The College of Pastoral Supervision & Psychotherapy is a theologically based covenant community, dedicated to "recovery of the soul" and promoting competency in the clinical pastoral field.
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Once again, this fall’s National Clinical Training Seminar has proven to be an enlightening educational tool and challenged our own awareness experiences. The Rev. Dr. David Franzen talked boldly about recognizing the person within ourselves, our patient and intern. To question and seek - “Who is in there?” What were the childhood experiences that formed this reflection?
Using the research and teachings of social scientist, John Bowlby (circa 1960), we were led on an exploration into the relational dynamics of “Attachment vs. Detachment” behavior. Bowlby recognized the necessary instinctual goal of ‘attachment’ behavior in the formative stages of development as the drive to achieve proximity and approval of the significant loved person (mother). Failure at this, causes a detachment anxiety which arrests normal emotional maturity forcing a ‘detachment’ that can persist a lifetime. Recognize these possibilities in anyone?
Our colleagues recognized the similarities in our own CPE interns with open discussion of successes and faux pas in this process. All agreed that teaching interns/students the simple art of saying hello and a process of saying goodbye could stave off the separation anxiety often witnessed in group. Dr. Franzen also emphasized, through the Crisis Intervention Theory, that responsible pastoral care is critical for healthy coping and restoration; acknowledging the patient’s increased susceptibility to change during crisis.
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The Tavistock session was lively and highlighted the CPSP commitment to exploring our differences as strengths. I now believe a Tavistock primer at the plenary would promote more effective focus to the assigned task.
Rev. Francine Angel’s commitment to education provided the 62 attendees with wisdom and networking opportunities. Needless to say, the resonance of ‘attachment vs. detachment’ led to many sidebar discussions and study group insights that will journey with each member - multiplying the viability of the CPSP vision.
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Linda Walsh is a member of the Washington Heights CPSP Chapter located in NYC.
Posted by Perry Miller, Editor at November 16, 2006 12:16 PM
