n e w s , a n a l y s i s , o p i n i o n f o r t h e psychoanalytic c o m m u n i t y i s s u e 17 SPRING 2015

Queering Experience of Talking Training in analysis a gay trainee about couple 4 9 12 culture 14 therapy heterosexual functioning.3 This document Finally, in 1991, in response to a lawsuit, points out that there is no evidence the American Psychoanalytic Association that such therapy works, but plenty of adopted an Equal Opportunities policy Rethinking evidence that it increases the patient’s on admissions to training and issued its unhappiness. For all these reasons the historic Position Statement, updating it BPC Executive felt that something further the following year to cover recruitment needed to be done to create a greater sense of teaching staff and training analysts. our approach of openness and awareness of the issues APsaA also set up a system of committees involved in dealing with sexual diversity to identify and address bias affecting including, perhaps, explicit recognition gay and lesbian issues in their member to sexualities of the suffering that the psychoanalytic institutions.5 stance has caused in the past. Although this was a painful process, By Juliet Newbigin it forced a wide discussion of a kind ‘Heterosexuality that has never occurred in the UK, was seen as an except, perhaps, for a brief moment when Charles Socarides, the American N THIS ISSUE of New taken on sexual diversity until relatively expression of psychoanalyst who never abandoned his Associations we hope to introduce recently. Since psychoanalysis became psychological view that homosexuality was a borderline you to some of the work of the established in Britain, gay men and condition, was invited by the Association BPC’s task group which was set lesbians who applied to train were health.’ for Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy in the up to consider ways of making the refused entry, except in a very few I NHS to give the annual lecture in 1995. profession more open and welcoming to instances where individuals were ‘very The psychoanalytic community in the This provoked an effective protest and a 1 gay, lesbian and bisexual people. I discreet’. This bar to training was not an USA went through a bitter struggle in Letter of Concern, signed by a substantial imagine that some readers will wonder expression of an interviewer’s personal the 1970s about the way psychoanalysis number of clinicians seeking to engage why this was necessary. The ban on bias, but arose from the theoretical theorised sexual orientation, far beyond a debate of the kind that had happened acceptance of gay and lesbian candidates understanding that a homosexual anything that we have experienced in the in the US. But until recently British for psychoanalytic training on the grounds orientation was evidence of pathology or UK. Not only were their psychoanalytic psychoanalysis and psychotherapy have of their sexual orientation is surely a arrested development. Heterosexuality theorists among the most conservative made no collective statement of a change thing of the past? All member was not simply seen as the norm, but as on the subject – Bergler, Rado, Ovesey, in policy like APsaA’s Position Statement. organisations are now bound by the an expression of psychological health. Socarides for example – but the gay and Equality Act, and have signed up to the Homosexual acts were considered, after lesbian community in the US, which One of the reasons for this silence Position Statement that the BPC adopted all, criminal until 1967. had become a highly effective organised has been a reluctance to subject in 2012, which stated that: political force after the Stonewall Riots psychoanalytic ideas about sexual Nowadays, society has come a long way in 1969, mounted a strenuous opposition development and sexual health to close 4 The British Psychoanalytic Council towards an acceptance of sexual diversity, to their views. But when the American questioning. In the UK, having survived opposes discrimination on the basis of but although attitudes of most members Psychiatric Association voted in December the intense conflict over theoretical sexual orientation. It does not accept of the BPC have moved on, training 1973 to remove homosexuality from differences that led to the Controversial that a homosexual orientation is programmes in psychoanalytic theory the psychiatric disorders listed in the Discussions,6 the British Psychoanalytical evidence of disturbance of the mind or tend to be conservative. It is still not clear DSMIII, some psychoanalytic members Society and those psychotherapy institutes in development. how much serious questioning of these fought against this change, and forced a earlier attitudes has taken place, and what referendum of the entire membership Continues over the page Might this be another symptom of the views are being reflected in the teaching. of the APA. Although the decision was unstoppable march of political correctness, And, because of the years of exclusion, upheld by a majority of 58%, the rebels which will lead to an intrusive policing of recent gay and lesbian recruits are not continued to argue against it, and gay and psychoanalytic training organisations? yet making an impact at senior levels. lesbian candidates were still being refused Members of the task group suspect that admission to train in most psychoanalytic So why do we need for a task group for few clinicians engaged in interviewing institutes throughout the 1980s. this purpose? It has frequently been candidates or supervising and analysing pointed out that the members of the trainees have any idea how deep the psychoanalytic community in the UK lingering suspicion about psychoanalysis are an exclusive group – white, middle- runs in the LGBT community. class and often financially secure – and that this is reflected in the profession’s Research into the attitudes of dominant values and assumptions. One psychotherapists – members of the BPC of the consequences of this exclusivity in 2001 and a wider cohort in 20092 – has been a lack of curiosity about the indicated that a substantial percentage impact of social differences in the of respondents believed that a patient’s therapeutic setting. A previous issue of sexual orientation could usefully be New Associations (Issue 12, 2013) that changed to heterosexuality if he or dealt with issues of culture and ethnicity she reported unhappiness at finding argued that the psychological impact themselves gay, lesbian or bisexual. of cultural difference has always been Only this year, after discussion with all conspicuously overlooked as a serious the main bodies involved in providing subject of study in psychoanalytic and counselling and psychotherapy to the psychotherapy training, and resistance public, the Department of Health to changing this continues. However, the has found it necessary to launch a absence of familiarity with the LGBT Memorandum of Understanding, (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender) signed by all providers, warning the community is of a different order, because public about the dangers of ‘Conversion of the position that psychoanalysis has Therapy’ – offering to ‘restore’ a patient to 2 NEW ASSOCIATIONS ISSUE 17 SPRING 2 0 1 5

