Paper Session C
7. The Jewish Art of Midrash:
Healing Trauma in the Mythological Realm
Presenters: |
Ann Eisenstein, CSW
|
Discussant: |
Shelley R. Doctors, PhD |
Self Psychology Page | 23rd Conference Program
Overview
The authors of biblical legends elaborated upon and thereby altered biblical stories that were confusing or ethically disturbing. In similar fashion, therapeutic relationships may, in that same timeless realm of transitional space, construct new "stories" to rework and redress patients’ original experiences of trauma. Just as studying sacred text traditionally occurs in pairs between learning partners, psychoanalytic work occurs in the co-constructed, intersubjective unit of the analyst/patient. In this paper, Kathryn and Ann–patient and analyst, respectively–discuss their 10-year analysis and demonstrate their process of "rewriting," and experiencing together, Kathryn’s pivotal childhood trauma. By incorporating Ann into a new vision–or Midrash–of her traumatic "story," Kathryn was able to internalize essential witnessing and holding selfobject functions. Ann and Kathy have each written in her own voice, demonstrating how each one’s subjectivity informs her understanding of the other’s. This format also provides an account of mutual influence–and mutual healing–from the perspective of both parties. The paper concludes with reflections on the spiritual implications of this transformative experience for both of them.