M i n d
m a t t e r s
THE DENVER PSYCHOANALYTIC SOCIETY
invites you to attend the
2014-2015 PSYCHOANALYTIC LECTURE SERIES
"Altruism and Boundary Violation"
Presented by Beth J. Seelig, M.D.
Friday evening
March 20, 2015 at 7:00 p.m.
Montview Boulevard Presbyterian Church
1980 Dahlia Street
Denver, CO 80220
Altruism, defined by Seelig & Rosof (2001) as, "a range of both normal and pathological
behaviors that are consciously intended to, and actually may, benefit another," is characteristic of
most, if not all, analysts and therapists. The problematic initial presentation and the re-analysis of
a highly caring and altruistic therapist (Mrs. A) who is involved in an ongoing boundary violation
with a borderline patient is presented. Mrs. A's boundary violation, its meaning as an enactment
of the transference / countertransference between her and her patient, the transference / countertransference between Mrs. A and the author, and Mrs. A's traumatic early life history and prior
analysis are discussed.
Beth J. Seelig, M.D. is Clinical Professor, Dept. Psychiatry, Columbia University and is a
Training & Supervising Psychoanalyst at Columbia University Center for Psychoanalytic
Training & Research Professor. She is Professor Emerita, Emory University School of Medicine,
Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences and a past Director of the Emory University
Psychoanalytic Institute and the Emory Psychotherapy Training Program. She received her M.D.
from New York Medical College and completed her residency training in psychiatry at the New
York State Psychiatric Institute and Presbyterian Hospital and received her Certificate in
Psychoanalytic Medicine from Columbia University Center for Psychoanalytic Training and
Research. She has published on consultation in the course of psychoanalysis and psychotherapy,
altruism, sado-masochism, and female psychology. Dr. Seelig has won numerous teaching
awards, including APsaA’s Sabshin Award.
This meeting is offered free of charge as a service to the local mental health community and is open to all.
We embrace a policy of nondiscrimination in relation to gender, race, religion, national origin, and sexual
orientation.
For questions, please call the Society office at (303) 724-2666
Visit www.denverpsychoanalytic.org for other event information.