Rethinking our approach continued from previous page whose training was closely connected with clinician inevitably constructs a view of We also recommended the appointment The members of the task group were: it have concentrated on preserving the the patient’s internal world through the of a training ‘ombudsman’, drawn from Daniel Anderson, Karen Ciclitira, Wayne connections within the analytic ‘family’, prism of his or her own biases has given outside the membership of MIs, as an Full, Giorgio Giaccardi, William Halton, rather than open up divisive arguments impetus to thinkers such as Stephen initial point of contact for trainees who Leezah Hertzmann, Simon Imrie, Maggie again. In addition, psychoanalysis in Mitchell, Robert Stolorow and Jessica were experiencing difficulties in their Murray, Juliet Newbigin (Chair), David the UK, while it developed alongside Benjamin, who have been influential training. Richards and Marion Schoenfeld. This psychiatry and social care, was not in the development of relational and group is laying the foundations of the initially accepted as a subject of study in intersubjective theories of psychoanalytic And lastly, we proposed that the BPC standing Advisory Group, which can universities. practice. This insight has illuminated initiate contact between senior members be consulted by the BPC on matters the socio-cultural assumptions that are of MIs and organisations that advocate concerning the LGBT community ‘There has been embedded in traditional psychoanalytic on behalf of the LGBT community, theories, as feminists have argued for such as Stonewall, PACE and Pink References a reluctance many years, in response to Freud’s view of Therapy. We felt that the psychoanalytic 1. The words of a member of the Institute of female sexuality and the concept of penis- community should explore the possibility Psychoanalysis, quoted by M.L. Ellis (1993) in to subject envy, and this inevitably leads towards a of making links with these bodies, in ‘Lesbians, Gay Men and Psychoanalytic Training’, critique of psychoanalytic thinking about order to lay to rest, finally, the history Free Associations, Vol 4, Part 4, No. 32 psychoanalytic 2. Bartlett, A., King, M., Phillips, P. (2001): Straight sexual and gender identity, and theories of misrepresentation of gay men Talking: an investigation of the attitudes and ideas about of child development. and lesbians that psychoanalysis has practice of psychoanalysts and psychotherapists in relation to gays and lesbians. British Journal of sexual promoted in the past. We were troubled Psychiatry, 179, 545-549, and Bartlett, A., Smith, Our task group would like to contribute by the fact that our remit did not include G., King, M., (2009): The Response of Mental Health development to Professionals to Clients Seeking Help to Change to a reappraisal of theory, both the ‘T’ – the transgender/transsexual or Redirect Same-Sex Sexual Orientation. BMC close questioning.’ psychoanalytic and post-Jungian, in population – and feels strongly that this Psychiatry, Vol. 9, No. 1 our own societies. In fact, the BPC’s is something that the psychoanalytic 3. Memorandum of Understanding on Conversion Therapy in the UK: at www.psychotherapy.org.uk/ initiative in setting up these task groups is community of the BPC needs to address. UKCP_Documents/policy/MoU-conversiontherapy. Freud, a doctor and neuroscientist, had attempting to kick-start such a process. In We believe that there is creative thinking pdf worked hard to establish the scientific the last edition of New Associations Otto about psychoanalytic approaches to 4. Bronski, M. (2011): A Queer History of the United States. Boston, Mass.: Beacon Press claims of his nascent discipline. In his Kernberg8 argued for an opening up of the sexuality and gender taking place in the New Introductory Lectures, in 1932, he 5. Drescher, J. (2008) A History of Homosexuality closed circle of training in psychoanalytic universities, among registrants of UKCP and Organised Psychoanalysis, J. Amer. Acad. 7 gave a talk entitled ‘A Weltanschauung?’, institutes. The development of organisations, and in bodies representing Psychoanal., 36: 443-460; Lewes, K. (1995): defending the scientific status of Psychoanalysis and Male Homosexuality, Northvale, Mentalization Based Therapy and list of the interests of the LGBT community. It N.J., Jason Aronson Inc. psychoanalysis against the charge that CORE competencies ‘required to deliver is high time we looked beyond our own 6. King, P. & Steiner, R. (1991): The Freud it was just a comprehensive system effective psychoanalytic therapy’ defined Klein Controversies 1941-45. New Library of borders, to open up a dialogue with the Psychoanalysis Series. London. Routledge. of beliefs, like a religion or a political 9 by Lemma et al. rest on the identification outside world 7. Freud, S. (1933 [1932]): On the Question of a ideology. But academics in the English of aspects of psychoanalytically- Weltanschauung. New Introductory Lectures on speaking world, steeped in the empirical informed treatment that can be evaluated Psycho-Analysis, XXXV. S.E. 22: 158-182 requirements of logical positivism, made 8. Kernberg, O. (2014): Innovation in Psychoanalytic empirically. Jeremy Holmes, in his Juliet Newbigin is a member of FPC and Education. New Associations, Issue 16, Autumn virulent attacks on these scientific claims. recent BJP article, awarded the Rozsika a senior member of the psychoanalytic 2014 Their hostility encouraged psychoanalysts Parker Prize,10 argued that we should be psychotherapy section of the BPF. She 9. Lemma, A., Roth A., Pilling, S. (2010): The and analytic therapists to turn inwards, to competencies required to deliver effective more rigorous in differentiating these works in private practice and has a long- psychoanalytic psychotherapy. Available from: make special claims for their knowledge aspects of theory from what he calls standing interest in the impact of social www.ucl.ac.uk/clinical psychology/CORE base, and to resist demands for empirical ‘heuristics’, the concepts drawn on in diversity on the therapeutic relationship. 10. Holmes, J. (2014): ‘Chaos Through a Veil of evidence to support their method. In Order’: The Dialectic of Theory and Spontaneity psychoanalytic therapy, that cannot be She is currently chair of the BPC Advisory in Psychoanalytic Work. British Journal of training I was not invited to question the empirically demonstrated to be true, but Group on Sexual Diversity. Psychotherapy, November 2014. Vol.30:4 status of psychoanalytic knowledge – to have proved useful in treating the patient 11. Ricoeur P. (1977). The Question of Proof in Freud’s Psychoanalytic Writings. J. Amer. ask how we know what we think we know – the Oedipus Complex would fall into Psychoanal. Assn., 25:835-871 and how we understand the aims of our this category. Therapy would not, in this 12. See www.bpc.org.uk/bpc-bibliographies-and- treatment. light, be understood to be the therapist’s task-group-documents (requires login) uncovering the ‘truth’ about the patient, In the USA, the controversy that forced a but rather as a process in which therapist revision of psychoanalytic theorising of and patient are engaged together on a homosexuality, far from demonstrating project of narrativity ‘in which the patient the destructive effects of political is both the actor and the critic of a history correctness, has opened the profession which he is at first unable to recount.’11 up to a new generation of energetic NA recruits who have brought with them a The proposals that our task group questioning approach to the discipline. presented to the BPC’s Strategy This has involved a thorough-going Conference included the promotion of New Associations is published by Managing Editor Gary Fereday Contribute to New Associations discussion about the philosophical basis CPD events and training seminars that the British Psychoanalytic Council, Editor Leanne Stelmaszczyk We welcome your ideas for articles, of psychoanalytic knowledge, taking in introduce a more questioning approach Suite 7, 19-23 Wedmore Street, Production Janice Cormie reviews, and letters to the editor. the post-modern turn towards Continental London N19 4RU Illustrations Leanne Stelmaszczyk In particular we are looking for to psychoanalytic and post-Jungian Tel. 020 7561 9240 Printer Thames Print reviews of cultural events, books theorists of subjectivity, such as Husserl thinking on sexuality and gender, one Fax 020 7561 9005 and films with psychoanalytic and Heidegger. The new generation of that offers a critique of the traditional www.bpc.org.uk Views expressed in New Associations interest. If you would like to thinkers look beyond Freud for their [email protected] under an author’s byline are the propose a topic for a longer article theories and disrupts the assumption that views of the writer, not necessarily (up to 1200 words) please contact inspiration, and open up philosophical heterosexuality is the ‘natural’ expression Three issues of New Associations those of the BPC. Publication of Leanne Stelmaszczyk: leanne@ questions about how the truth of a are published each year in March, views and endorsements does not psychoanalytic-council.org of human sexuality. To this end, with the July, and October. constitute endorsement by the BPC. psychoanalytic session emerges and help of Wayne Full, a member of the task Deadlines: The next issue of becomes known to both participants, group, we have devised a bibliography on Subscriptions © 2015 British Psychoanalytic New Associations will be published drawing on hermeneutic thinkers such as UK annually (3 issues): £10 Council. No part of this publication in July 2015. The deadline for LGBT issues, which is now available on Overseas annually: £16 may be reproduced, stored or article proposals is 29 May 2015. Gadamer and Ricoeur. They tend to be the BPC website.12 We also proposed that transmitted in any form or by any Contributions and letters to the more inclusive in their approach, taking the BPC Ethics Committee should include means without the prior permission Editor should reach us no later For insertion of advertising of the publisher. than 12 June 2015. an interest in all forms of psychoanalytic someone familiar with the Equality Act, materials contact development since Freud, including who could advise the BPC on compliance. [email protected] Lacanian ideas. The insight that the ISSN 2042-9096 NEW ASSOCIATIONS ISSUE 17 SPRING 2 0 1 5 3

