security and military activities, several the Task Force stated that it was not charged to recently, the European Parliament, to call for with connections to Guantánamo and to inter- conduct any type of investigation, and thus Guantánamo's closing. rogations. Perhaps this composition explains continued on page 5 4 PSYCHOANALYTIC ACTIVIST • WINTER 2007 we now have about 45 mental health profession- impressive Boston-area based program SOFAR Thanks to the effort and organizing skills of als available throughout Los Angeles and 20 in (Strategic Outreach to Families of All Reservists a group of Los Angeles psychoanalysts, this city nearby Orange County to offer pro-bono services – www.sofarusa.org). We have held seminars now has a wonderful new program that offers for the general public as well. For those mental pro-bono psychotherapy services to soldiers (vet- health professionals who are working with this erans and active duty) and their families. The population, we provide ongoing peer-supervision Soldiers Projects grew out of the concern of Dr. The Soldiers groups. Judy Broder as she became aware of the psycho- We have developed ongoing contacts with logical difficulties many veterans suffer as a result Project many veterans’ organizations, with whom we of their war-related traumatogenic experiences periodically develop programs for the public and and their families’ many conflicts and anxieties as by Nancy Hollander, Ph.D. with whom we share resources. The veterans in they navigate the multiple challenges represented anti-war organizations have been very helpful to by a family member’s deployment, time away in to veterans and/or their families. We are in the us by providing many contacts that facilitate our combat and return/integration into civilian life. process of helping San Diego colleagues begin a work. There have been newspaper articles about Many soldiers are fearful of accessing mental similar program for their geographic area. our organization, as well as radio interviews with health services while on active duty, and thus cli- To help inform our volunteers about this Dr. Broder. About a month ago Stars and Stripes, nicians in private practice can alleviate this prob- particular population’s war-related experiences the official military newspaper, published an lem by offering alternative treatment options. Dr. and needs, the Soldiers Project has organized article about our work. The publicity has helped Broder proposed to the Trauma Center at the Los training meetings with a variety of specialists in to spread the word about our services to veterans Angeles Institute and Society for Psychoanalytic combat experience, the military’s structure and and to their friends and families who either may Studies that it become the umbrella for a project ideology and war-related PTSD. We have also need our services or know others who do. that could attend to the needs of this community organized programs featuring veterans’ personal If you would like more information about this directly affected by their service to our country. testimonies about their military and combat socially relevant and personally gratifying project, A steering committee was formed, composed experiences and their psychological responses you can request a brochure at info@thesoldier- of psychoanalysts from the various institutes to them. We had one program recently in which sproject.org or phone 818 761-7438. Perhaps in Los Angeles, and due to the hard work and Drs. Kenneth Reich and Jaine Darwin spent an it will inspire you to develop a similar project in perseverance of Dr. Broder and this work group, afternoon with us sharing information about their your area. ❏

Psychologists, Guantanamo and to define “torture or other cruel, inhuman, or forms of cruel, inhumane and degrading treat- Torture degrading treatment,” giving the Task Force’s ment of detainees, including the use or support continued from page 4 edicts no force to actually shape policy. of tactics such as sleep deprivation.” At a late stage in the Task Force’s existence, Of course, such a “strong, proactive, com- formed no opinion as to whether any unethical after their report was issued, as they were to turn prehensive response” has never come from the behaviors had occurred. to clarifying some details in an Ethics Casebook Association. The Task Force further concluded that no entry, one of the non-military members, Mike As a further indication that the Task Force modifications to the Association’s Ethics Code Wessells resigned, stating: report did not mean that the Association was were required to deal with the issues of psy- “Continuing work with the Task Force tacitly actually interested in doing anything real about chologists serving in the various national security legitimates the wider silence and inaction of the psychologists’ participation in torture, and as roles. Strangely, given the origins of the task APA on the crucial issues at hand. At the highest a sign of support for George Bush’s National force in the controversy about abuse (aka tor- levels, the APA has not made a strong, concerted, Security State, then Association President ture) at Guantánamo, the report makes no men- comprehensive, public and internal response of Ronald F. Levant traveled to Guantánamo in tion of that or any other specific facility. the kind warranted by the severe human rights October, 2005. The Press Release announcing It appears that the non-military well-meaning violations at Abu Ghraib and Guantánamo Bay.” the trip indicated how far the Association was members of the Task Force were outmaneu- Wessells explained that he was not complain- willing to go to support the camp that Amnesty vered by Association officials who gave it such ing directly about the Task Force, which: “had a International calls “the gulag of our time.” It a wide charge involving all types of national very limited mandate and was not structured in made clear that the Association leadership never security roles that members did not dare say that