choice that both limits and holds together Nonetheless, in the (scant) clinical Featured Issue one’s various dispositions, Jung addressed material he presents, Jung often takes a the subject and the function that erotic descriptive, phenomenological approach, desire plays in one’s development, which aimed at discerning how homosexuality he explored through the notions of is expressed in an individual’s life, and animus and anima. Jung promoted a view then goes on to examine the effect of Same-sex desire of personal development based ‘on how this expression on the development and not on what one loves.’ of an individual’s whole personality. For instance, in ‘The love problem of Also, while Freud’s theory concerning a student’ he writes: ‘The homosexual through a post- organisation of desire is static after relation between an older and a younger Oedipus resolution, Jung claimed that man can be of advantage to both sides and spontaneous and late changes in life have a lasting value. An indispensable Jungian lens are seen as possible. Psychic energy, condition for the value of such relation or libido, is seen by Jung as a dynamic is the steadfastness of the friendship and polivalent unity that can shift and their loyalty to it.’ Thus, although By Giorgio Giaccardi from homosexual to heterosexual he doesn’t come to see homosexuality investments and vice versa – at least in as an option of mature, adult choice, his theory, as in fact Jung only referred to descriptions of patients with homoerotic cases in which he saw homosexuality feelings is very respectful of their OMOSEXUALITY is a And yet, in spite of his defensive prejudices, as a misunderstanding of an otherwise individuality and open to recognising the loaded word, scary or key aspects of Jung’s psychology, if appropriate need, or in which it had a plurality of subjective meanings. offensive to some, an critically reviewed, help pursue a creative purely regressive function. Whereas object of fascination or understanding of same-sex desire as Jung’s theory of libido grants the subject Jung’s theories about homosexuality prideH to others. It acknowledges a bond distinct from the perspective offered by the mobility of cathexes (and object choices) may then be understood as descriptions between same-sex people that, psychoanalytic notion of bisexuality. throughout a lifetime, his notion of of some of the possible pathways, particularly in the case of men and when contrasexuality, which conflates biological difficulties and opportunities for sex is involved, has always triggered sex, gender roles and sexual orientation, psychological development within a same- anxiety and a need for practical ‘Jung promoted a is embedded in essentialist, binary sex organisation of desire. If we take regulation or theoretical explanation. It is view of personal assumptions that restrict its capacity to homosexuality as a given, as opposed to a relatively recent term (coined less than fully recognise psychic fluidity, considering it aetiologically, we will find 150 years ago) that has provided a development ourselves in a more favourable position unifying frame for a range of desires and based “on how Besides, Jung only considered two kinds of to explore, for instance, how a gay boy behaviours previously defined on various archetypal foundation for homosexuality. might be specifically affected by an grounds across different cultures. and not on what In his psychoanalytic years and for some absent father, or by one who has not one loves.”’ time after, he regarded it as embedded developed a connection with his anima, Freud recognised and described his own in a mother complex – in a nutshell, too or by a narcissistically wounded mother homosexual feelings, which took the form much mother for the boy and too little and so forth. All these factors variously Jung developed a notion of contrasexuality of a fusional longing and were played for the girl. The gay son’s eros is seen as at play shape the pathways along which that allows for some fluidity when out particularly in his relationship with being too loyal to Mother and engulfed by homosexuality will unfold in one’s life, the compared to the more static organisation Fliess. He oscillates between embracing her phallic demand for fidelity, whereas specific psychological problems to be faced of desire implied in the Oedipal resolution. them (‘I do not share your [Fliess’s] the daughter’s eros is wounded by lack of as well as the transferential dynamics Contrasexuality means that every contempt for friendship between men’), mother and prone to idealising, anger- experienced in the consulting room. woman has an unconscious masculine side triumphing over them (‘I am pleased denying projections onto other women. (animus) and vice versa (anima in men) with the greater independence that Later, in his alchemical years, Jung put the After Jung, the most decisive and that psychological development entails results from my having overcome my archetype of the hermaphrodite at the very contribution to a deeper understanding integration of one’s contrasexual aspects, homosexuality’), only to subsequently heart of his psychological model. From of homosexuality has come from the representing bridges to the unconscious. In fall back into new doubts (‘There is this perspective, homosexuality is seen as archetypal school. James Hillman, Jung’s time this was no ordinary claim. some piece of unruly homosexual premature and incestuous identification its initiator, articulated various key feelings at the root of the matter’ – the with the hermaphrodite, before a fuller points of criticism of both classical and If we were to simplify we could say that matter being his fainting in Munich differentiation of the masculine and developmental Jungian theory. Firstly, its whereas Freud’s focus was on the object during a discussion with Jung). His feminine aspects is achieved. being spellbound by the mother archetype theoretical edifice accounts both for the (rather than the homosexual being so) recognition of a homosexual current in while neglecting archetypes involving each individual, and for the aspiration to the masculine. Secondly, its being only overcome it in mature sexual life. concerned with the union of opposites rather than with the union of same with Jung was just as straightforward in same, which he exemplifies with reference acknowledging his own homosexual to the puer-senex archetype, seen as feelings when writing to Freud, towards a pattern of male wholeness, made to whom he admits feeling ‘an undeniable split by a certain kind of consciousness erotic undertone’, but he was less incapable of ambivalence. Hillman states ready than Freud to engage with those that ‘the union of opposites – male with ‘abominable feelings’, due to the profound female – is not the only union for which anxiety that the possibility of intimacy we long and is not the only union that with men aroused in him. He understood redeems. There is also the union of sames, his fears around being ‘hampered’ by the re-union of the verticals axis, which closeness with men as related to a sexual would heal the split spirit.’ assault he suffered as a boy by a man, and refers to homoerotic feelings in terms Besides, Hillman has offered an of disgust, sentimentality, banality and important contribution to the psychological other various defensive language. Fear differentiation of eros from lust (an of homosexuality, which Jung defines undifferentiated lust for life) through as the greatest source of resistance in his archetypal exploration of Pan as a men, significantly contributed to shaping representative of the archaic, instinctual various aspects of Jung’s attitude to Freud: idealising, apologetic, wary, withholding. Continues over the page 4 NEW ASSOCIATIONS ISSUE 17 SPRING 2 0 1 5

life, characterised by compulsion and characterises a homosexual choice, and on intense energy, and articulated in its various the self-enhancing effect of homosexuality Featured Issue manifestations of panic, masturbation, on one’s psychosexual identity as opposed rape, nightmares and convulsions. to a dismissive understanding in terms of pathological narcissism. From this Although Hillman did not examine perspective, various manifestations of homosexuality per se, his seminal thinking gay desire – such as for instance cruising Queering analysis: inaugurated a more complex notion of the within same-sex spaces – are more aptly desiring subject, whose homoeroticism understood if thought about in terms of a became embedded in the flesh and in search for a shared identity and a form of sexuality linking a network of archetypal possibilities community. more faithful to experience than just the mother complex or the Union of As clinicians dealing with same-sex group analysis and male-female opposites. The subsequent desire, in ourselves as well as in the elaboration of some of these ideas by (few) patients, I suggest that the following post-Jungians offers a fertile ground for orienting questions may ensue from what psychoanalysis a dialogue with post-modernism and I have just sketched as a post-Jungian cultural studies and for further theoretical approach to homosexualities: and clinical advancement in this area • How may the power and rawness of By Daniel Anderson and Wayne Full of psychology. Acknowledging the archaic sexual drives be contained archetypal specificity of a given human in human connections, and what experience helps rescue it from the responses are gays (particularly) silencing effect of diagnostics – whether formulating to this problem? OUNDED BY S.H. Foulkes, of ‘ father reassignment’ assumes a deeper psychiatric or psychoanalytic – and allows • How is the perception of one’s body group analysis might best significance, which I link to my presence a bringing out of its specific connotations. affected by being desired by someone be described as a form of as father-therapist to the group and what I of the same sex? What particular psychotherapy ‘of the group, might represent for the group. Rafael Lopez Pedraza, in his study on pleasures and gratification are at play byF the group including its conductor’.1 Hermes (Pan’s father), further explored in such situations of identification, Group analysis recognises that the Mr B wonders if he disclosed his own the archetypal foundation of a type recognition and reconnection to one’s internal world of individuals is affected sexuality to the group too quickly because of sexual connection between men sexual matrix via a same-sex partner? by relationships with others, and that our he wanted to please them and me. He characterised by the lack of personal • What identifications are available for interpersonal relations are based on reluctantly acknowledges how difficult it intimacy and the relation to fantasies gays and lesbians that may help them attachment patterns rooted in early is to return to the group this week and to shaped by the physicality of the encounter to develop a capacity to desire, given experience. It relies on the idea of an confront what had been a difficult discussion of desires. This perspective is in line that desire is to an extent the product unconscious and that we are first and the week before. He wonders if the group with a deconstructive approach to sexual of a history of identifications? foremost social beings even as infants. members dislike him because of him desire decoupled from romantic or even • Is a particular form of same sex desire The development of language, and the discussing sex with men. personal relating and helps to understand generative of aliveness and renewal? ever-more articulate expression of a variety of sexual behaviours and Does it generate growth/expansion symptoms with others, is seen as crucial choices – particularly within the male of the personality? Does it connect to for progress. The group analyst Morris ‘Sexuality and gay community. Leo Bersani, from a a transcendental (i.e. transpersonal) Nitsun writes about the difficulty of gender play an cultural studies perspective, examines source of energy? discussing sexuality and gender in a this area of male homosexual practices • Are we and our patients able to group context, and suggests that a important role in and understands anonymous sex as a maintain a dialectic tension between successful group might eventually be seen influencing group psychological experience in its own capacity for symbolisation and openness as the object of desire.2 right, rather than pathologising it as to actual, embodied experience in the dynamics and perversion or lack of relatedness. Sexual realm of sex and desire? This perspective suggests that sexuality structuring group practices in this area can be explored in and gender play an important role all their psychological richness, as they These perspectives may help increase in influencing group dynamics and relationships.’ involve, for instance, a largely ritualised our capacity as therapists to receive structuring group relationships. How renegotiation of the notions of activity and some communications from homosexual might a group experience assist both Mr D describes his fear that the group will passivity, control and surrender, strength patients, to disentangle analysis of gays practitioners and patients in thinking become bored of him continually talking and weakness, paranoia and trust – in and lesbians from preconceptions of about sexuality and gender? How might about his gender issues. Ms A expresses a way which deconstructs, challenges diminished masculinity and femininity, issues of sexuality and gender be discussed curiosity about his anatomical transition. and subverts, at times even ironically, and to release our thinking from the or understood within the group setting? She makes many assumptions including dominant male practices (such as in assumptions of desire rooted in the What happens to sexuality in such a space? that Mr D’s ultimate aim must be to have a highly competitive workplaces). heterosexual relational model, which has penis because all men take pride in having informed the classic object relations theory. We present abbreviated material from a penis. She tries to talk about her sense of Mitch Walker (like Otto Rank before a group analytic session of one of the sadness that Mr D will never have a ‘proper him from a psychoanalytic perspective) The therapist’s alertness may then focus on authors to illustrate some of the issues penis’. She speaks about women wanting considers homosexuality in the light the capacity of the patient to move flexibly around sexuality and gender that may a penis to have full sexual satisfaction. A of the Double, which is the archetype between symbolic and concrete (the ‘come out’. In the particular session discussion ensues over what constitutes of a relation of particular warmth alchemical solve et coagula) and to hold on presented, sexuality and gender identity proper sexual satisfaction. and closeness with a same-sex person to some basic and protective ego boundaries feature heavily in the material. The group experienced like a soulmate (Achilles and while allowing a different experience of contains six members who identify with I note none of them have ever openly spoken Patroclus for instance). The projection ‘relationality’ to unfold according to the various sexual identities and who have to strangers about sex and sexuality. I of the double generates homosexual patient’s spontaneous gradient of energy varied diagnoses such as social anxiety wonder what satisfaction would look like attraction, similarly to the projection of active at any given time and depression. in the group. These comments seem to anima and animus for heterosexuals. It reduce some of the tension in the room. Mr is strongly connected to one’s sense of Mr D, who is transgender, starts by A expresses curiosity about other aspects identity – and it would be tempting to see Giorgio Giaccardi is a Jungian Analyst, speaking about attending the gender of Mr D’s personality. He feels all other this archetype at work in Freud’s (only member of the British Jungian Analytic reassignment clinic. Reassignment quickly aspects are pushed to the periphery and partially reciprocated) attachment to Fliess. Association (BJAA), working in private becomes a metaphor for the whole session. that Mr D’s gender identity seems to define practice in London. He teaches modules on Each member becomes concerned about his personality. I suggest that, perhaps, The perspective of the Double stimulates sexual diversity and gender identity both the potential ‘reassignment’ of his or her in some ways, this is actually true, as Mr reflections on the issue of sameness and at the Tavistock Clinic and at the MSc in own identity. Mr A speaks of becoming a D has spent his entire life thinking about identity for gay and lesbians, on the Psychodynamics of Human Development, father and his difficulty in fully assuming his gender. I, too, am interested in getting peculiar conflation between identification jointly run by bpf and Birkbeck. He is a the responsibilities of this role. The motif to know about the other parts of him and and object choice that inherently member of the BJAA Executive Committee.. . NEW ASSOCIATIONS ISSUE 17 SPRING 2 0 1 5 5

and the restrictions it places on our the group context should not be ignored, understanding of how desire shapes but embraced and celebrated. Identity identity. Queer theorists radically could be anything (gay, straight, lesbian, reinterpret how we think about sex, male, female, disabled, black, white) and gender and sexuality, and adopt an anti- group analysis will be the richer for being identity stance. In queer theory, notions able to tolerate and explore multiple such as ‘heterosexual’ and ‘homosexual’, identities. ‘male’ and ‘female’ are destabilised. Heterosexuality is not a pre-given. All Desire, however, can represent both forms of sexuality and gender identity destructive and creative aspects for group are socially and culturally constructed. processes. Social difference highlights Naturalised accounts of being human and aspects of ourselves which are ‘Other’. of identity formation are reformulated. In group work, we come to know those aspects of ourselves that we do not know. Queer theorists recognise that people do These ‘other’ aspects need work and not fit neatly into particular sexualised investigation. An individual may desire to or gendered categories. Queer theorists know those ‘other’ aspects or desire to not reject the idea of sexuality and gender know them, and therefore destroy them. identity being singular or fixed. Simple The individual may project that difference binary thinking (gay versus straight, man into others in the group space. By doing versus woman) does not do justice to the so, the individual may be trying to destroy complexity of sexuality and gender, and aspects of themselves they cannot accept. does not take into account the fact that What do we give up to make a sexual sexuality and gender, in all their forms, identification and how do we mourn that are multi-faceted. Opposites should not be loss? theorised as mutually exclusive, but seen to interact with each other in complex Terms like ‘heterosexual’, ‘homosexual’, ways. Queer theory, then, might be useful ‘male’ and ‘female’ are multiply for challenging the heteronormative determined, and as Chodorow suggests, assumptions of group work. there are homosexualit(ies) as well as heterosexualities.5 A group must identify The group analyst Claire Bacha3 proposes and explore these multiple meanings, that being a member in a group can itself which itself is a queering experience be seen as a queer experience as it is an pushing each member of the group attempt to deconstruct identity through (as well as the therapist) into new but dialogue. If this is true, what happens to sometimes uncomfortable positions. We say a gay or trans identity in a group? If hope the material presented gives some a gay or trans identity is deconstructed insight into that type of encounter. Such within the group setting, then it follows an encounter can be simultaneously that being gay or trans in a group must exciting, painful, sad, but always allowing result in a queer experience. If a gay for growth and new associations. Groups everyone else. Mr D agrees that he has snapshot of how issues of sexuality and or trans member of a group must ‘give are very good at creating through the never had the opportunity to explore other gender might be raised and tackled in up’ their identity within this process of meeting of various minds. Hopefully aspects of himself. a group session. The interpretations of deconstruction then they are giving it this article might go some way to queer the material are not exhaustive but try up to a sea of grey unknown identities. a reader’s experience into these new and The group members struggle to make sense to convey the sense of a group working The idea of a gay or trans group member perhaps uncomfortable positions, and to of how issues of sexuality and gender are hard together to tackle some very complex abandoning their painfully fought-for come to a fresh understanding of the role affecting their relations with one another. issues. Where does sexuality and gender identity is a disturbing thought. of sexuality and gender in group analytic I note how much of sexual difference divide? What links sexuality to the discourses is being located in Mr D by the group. past? Is it helpful and therapeutic to Perhaps it is better to think of the Perhaps they find it easier to discuss sexual address these issues, or is it uncaring and task of a group as deconstructing all Daniel Anderson is a consultant difference through him rather than each traumatic? What does desire look like, and identities. The group has to construct psychiatrist and medical psychodynamic other? Ms E describes her need for intimate does it matter where it goes? What will its own discourse within its own ways psychotherapist. He works at The Retreat bodily contact and understands this as happen in the end? of communicating and making sense of in York as the medical director. He is reflecting something missing from her early the world. If group work is structured completing his training as a group analyst childhood experiences with her mother. The Group analysis, like an individual by language, then the group has to find and is undertaking a PhD in group analytic group members wonder about how intimate analysis, has the same historical tendency its own language, which is inclusive approaches to understanding sexuality and they could become with each other and how to approach issues of sex, gender and of all identities and does not enforce gender. this might reflect something they never had sexuality from a heteronormative heteronormative view points. However, if or maybe used to have. perspective. The idea that a gay or we are to assume a non-norm policy, then Wayne Full has an MSc in Theoretical trans member may have to conform to how do we create a space for thoughts Psychoanalytic Studies from UCL and Finally, the group discusses sexual power the heteronormative assumptions of and feelings to deviate from the norm is currently working towards a PhD in relations and in particular issues of the group context is a worrying one. and how do we also attend to inclusivity? Psychoanalytic Studies, also at UCL. He dominance and control. Ms E speaks of Increasingly, however, psychoanalysis is Foulkes said that the group forms the hopes to train as a psychoanalyst in the her emotional abuse by her ex-husband. I seeking dialogue with other disciplines norm from which individual members future. wonder about my power as their therapist and theoretical frameworks. Attempts deviate.4 Such a statement contains many in this space. The members appear to be continue to integrate post-modern assumptions of its own and is potentially struggling with discussing such intimate literature on sexuality and gender (e.g. risky as the majority often represents the References norm. That is not a position of equality. material so openly. Maybe they feel I gender studies, queer theory) into more 1. Foulkes, S.H. (1975) Group Analytic should set some boundaries, and not allow conventional psychoanalytic approaches. Psychotherapy: Methods and Principles. London: the conversation to overstep their comfort The discussion of sexuality and gender Karnac. within group work might well be a 2. Nitsun M., (2006) The group as an object of levels. Perhaps they are afraid of how I Queer theory, in particular, offers desire: exploring sexuality in group therapy. London: might ‘ judge’ them, or how they might the opportunity to interrogate process which includes naming difference Routledge. judge each other. heteronormative discourses about desire. but with the purpose of accepting it. 3. Bacha, C. (2005) Commentary on ‘queer theory’ Developed from a background of critical This does not simply mean a toleration of by Katherine Watson. Group Analysis, 38(1), 81–85. 4. Foulkes, as above. difference but actually an acceptance and We present this material and the various theory and post-structuralism, queer 5. Chodorow, N. (2011). Individualizing Gender and reactions from the members to provide a theory challenges heteronormativity desire for difference. Difference within Sexuality. London: Routledge. 6 NEW ASSOCIATIONS ISSUE 17 SPRING 2 0 1 5