a manner that would provide the kind of com- intended to put a stop to psychologists’ involve- psychologists should abstain completely from prehensive response or representative process ment in Guantánamo. To the contrary, President involvement in national security related activities. needed.” Levant was quoted as saying: Once put in this position, the members ended up Needed, rather, was: “a strong, proactive, “’I accepted this offer to visit Guantánamo stating platitudes akin to the reassurances from comprehensive response affirming our profes- because I saw the invitation as an important the U.S. government that the United States would sional commitment to human well-being and opportunity to continue to provide our expertise never engage in torture. Like the Bush adminis- sounding a ringing condemnation of psycholo- and guidance for how psychologists can play an tration, the Association leadership has refused gists’ participation not only in torture but in all continued on page 6 PSYCHOANALYTIC ACTIVIST • WINTER 2007 5 Psychologists, Guantanamo and Guantánamo was changed to one of personal at Guantánamo, but the Association refused. Torture culpability; could it be proven that a given named Members, including the Association's Council continued from page 5 psychologist engaged in a particular proscribed of Representatives, pushed for a change to the behavior. Through this ruse the Association tried ethics code stating that psychologists not follow appropriate and ethical role in national secu- to negate all press, United Nations, and NGO laws or orders when to do so would violate rity investigations. Our goals are to ensure that criticism. In the absence of an explicit ethics basic human rights, but were met with the psychologists add value and safeguards to such complaint against an individual, the Association argument that such a statement could be used investigations and that they are done in an ethical would do nothing. As the Association officials against psychologist practitioners in lawsuits. and effective manner that protects the safety of all knew well, the names of most psychologists The Association leadership announced that they involved.’” offering their “services” at Guantánamo, as well would develop an ethics casebook entry clarify- Eighteen months after the Abu Ghraib scan- as details on what those services are is a closely ing acceptable and unacceptable behavior in dal brought the horrors occurring in American guarded secret. psychologist-assisted interrogations, but have so detention facilities to the world’s attention, In this same article President Koocher then far not followed through. after even the mainstream press had numerous used a common technique of embattled leaders There matters stood when the June 7, articles about how Gen. Miller of Guantánamo as he implicitly attempted to rally the psycholo- 2006, New York Times brought word that the brought his special breed of brutality to Iraq with gist community against the hated other, the psy- Association's position was carefully noted by the recommendations to “Gitmoize” Abu Ghraib, the chiatrists: Pentagon, and that, from now on, the military Association Press Release contained no acknowl- “Many of our psychiatric colleagues have would prefer psychologists over psychiatrists: edgement that anything out of the ordinary was offered interpretive criticism, although their “Dr. William Winkenwerder Jr., going on at Guantánamo. As President Levant professional association has yet to agree on Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health gushed: an official position. One proposed draft before Affairs, told reporters that the new policy “’This trip gave me an opportunity to ask the psychiatric association includes an itemiza- favoring the use of psychologists over psy- questions and observe a brief snapshot of the tion of specific prohibited tactics they deem as chiatrists was a recognition of differing Guantánamo facility first hand,’ Levant stated. torture. When carefully scrutinized, their draft positions taken by their respective profes- ‘As APA’s work in studying the issues presented bears a remarkable resemblance to our position, sional groups. by our country’s national security needs con- although no journalist has yet commented on this The military had been using psychia- tinues, this trip was another opportunity for the point. Likewise, no journalist – including those trists and psychologists alike on behav- Association to inform and advise the process.’” critical of the PENS report – has commented ioral science consultation teams, called The Association’s campaign to defend upon an interesting irony: Despite psychiatrists’ 'biscuit' teams because of the acronym, to Guantánamo and psychologists’ participation opposition to prescription privileges for psychol- advise interrogators on how best to obtain there continued under the next Association ogists, the psychiatric association’s list of forbid- information from prisoners. President, Gerald Koocher. One month after den coercive techniques omits any mention of the But Dr. Steven S. Sharfstein, recent assuming office, President Koocher devoted his use of drugs, implicitly allowing such practices.” past president of the American Psychiatric monthly Presidential column in the Association’s In a spring 2006 debate with a critic, Koocher Association, noted in an interview that the APA Monitor to defending the organization utilized yet another defense that seems destined group adopted a policy in May unequivo- and its refusal to do anything in response to for greater use now that pressure is growing on cally stating that its members should not the horrors well-documented as occurring at the Association to act. He made a distinction be part of the teams. Guantánamo. In Orwellian fashion, he entitled between those psychologists providing health The American Psychological his defense of inaction in the face of barbarity: services to detainees, who, he claimed, were Association has endorsed a different “Speaking against torture.” In this column forbidden from using information thus gained to policy. It said last July that its members he attacked Association critics while trying to aid interrogators, and those behavioral scientist serving as consultants to interrogations change the subject: consultants who are not there to tend to detain- involving national security should be “A number of opportunistic commentators ees and are therefore free to aid interrogation. ‘mindful of factors unique to these roles masquerading as scholars have continued to However, even Koocher had to admit that all and contexts that require special ethical report on alleged abuses by mental health pro- psychologists are bound by the principle of "do consideration.’” fessionals. However, when solicited in person no harm." He, of course, failed to explain how For many activist psychologists in the to provide APA with names and circumstances participation in the workings of an institution Association who had patiently played the organi- in support of such claims, no data have been designed to destroy the personalities of those zation’s game of Task Force, Board discussion, forthcoming from these same critics and no APA incarcerated there could ever meet the "do no input here, input there, while no substantive members have been linked to unprofessional harm" principle." change in Association policy occurred, this behaviors. The traditional journalistic dictum The campaign of the Association to deflect news was the proverbial straw that broke the of reporting who, what, where and when seems criticism of psychologists' involvement at camel’s back. Members who had been urging notably absent.” Guantánamo has been unrelenting. Concerned caution and a one-step-at-a-time approach for Thus, the ethical policy issue of participa- members pressed for an independent investiga- months suddenly found themselves urging with- tion of psychologists in the abusive activities at tion to clarify what psychologists actually did continued on page 7 6 PSYCHOANALYTIC ACTIVIST • WINTER 2007 PsyBC Online Conference: therapy work we do is not only necessary but people spoke of the impossibility of our profes- Ideology and the Clinic sufficient political work; both Steve and Phil were sion today as we negotiate the need to make a liv- continued from page 3 concerned that we have substituted therapy for ing within a world of increasing social inequality. political activism and that we have done so out Coming home after hours spent sitting in pollut- of despair about broader political change. Nancy ing traffic, Nancy Hollander offered the powerful particular set of values. How do we distinguish Hollander spoke of how important it has been for observation that there is no escape from oppres- between oppressive ideologies and progressive her to be a political activist; while some felt that sive systems, and several participants agreed that ones? Is the practice of psychoanalysis a criti- the multiplicity of causes and lack of a movement it is most important to acknowledge the complex cal practice? Walter Davis argued that relational that yolks those causes together make activism ways in which we are both damaged by such theory is an ideological discourse that legiti- difficult, Nancy takes heart from the numerous systems and complicit with them. I close here mates contemporary capitalism, which spurred movements that have arisen to fight the destruc- with Neil Altman’s sense that the gift that a good a lively debate about how the same theory can tion that globalization has wrought on the envi- psychoanalysis offers is the demystification of be tweaked in different ways such that it either ronment, on third world economies, and on the the analyst’s power and the opportunity to speak supports or challenges mainstream thinking. working class and poor. truth to power. We look forward to our next con- Phil Cushman, citing Steve Botticelli, wondered Adrienne Harris spoke about the fact that the ference to elaborate these and other ideas about if those of us who are politically left haven’t per- professional classes are now the main creators, the interface between ideology and the clinic. ❏ haps allowed ourselves to think that the dyadic consumers, and conveyers of ideology. Several

Psychologists, Guantanamo and chologists ethically participate in infor- of Principle A, psychologists do no harm. Torture mation gathering in the public interest By virtue of Principle B, psychologists use continued from page 6 without harming anyone or violating our their expertise in, and understanding of, ethical code. Please also examine press human behavior to aid in the prevention holding dues. Within days, an email campaign reports with healthy skepticism and seek of harm. In both domestic and national to the Association’s President Koocher was facts, rather than reflexively engaging in security-related contexts, these ethical launched and 300 emails were sent in 48 hours. letter-writing campaigns predicated on principles converge as psychologists are Koocher responded with derision and conde- inadequate access to the data. mandated to take affirmative steps to pre- scension, while explicitly endorsing psycholo- The Board has adopted as APA policy vent harm to individuals being questioned gists’ duty to aid the National Security State. One a Task Force Report, which unequivocally and, at the same time, to assist in elicit- version of the letter he sent: prohibits psychologists from engaging in, ing reliable information that may prevent “You are dead wrong. participating, or countenancing torture harm to others. It is critical to note that The APA has not been silent. or other cruel, inhuman, or degrading in addressing these issues through a Task The APA Board of Directors under- treatment. As the basis for its position, Force report, the American Psychological stands and appreciates that its members the Task Force looked first to Principle A Association was responding to psycholo- have strong opinions about psychologists’ in the Ethical Principles of Psychologists gists in national security settings who had involvement in interrogations, and that and Code of Conduct, “Do No Harm,” approached APA seeking guidance in the their opinions are not uniform. Please and then to Principle B, which addresses most ethical course of action. The Board recognize that interrogation does not psychologists’ responsibilities to society. views as its responsibility supporting our equate to torture and that many civilian Both ethical responsibilities are central colleagues and members who are striving and military contexts exist in which psy- to the profession of psychology. By virtue continued on page 8