Featured Issue ‘It might just be the right thing to do’

By Maggie Murray

AM A MEMBER of the task group We tend to be parochial, inward looking I suppose that the difference between the The BPC is expecting all MIs to overhaul looking at sexual diversity, and and closed. BPC’s overall membership world of political activists or lawyers and and broaden their training and CPD during its term was also the of around 1,500 is predominantly white, the world of psychotherapy is that they priorities. This is a big extra assignment Chair of a BPC Member heterosexual, middle class and well over deal largely with discrimination – which on top of what is being done already, but Institute.I Member Institutes (MIs) are 50. How can we afford to let this continue is acted out in the external world… and it gives organisations the possibility to organisations like the BPF, the Tavistock in the modern world? that we often deal with prejudice which is think about what and how they teach and FPC/WPF Therapy. I often felt quite internal and frequently unconscious (and or keep their members up to date. If we uncomfortable in this dual position. Several of the BPC task groups have not confined to patients or clients, but is have to have CPD requirements perhaps While it is one thing to make highlighted areas to which we, as a also in ourselves). it might be better to have more specific recommendations, it is quite another to community, have turned a jaundiced requirements for CPD, rather than put them into practice. The task groups or a blind eye. These areas are, notably, For a profession that wants to characterise leaving it to individual choice. Maybe have made recommendations; it is the MIs homosexuality and race. Rather than itself as thoughtful, open and exploratory, there is a problem about the compulsory who may be asked to implement them. simply indulge in self-criticism of this we we have seemed curiously unwilling to ‘requirement’ bit. Members flock to Twice I considered leaving the task group, could do something about it. Instead of think about, for example, homosexualities. challenging, imaginative events – not for but I remembered the words of a song pointing the finger we could acknowledge In our world far more is written and spoken the attendance certificate or because it title and stayed: past failings and set about change. about ‘projective identification’ than about is compulsory, but because a particular If you can’t ride two horses at once lesbian, gay, bisexual, intersexual and presentation helps them with their clinical Then you should get out of the circus. transgender sexuality put together. Are practice and thinking in the reality of a ‘This could we not interested? Or are we perhaps still complex modern world. Some of the task So, it is time for the leadership of BPC and be a creative caught up in the old-fashioned minority groups proposals are rooted in that reality. its MIs to transform the recommendations view that homosexuality and other of the task groups into policies, training opportunity to sexualities are always pathological – not What Member Institutes need to do aims and CPD. invigorate our permitted to be thought about. The first thing MIs could be asked to do by the BPC is to take these recommendations This could be a creative opportunity to organisations The prospect of more change in our and ideas to their own organisation invigorate our organisations with new with new individual organisations will be exciting and membership for explanation and clinical and theoretical perspectives – and to some and daunting to others. Some of discussion. This is best done at all levels rigorous, open debate. It could help us re- perspectives.’ the MI leaders and individual members of each organisation. It is in the trainings, connect with a cynical outside world that may feel resistant, grumpy or even in supervision and in CPD that new ideas is losing interest in what psychoanalytic Many people outside the psychotherapy angry about the amount of work and can be considered and incorporated where ideas and practice can offer – an outside world are taken aback to hear that some indeed money that may be required. It appropriate. It is therefore essential that world that includes potential trainees, of us are still embroiled in debate and certainly was not easy work for the task we engage with all staff: reception and potential patients and a voting, purse- controversy over issues that have been groups to discuss the contentious issues induction personnel, psychotherapists, holding, influential section of the fought over elsewhere and resolved years and formulate recommendations, but it trainers, supervisors as well as trainees. general public with an interest in mental ago. Legislation to curb homophobia, is possible that the MIs will face much health. Of course we must hold onto racism and other forms of discrimination greater resistance and conflict in getting Many organisations are already and protect the essential bedrock of our was enacted in this country decades ago, them thrashed out in the wider arena of committed to doing this, but I recognise psychoanalytic perspective, but in some and it was last extended in the Equalities the whole membership and finally put that the time and energy needed to carry areas it needs fresh life breathing into it. Act of 2010. I sometimes wonder if most in place. It is the MIs who may feel they out the work is great. Some MIs employ of our members don’t know about the have been put in the front line and will paid staff, but the majority rely heavily Change may also offer a way of doing the existence of these laws – or perhaps have to deliver. It is not our usual way of on volunteers to help run them – from right thing, of behaving in an ethical and think they don’t apply to them or to their approaching things – but we have got to Board members to mentors to workshop human way. If we don’t, we may founder. training and professional development do this. facilitators. organisations. We must make the Not all the recommendations are statutory position clear. If individuals Member Institutes vary in size and A number of the BPC task group sensitive or controversial or expensive. want to challenge it – it is best that they remit. This will partly govern which recommendations could be helpful in On the other hand I cannot imagine that know where they stand. recommendations are appropriate for saving time and effort, as well as in anyone who was involved in the task each of them to put into practice. My generating work for our clinics and group discussions, or who plays a part in I realise that I am in sticky territory own organisation FPC (Foundation for private practices. Cooperation among running an MI, thinks that implementing in talking to psychotherapists and Psychotherapy and Counselling) has us and with outside agencies is one way all of them will be easy. Worthwhile psychoanalysts about ‘acting’, ‘doing responsibility for members’ professional to go. We could share information and – yes. Easy – no. The MIs are being something’, ‘taking the lead’. This is concerns once they have qualified – like research data – not just ‘borrow it’ from asked to introduce and deliver possibly usually left to political activists, lawyers ethics, reaccreditation and CPD. We do another organisation, but collaborate on disruptive change. In addition we are a or the more public parts of our own not run any trainings. The majority of it, e.g. collecting non-confidential data hierarchical and split profession. We don’t personalities. But the time comes… MIs mainly run trainings and provide about patients from all our clinics and our naturally cooperate or share information. support to members once they qualify. individual members. NEW ASSOCIATIONS ISSUE 17 SPRING 2 0 1 5 7