To join Section 9, and to renew your membership for 2007, please fill out this form and send it with a check for $40 ($20 for students and candidates) made out to “Section 9, Division 39, APA” and send it to: Dr. Neil Altman, Treasurer, Section 9 127 West 79th Street #3, New York, N.Y. 10024

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PSYCHOANALYTIC ACTIVIST • WINTER 2007 7 Section IX, Psychoanalysts for Social Responsibility c/o Steve Botticelli 289 Bleecker Street New York, NY 10014

Psychologists, Guantanamo and site.com/takeaction/483607021] and attempts in terms of the details of the ethics code and what Torture began to spread the word to members through- it says, or should say, about psychologists partici- continued from page 7 out the diverse Association. [Another truth in pation in coercive interrogations. This approach packaging warning: I am one of the authors of gets one into the realm of legal reasoning and the petition and am listed as its sponsor.] detailed interpretation of texts. As hundreds of to do the right thing. The Board encourag- In the weeks subsequent a range of organiza- years of legal argument demonstrated, such rea- es its members who have different points tions, including the Divisions of Social Justice soning can lead to many different conclusions, of view on this or any issue to make their uniting a number of Association divisions depending on where the reasoner is trying to positions known, and welcomes the oppor- and others outside the Association, including go. And Association officials have demonstrated tunity for further discussion of this issue at Physicians for Human Rights and the Ignacio their ability, even their genius, to bend moral the August Council meeting.” Martín-Baró Fund initiated discussions on a reasoning to support their position that psycholo- Ignoring the “you are dead wrong,” an intro- coordinated strategy to change Association gists have a right, perhaps even a duty, to serve duction that was even more tasteless when used policy. Initial agreement was obtained on sup- at Guantánamo and similar facilities. [See, for just a few days after the suicide of three hope- porting attempts to have the Association, at example, the decidedly different, but arguments less inmates in the Guantánamo hell-hole, the its August 2006 convention, reiterate its state- presented by President Koocher in a Democracy note made clear to wavering members that the ments that members should not participate in Now! interview on June 16: , and by Association Association leadership intends to continue busi- torture or abusive interrogations. As a result, Director of Ethics Stephen Behnke, posted at ness as usual, that no action on the moral chal- the Association adopted a “Resolution Against around the same time: http://www.apa.org/releas- lenge of our time will come unless the members Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman, or Degrading es/PENSfinal_061606.pdf] While critics need to force it. Treatment or Punishment.” This Resolution made rebut these detailed arguments, the battle will not At this moment leadership in opposition no explicit mention of psychologist participation be won at that level. Just as major social changes was taken by the Social Responsibility section in interrogations and no change in Association are seldom decisively won in court without (Section 9) of the Division of Psychoanalysis policy toward interrogations followed from its accompanying social changes occurring outside (truth in packaging warning: I’m a member of adoption. the courtroom, so Association critics must com- this Section). Within hours of Section members At this convention a small number of bine work within Association structures with a receiving the Koocher email, members who Association Council members introduced a new grass-roots mobilization of the membership and had been willing to work within the Association Resolution calling for a moratorium on psycholo- of the wider public. structure decided that as one member put it in gist participation in interrogations of “enemy The participation of psychologists at an email on the Section’s listserv, “It’s time for us aliens.” Various groups in the Association, Guantnamo is not simply a professional issue. It to accept ... [the] view that the APA leadership is recently including the Divisions of Social Justice, is a major moral challenge for the very concept fully participatory in the problem of using obfus- are currently pushing for adoption of this mora- of using knowledge for good and not for evil. If cation and propaganda to justify current military torium at either the February or August 2007 this participation continues, psychology will have aims and methods.” Council meetings. lost its soul, just as our entire country is in dan- Quickly Section members decided to launch a I suspect that changing Association policy will ger of losing its soul as we turn away from these petition drive demanding a change in Association require modification of the tactics thus far used evils being committed in our name. policy. A Petition was quickly written and by critics. To date, most objections from within Dr. Soldz can be reached at: [email protected]. launched on June 15th [at http://www.thepetition- the Association have been framed fairly narrowly ❏

8 PSYCHOANALYTIC ACTIVIST • WINTER 2007