Featured Issue Aiming for eQuality

By Leezah Hertzmann

HIS IS A SUMMARY of the years the organisation has committed Sexual Orientations itself to regular staff meetings specifically workshop presentation focused on LGBT clinical matters, given by Juliet Newbigin mandatory CPD training for all staff andT Leezah Hertzmann at the British including supervisors and teachers, and Psychoanalytic Council Strategy updating training curricula to cover both Conference on 29 November 2014. The contemporary and classic psychoanalytic presentation included a description of the texts on sexuality. However, it was not Tavistock Centre for Couple Relationships’ a seamless journey, and what became (TCCR) journey in the exploration of clear as we continued this work was the theory and practice relating to the need for some external consultation in therapeutic needs of the LGBT order to identify blind spots and possible community, as well as developing further prejudices which may exist and of which, psychoanalytic thinking and practice in as an organisation, we were unaware. For relation to sexualities more widely. As this process, as well as the work described MIs are also invited to consider consulting In my view, it is the responsibility of part of TCCR’s development, the above, there was managerial and outside agencies with expertise in leading figures in the MIs to make that organisation undertook some external institutional commitment and support, subjects like Equal Opportunities. Leezah possible. consultation and evaluation by PACE in without which these developments and Hertzmann writes of TCCR’s experience relation to LGBT inclusivity which is changes could not be realised. with PACE in the next article. Again, this Individual members and organisations described here. Finally, there is a brief is another departure for organisations can feel that the BPC is simply there overview of a thought experiment that we like ours. We may fear that we will be to police us and make us toe the line. asked workshop participants to undertake ‘We had feedback misunderstood, criticised or taken for a Julian Lousada has reminded us that in order to focus the discussion. Readers from lesbian ride. Actually it may enable us to connect Ethics exist in a context; they are not a may themselves wish to use the table to with a greater range and number of fundamentalist text. The BPC is not solely think about their own MI. and gay couples potential patients or trainees – as well a regulatory body dealing with laws and who had found as comply with the law and do the right ethical dilemmas. They exist to support TCCR began to look at LGBT issues and thing. and to promote us, not just to regulate us. sexuality in greater detail in response aspects of their to several factors which the organisation experience with The work our task group undertook was Support includes introducing our needed to pay attention to. Firstly, the considerable and we were only dealing members to recent thinking, expanded 2010 Equality Act became law and this us unhelpful.’ with one area. The MIs will have to take knowledge and fresh insights. had implications for our organisational on board the recommendations and ideas procedures, trainings and curricula, TCCR senior staff approached PACE from six groups. The BPC task groups will provide therapeutic services, clinical work, staff in early 2012 to undertake external bibliographies and other forms of appointments and much more besides. consultation. Along with Stonewall, PACE Lest that should begin to feel information for use in Member Secondly, we had received feedback from a is London’s leading charity promoting overwhelming, let me quote Sue Mizen Institutions’ trainings and CPD. They number of lesbian and gay couples seeking the mental health and emotional well- (NHS/Public Sector task group). She will also consider offering workshops, help for their relationship difficulties who being of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and wanted to be clear that she felt cautious seminars and discussion groups on key had found aspects of their experience transgender community. PACE stands for rather than reluctant about embarking on issues for MIs’ training staff, supervisors with TCCR unhelpful and where they the Project for Advocacy Counselling and such a huge amount of work. She suggests and therapists. felt their needs as a same gender couple Education. Established in 1985 as part we divide the recommendations into three had not been sufficiently understood. of the lesbian and gay centre, PACE was categories: To end… Do Member Institutes want Simultaneously, the heteronormative formed by a group of volunteers to provide • Those we must do now (regulatory) further information or support in nature of some aspects of psychoanalytic counselling support to lesbians and • Those we will do because it is the order to consider putting some of these couple theories was being reconsidered gay men who faced discrimination and right thing recommendations in place? And what and explored by some of TCCR’s staff homophobia. Since 1985 PACE’s services • Those we will do when we are ready clarifications, if any, are needed? members. There were renewed and have continually developed to encompass concerted efforts to think about and work with lesbian, gay and bisexual Above all we need to bear in mind that make use of psychoanalytic theories and women, gay and bisexual men, trans when change is in the air there will be Maggie Murray is a psychoanalytic therapeutic technique, of both the couple people, and those exploring their sexual conflict. The BPC and the task groups are psychotherapist. She was a member relationship and sexuality more widely, in or gender identities. PACE provides an not about bullying or shaming individuals of the homosexuality task group and, order that clinicians would become better impressive range of high quality trainings into agreeing with what they don’t accept. until December 2014, was Chair of the able to understand the needs of sexual and consultation to organisations There needs to be plenty of room for other Foundation for Psychotherapy and minority couples approaching TCCR for including healthcare settings, charities, views to be heard. We want thoughtful, Counselling. relationship therapy. statutory services across the lifespan, and in-depth discussion that can engage large corporations. hearts and minds. TCCR’s own journey of development is ongoing, and for the past four and a half Continues over the page 8 NEW ASSOCIATIONS ISSUE 17 SPRING 2 0 1 5

thought experiment using the following still much more to do in order to make table (below) as a guide. This table psychoanalytic trainings and therapeutic CONSCIOUS COMPETENCY THEORY identifies various aspects which could services fully inclusive to sexual (ATTRIBUTED TO W. LEWIS ROBINSON) be useful to consider in terms of LGBT minorities, alongside the need to use and inclusivity, and reflects some of the issues develop both classical and contemporary 1. Unconscious incompetence 2. Conscious incompetence “taking up the which were explored by PACE in their psychoanalytic theories of sexualities in “unaware of blind spots” gauntlet” consultation to TCCR. Implicit within clinical work this is the idea that support, both within I am not aware there is a problem or the I realise the difficulties, lack of awareness one’s organisation as well as from the issue is important and how much there is to learn BPC, is necessary in order to effect real Leezah Hertzmann is senior couple change in this area. The task group set psychoanalytic psychotherapist working up to look at sexual orientations has made at the Tavistock Centre for Couple some recommendations which hopefully Relationships (TCCR) and a couple and will support MIs to evaluate their own individual psychoanalytic psychotherapist practices and to develop greater inclusivity in private practice. She is Head of TCCR’s 4. Unconscious competence “second 3. Conscious competence “working on it” for LGBT people. Parents in Dispute Programmes and with nature” I can address the issues but still need to colleagues at the Anna Freud Centre/ Finally, TCCR would like to join with I don’t even really have to try, it’s focus in doing so, and be mindful of my UCL developed a Mentalization based automatic and second nature to me blind spots other psychoanalytic organisations who intervention for parents in entrenched are making changes, or intending to conflict over their children. Leezah has a 10 do so in the area of LGBT inclusivity. particular interest in the difficulties faced TCCR regards this work as a journey by lesbian and gay couples and has taught begun and which is continuing, rather and published in this area. than something arrived at. There is In 2011 PACE was awarded a grant by the PACE staff made recommendations Department for Education to work with about aspects of TCCR’s work and where mainstream relationship support services improvements and changes could be made across England to ensure that the support to be more LGBT inclusive. For instance, available to LGBT people is high quality they looked at the TCCR website and and inclusive. PACE developed a charter found that whilst there were images of mark called eQuality. This is a process by same gender couples which were positive which services can measure how LGBT and inclusive, the photos of lesbian couples inclusive their organisation is. Alongside showed them looking more miserable the charter mark, PACE published the than the other images of couples. They HOMOSEXUALITY Where my MI is Ideas about what What support eQuality Almanac which was launched looked at the language used on the TASK GROUP now in relation to my MI needs to does my MI need in April 2013 (www.pacehealth.org.uk/ website and TCCR written materials, 29 November LGBT? do from the BPC? resources/publications). It details the intake questionnaires and measures, 2014 work of the eQuality project and both accessibility of training, training 1. Organisational the achievements and challenges of the curricula and much more besides. Their Systems and organisations who have worked towards recommendations for change and the support: the Charter Mark Award. The framework rationale behind these ideas were clearly • Policies and PACE uses to assess organisations is an laid out and were seriously considered. procedures – adaptation of ‘Conscious Competency There were some recommendations are they LGBT Theory’ widely attributed to W. Lewis where it was decided by senior staff that inclusive Robinson. these ideas would not work for us as an 2. Organisational organisation and this was something Setting: This quote from the eQuality Almanac which was discussed and thought about • First impressions summarises the spirit of the way in which in great detail. At the end of the process, • Accessibility, PACE undertake consultations informed TCCR was awarded a Silver Charter Mark visibility & by this framework: Award which is now on display in our inclusivity e.g. Initial assessments of organisations waiting room. website and show that whilst excellent services pictures in the are being offered to clients, ‘blind The consultation with PACE and the environment spots’ (unconscious incompetence) consequent changes made have resulted 3. Training and in understanding mean that staff in a number of important benefits for CPD: and volunteers can be unconfident the organisation. Firstly, there has been • Selection and and unsure of how to offer the best a significant increase in LGBT couples assessment of service to LGBT clients. Unwittingly, approaching TCCR for therapy across candidates/trainees negative assumptions and behaviours the range of services we offer. There has • Curricula impact, sometimes at high cost, on also been some increase in trainees from • Training cases LGBT clients. Once organisations the LGBT community. Secondly, there • Supervisor and gain a more detailed understanding is a more lively and open dialogue about teacher experience of the potential issues, such as psychoanalytic theory, clinical practice and awareness in heteronormativity (society being and technique within the organisation this area heterosexually focussed) through and amongst trainees. Thirdly, there has • CPD in this area training and discussion, they begin to been a great deal of interest in TCCR’s 4. Quality: gain the competence and confidence recent conferences and study days on • How to assess and needed to identify what might attract sexuality with events being sold out, monitor/audit the or put LGBT clients off. which perhaps reflects demand within above the psychoanalytic community for • How much PACE staff looked at all aspects of TCCR CPD and training in this area. Lastly, genuine buy-in, as an organisation and approached the it has facilitated collaboration with changing hearts consultation in a state of mind which other therapeutic organisations seeking and minds, is there, was open and facilitative. There was to develop their work with the LGBT rather than tacit no haranguing or pressure for political community. agreement? correctness and they met us where we • Openness were as an organisation. As part of the presentation at the Strategy to external Day we asked people to undertake a consultation? NEW ASSOCIATIONS ISSUE 17 SPRING 2 0 1 5 9

supervision, learning techniques of than strengthen a black/white mode of Featured Issue listening and responding – broad themes thinking. This is just to split off anxiety designed to lay the foundations. The and to communicate that difficulties papers were fascinating, and although with sexuality reside exclusively in they did contain often the prejudices homosexuals, just as racial problems of their times this was acknowledged are the sole reserve of non-whites. by seminar leaders, and students were Homosexuality belongs to everyone A gay trainee encouraged to look beyond this – fair regardless of who they love or how they enough. identify themselves. We have all had a homosexual thought in our lives and if we Anonymous Year two and the first seminar on can’t connect with that thought, how can the subject of Sexuality is scheduled. we hope to work in the transference with Interesting? Yes. Challenging? Yes. another? ‘Perversion’ as the predominant theme? ’VE BEEN ASKED to write some This ensures transparency so that as little Er… Yes. That didn’t exactly hit the Sexuality is also not confined to nice neat thoughts as a gay man on my bias or prejudice can enter the process right note. The first time homosexuality areas of our lives. My homosexuality is training as a psychotherapist in as possible. Why was I being asked to is mentioned overtly and it’s presented in my childhood, it’s in my ambitions and one of the BPC’s Member disclose my sexuality in this way? Sure, as pathological. I’m told at the time dreams, in my significant relationships, in Institutions.I Why, you might ask? Well, everyone filled in the same form so ‘Perversion’ isn’t meant with the my hobbies and interests, it’s in my body, perhaps in telling my story that will everyone is equal – right? Well that’s fine judgemental connotations it has acquired my mind, my soul, it’s in my whole life become clear. This type of training isn’t if we live in an equal world… these days but that is beside the point. and I don’t think I’m unique – I think easy – nor should it be. It should and it Perverse as a description of sexuality is that whatever you call yourself, whoever did make me examine who I am, to think Replies followed to my enquiries, but a negative term with which to describe you love that is true of you too. So if about the phantasies and realities of I’d decided where I wanted to go, so sexual behaviour, and blindly using it that is true then Sexuality should be in myself, and that has at times been painful. accepted the offer of an interview. The knowing this is obviously going to be every seminar – in whatever form or The school I trained with was excellent in interviewing therapist was very nice, misunderstood risks taking the discussion manifestation is relevant at the time but so many ways – academically and friendly, welcoming, but she wanted into territory loaded with moral it’s not and I ask why? If we split it off in clinically top notch, sympathetic and to know if I thought my sexuality judgements. Gay used to mean happy and the classroom then how can we hope to boundaried in its pastoral care and in had caused me any problems. ‘Okay,’ I carefree, but I think we all know that integrate it appropriately in our clinical every sense the ‘Transferential Mother’ to thought… She asked how my parents had saying ‘I’m gay’ will not be understood work? us trainees! reacted when I had come out or did they that way anymore. This point was robustly even know? Did I have a partner, and as made by other trainees but the following As a gay trainee, my sexuality and how I didn’t, why did I think that was – was year I was sad to hear exactly the same ‘Sexuality is not that aspect of myself manifests in my I struggling to accept myself? At the reading and discussion was had again confined to nice personality was of intense interest to time, I tried to answer her as honestly with the new group of trainees. Why had me. Maybe as a straight, gay, bi, trans, as I could – after all I was training to be nothing been changed? Is feedback about neat areas of metro, pan, poly or ‘a’ sexual person it a psychotherapist and I wasn’t going to the potentially offensive impact of certain our lives.’ is of interest to you too? I hoped for an learn much if I refused to answer. At the papers not valued? A psychodynamic opportunity to explore and be challenged time I thought nothing of her questions; institution should know better. The during training about what ‘gay’ means. after all she wasn’t the first to make Seminar leader, apparently endorsed by Year four and we had four seminars on What sort of unique insights could this sort of reading of my sexuality. She the MI, knowingly presented homophobic different aspects of sexuality, including psychoanalysis, past and present, offer? was also in a powerful position, so the material and did nothing to address for the first time ideas about female I’m sad to say ‘I’m still waiting’. In fact idea of challenging her assumptions the concerns of the trainees exposed to sexuality – yes, only now were half the I have to go further than that. Prejudice would surely have ruined my chances it. Homosexuality is not ‘perverse’ or population even given a role in sexuality! is sometimes overt, obvious, in your face, of being accepted. I wonder now if she ‘pathological’ and, whilst it would be A broad range of reading from a variety but it’s also covert and insidious, and would have asked questions in this way wrong not to expose trainees to papers of sources, and a seminar leader willing as it saddened me to realise my training to all her other interviewees? Did the written when it was thought of this way, it they to share their own clinical experience institution was no different. MI who employed her ask her to pose is wrong to present this without adequate of working with real patients and their those questions? Did they check how she balance. Maybe you don’t agree with that sexual lives. Finally a bit of time to So what was my experience? Let’s start at conducted her interviews? The answer to and some in my group did not agree, but really get to grips with the complexity of the beginning. Applying for a variety of those three questions is probably no. I’m no time to explore such a divisive idea was sexuality. I remember one paper we were courses from different places meant firstly not advocating avoidance of potentially scheduled, as next week we move on to given looking at the idea of sexuality as filling in Application Forms. A variety of sensitive subjects but my interviewer the next ‘Mental Disorder’. a sort of line, and we all moved about on formats and questions but amongst other obviously ‘knew’ my homosexuality that line throughout our lives depending things, this form asked for my sexual was problematic and was determined Year three and a whole term of seminars on a variety of factors. What a fascinating orientation so I ticked the ‘homosexual’ to communicate that to me. That’s not (ten in total) dedicated to ‘Difference’, idea – a far cry from the binary opposite, box – but why was that important to acceptable, and what’s worse I don’t know including three on sexuality – some gay/straight, abnormal/normal model know? I’m wary of that question, and what was fed back to the MI as a result of historical papers, some more modern and we’re so used to. My group seemed to the very notion of placing myself in her questions, and so don’t know who else a lively debate where we finally had a be seized by this idea when we read it a ‘box’ has unpleasant connotations. If knew of and perhaps accepted her pre- chance to speak about sexuality honestly but was it discussed again? Were other it’s for Equal Opportunities judgements about me. and frankly. Six hours in four years where papers re-read challenging their binary monitoring then this we could air and challenge the prejudices assumptions based on this new idea – should be anonymised. Anyway, I was accepted for we all see on a daily basis, we could think what do you think? And that was it – final Interview selection, if training and began my about why sexuality and shame live so assessments and… Qualification! you’re following best studies. The first year close together, why gender and identity industry practice, is started with the basics are interwoven with who we love, how our I wonder what you think of my entirely anonymous – introducing the physical desires and needs connect with experience and my relating of it. I’d like with all biographical major theorists our psyches, how our infant experiences to know – really I would. I’d also like to information of the past, imprinted on our internal world find hear your story and to use that to inform removed before joining expression in our sexual desires. Fantastic me better about mine. So my answer to selection. clinical stuff. that question, ‘Why was I asked to write Why? this?’ It is simple. We all need to talk But why is this ringfenced? It might more. Talk about why we ask certain be a step forward from ignoring it questions of some but not others. Talk entirely but I don’t think it’s good about how we say something and what is enough to talk about difference as a ‘special subject’. In fact separating Continues over the page people into ‘boxes’ does nothing more 10 NEW ASSOCIATIONS ISSUE 17 SPRING 2 0 1 5

to co-exist. Some practitioners view LGB patients, as very little is known about Featured Issue homosexuality as psychopathology; others the current perspectives of psychoanalytic separate sexual orientation from mental practitioners on sexual orientation, despite disorder. Could there be a middle ground? the fact that psychoanalytic therapy is Where supported by robust clinical widely practiced in this country. data and empirical findings from other disciplines, could the contemporary, more The survey is intended as a purely fact- Pink on the affirmative psychoanalytic perspectives finding mission. I would urge all BPC be integrated with theoretical and clinical registrants and trainees to participate, and observations from the past? Could we to answer as honestly as possible. In order still salvage some perspectives from the for the survey findings to be meaningful, couch pathologisers of the past, if these (of I would encourage potential respondents course) contributed something valuable to to avoid giving what they may feel are our understanding of sexual orientation? ‘politically correct’ responses. It is not By Wayne Full my intention to use the survey findings to restrict anyone’s clinical practice, or ‘I would urge all to chastise. It is my hope that the survey It’s time to think about surveying the relationship between psychoanalysis to participate, findings will be the basis for identifying and homosexuality a middle ground and perhaps building a and to answer new, integrative psychoanalytic treatment as honestly as methodology for LGB patients. I will ON’T LET YOUR sexuality The picture was more complicated and reassure readers now that completion of put you off applying for nuanced than it had first appeared from possible.’ the survey will be completely anonymous, training.’ These were the my initial investigations. analysed independently of the BPC, closing words from a My MSc could not answer these questions and no individual identifying data will seniorD training therapist at a well-known Freud’s views are clearly inconsistent. and so, in 2014, I enrolled on the PhD be collected other than what you are BPC-affiliated psychoanalytic training In his earliest accounts, Freud describes in Psychoanalytic Studies at UCL to prepared to state. I am optimistic that institute. We’d been chatting informally homosexuality as a sexual deviation in explore this issue in more depth. As part you will participate in the survey and that for over an hour about my motivation for respect to the sexual object; proposes a of my PhD, I will this summer launch you’ll provide me with a healthy response wanting to become a psychoanalytic link with narcissistic identification; and a Practitioner Attitudes Survey on rate. In the meantime, I will continue psychotherapist, my educational identifies a connection with projective homosexuality in partnership with the my researches, and my desire to train as background, my family life, and my mechanisms. Moreover, Freud posits BPC. The aim of the survey is to identify a psychoanalytic practitioner remains interests. I’d been open about being a gay that a homosexual orientation is linked BPC members’ and trainees’ views, undiminished man throughout the meeting and my to difficulties arising during the Oedipal experiences and ways of working with interviewer had in no way indicated any phase of psychosexual development. Yet, Wayne’s biography can be found on page 5. homophobia. My interviewer was polite, in a 1935 letter to an American mother encouraging and engaged in everything I about her son, Freud is clear that he does had to say, and expressed a sincere not consider homosexuality to be an optimism that I would apply for training illness or an identity that could or should A gay trainee some time in the future. So, these final be changed. Nor did Freud agree with remarks were unexpected. I think they early proposals that homosexuals should continued from previous page were meant in a helpful way: to protect be excluded from psychoanalytic training. me perhaps, or at least to alert me that communicated unconsciously as a result. undermines trainees’ ability to respond to there might be trouble ahead. All the As Juliet Newbigin mentions in her lead Talk about what needs to change and why their patients’ needs. Maybe I’m asking same, I was taken aback. editorial, the dominant psychoanalytic we feel resistance to it. Talk with each for Utopia… great – let’s aim for that. position in the 1960s and 1970s was to other about all those anxieties, splits and As a teenager who had grown up in a condemn homosexuality as a mental projections we all possess so we can truly One small example: I read Freud’s ‘Three zealous, born-again evangelical Christian illness. Proponents of this viewpoint understand ourselves and our patients. essays’ at least five times on my course – household, where being gay excluded (Limentani; Ovesey; Socarides; Bieber; And while we talk we have to act too. why? Freud is incredible, but five times me from being a member of the church Bergler; Rado) tended to repudiate Freud’s incredible? Is anyone considering each and where I was reminded regularly that notion of a constitutional bisexuality and Our training institutions do an amazing, seminar’s reading holistically? How does being gay was an abomination, I was linked homosexuality with pathological complex and back-breaking job, as do each seminar, each paper even, fit into devastated to think that psychoanalysis identifications. These theorists and all psychotherapists if we are serving the overall training experience? This (a new type of saviour for me) might not practitioners advocated suggestive- our patients correctly, but the issues I may be difficult to achieve but what be accepting of my sexual orientation directive approaches that included am raising here have to be attended to. is communicated by this repetition is either. Some preliminary reading indeed educative measures; aversion therapy; and Institutions must actively promote and there is one way to think about sexuality confirmed psychoanalysis’ muddy history active attempts by the analyst to change encourage continual discussion and not because that is all that is offered. with homosexuality. What did this mean? or reduce the same-sex attraction of their just in split-off sections of their courses. Would I be allowed to train? Would my Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual (LGB) patients. This is about both cultural and structural Finally you might note this piece is training institute of choice accept me? change. Culture is important as so much anonymous – and I debated long and Would other psychoanalytic colleagues However, from the 1980s onwards, there is unconsciously communicated by how hard about that. How can I say I want view me as someone unwell? How would I is a marked increase in revisionist we say things and why we say them, not to hear your views if I won’t say who deal with this? narratives (Barden; Roughton; Shelby; to mention what’s communicated by I am? It’s a fair question. Ask yourself Phillips; Frommer; Drescher; Goldsmith; what we choose not to say. Understanding why I make this choice though. It’s fear. A new journey of intellectual self- Isay). These narratives articulate an and actively challenging the prejudices Fear of possible consequences for my discovery had been kick-started. I enrolled account of homosexuality as a natural of our cultures can only benefit us. career, repercussions based on prejudice on the MSc in Theoretical Psychoanalytic variant of human sexual development. Structure is vital as that sets the limits or even hostility from colleagues. You Studies at UCL with the intention of These theorists view suggestive-directive and boundaries around us – ensuring might doubt that this would happen, but using my dissertation as an opportunity approaches as a deviation from the equality is endlessly pursued even when I know from others that even in 2015 to examine the relationship between traditional non-directive neutrality of we would rather not have to think about discrimination is alive and kicking, and I psychoanalysis and homosexuality in psychoanalytic treatment and do not it. Institutions must examine why, when have to be conscious of that. I have a role detail. As I perused the literature, it view homosexuality as an indicator of and how they ask about disclosure of in tackling the fear, but if you don’t think gradually became apparent to me that psychopathology. an individual’s differences. They must you have a role too in tackling the overt rather than being outrightly hostile monitor and challenge their staff to and covert examples of prejudice helping to homosexuality (though there were So, does psychoanalysis have a unified ensure assumptions and bias are explored to perpetuate that fear, then I guess pockets of hostility), psychoanalysis had theory of homosexuality? From my MSc and challenged. They must acknowledge ‘homosexuality’ in the end doesn’t belong adopted a strikingly ambivalent stance. researches, two distinct positions seem how absent sex and sexuality is from to all of us after all the discussion at present and how this NEW ASSOCIATIONS ISSUE 17 SPRING 2 0 1 5 11

Editorial Diversity: working towards a shared goal

By Gary Fereday

This edition of New Associations, with best work with our member institutions work in this area. But it appears that all Whilst none of the authors speak of its focus on sexualities, is an important and registrants. Some, including the is not well and this is reflected in the explicit discrimination, it is clearly one. As a number of the authors point sexualities group, have been reformed article by the gay registrant recalling their felt to be an issue, yet an issue that is out, our profession is one that is rather with new roles as standing advisory groups admission and training. That they asked difficult to write about or pinpoint with too homogenous. Diversity, or at least the to continue to support the BPC in our to remain anonymous must surely send us any clarity. This difficulty to locate and lack of diversity, is something we need work. the strongest of signals. name it is part of the problem and is why to consider and address as a matter of the BPC will continue to work with our importance and urgency. The new vision for the profession that the Of course the BPC and our member member institutions towards our shared BPC recently developed aspires to develop institutions do not operate in a vacuum goal of services being delivered by a The BPC is taking up this issue and a profession that provides ‘a broad range and we must all operate within the profession that reflects the full diversity of we were delighted that the task group of psychoanalytically informed clinical wider legal framework of the country. contemporary society looking at sexualities developed such services that respond to the needs of all Just over four years ago the Equality Act a comprehensive range of ideas and sections of society regardless of race, came into force. The Act brings together recommendations for us to consider. These culture, sexual orientation or class and over 100 existing pieces of legislation Gary Fereday is Chief Executive of the BPC. recommendations are explored by Juliet delivered by a profession that reflects the into one single Act to provide a clearer Newbigin, the chair of group, in her diversity of contemporary society.’ The legal framework to protect the rights lead article. The task group’s invaluable articles in this edition of New Associations of individuals, advance equality of work and commitment is representative take us into the heart of that debate. opportunity for all, and protect individuals of so many in our profession who are from unfair treatment. The Act states that looking to help ensure we remain relevant There is some excellent work going training institutions must not discriminate to contemporary society. Most of our on and many member institutions are against a person in the arrangements tasks groups have now completed their actively engaging in this debate, running made for deciding who is offered initial briefs and we are considering seminars and training and others being admission as a student or in the terms on their proposals to see how we might audited by external bodies around their which they offer to admit the person as a student.

Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy NOW Saturday 6 June 2015 Holiday Inn London Kensington

A day of thought-provoking presentations, workshops and debates on innovations in psychoanalytic psychotherapy. The 2015 overarching themes are Poverty, Trauma and Conflict; with the sessions and presentations debating and showcasing the possible impact psychoanalytic and psychodynamic thinking can bring to better understand some of the major social issues affecting our society today, and what the profession can potentially bring to support these key modern agendas.

Keynote presentation by Professor Vamik D. Volkan

Plus: Special public lecture on Friday 5 June, 7-9pm

Competition and Capitalism: The Psychological and Societal impacts Keynote lecture by George Monbiot

Programme details and booking online at www.bpc.org.uk

Hosted by the British Psychoanalytic Council