Psychoanalysis Behind the Screen: Personal Reflections

Featuring Alessandra Lemma

Framing the Frame (Part 3)

Saturday, December 2, 2023 – 10 am to 12 noon on Zoom

Abstract from Dr. Lemma
In this talk I will share some personal reflections about the experience of
working remotely. I will highlight the challenges and opportunities of the online
medium with a focus on the ethics of working in virtual settings and of so-called 
‘hybrid’ models of working. In particular, I will address the implications of online
work for the ’embodied setting’ and for the somatic countertransference. I
will share some thoughts about why despite some of its limitations online
therapy can work effectively, at least for some patients.  To this end I will
outline a schematic model that aims to capture what I think I do with my
patients when I work online, focusing on the challenge of ‘presence’ and the
importance of ‘relevance’. I will illustrate this with a clinical vignette.

Alessandra Lemma, Fellow of the British Psychoanalytic Society and Chartered Clinical
Psychologist, is a Visiting Professor in the Psychoanalysis Unit, University College London and
Consultant, Anna Freud Centre and Visiting Professor, Centro Winnicott, Rome. For 16 years she
worked at the Tavistock Clinic where she was, at different stages, Head of Psychology and
Professor of Psychological Therapies in conjunction with Essex University. She was a recipient of
the 2022 Sigourney Award in recognition of her theoretical and clinical contributions to
understanding body modification practices, the impacts of technology on psychic functioning
and transgender identities as well as for her efforts in developing and disseminating worldwide
a brief psychoanalytic intervention for mood disorders. She is the former General Editor of the
New Library of Psychoanalysis book series and is the current Chair of the International Journal of
Psychoanalysis’ Management Board. She has published 12 sole authored books and edited
many others. Her most recent books are Transgender Identities; A Contemporary
Introduction (Routledge, 2021) and First Principles: Applied Ethics for Psychoanalytic
Practice (OUP, 2023).

Register here:
Fee: $60 for members and fellows

2 CE credits

Learning Objectives:
After attending the session, participants should be able to
1. cite two ethical considerations involved in conducting online treatment.
2. cite two examples of implications for the embodied setting in psychoanalytic work.

This event is part 3 of Framing the Frame, a three-part series offered by the Professional
Development Committee to help us develop a deeper understanding of issues surrounding in-
person vs. virtual treatment. Our three speakers offer different emphases and viewpoints.

Professional Development Committee: Judith Hanlon, Chair; Carolyn Ellman, Susan Finkelstein, Judith
Lasky, Matthew von Unwerth

2 CE credits will be granted to participants who have registered, have documented evidence of attendance of the entire program and have completed the on-line evaluation form. Upon completion of the evaluation form a Certificate of Completion will be emailed to all participants who comply with these requirements

The Institute for Psychoanalytic Training and Research (1651 3rd Ave, Suite 205, NY, NY 10128) is recognized by the New York State Education Department’s State Board for Psychology as an approved provider of continuing education for Licensed Psychologists (#PSY-0026), and the State Board for Social Work as an approved provider of continuing education for Licensed Social Workers (#SW-0226) and the State Board for Mental Health Practitioners as an approved provider of continuing education for Licensed Psychoanalysts (#P-0011), Licensed Creative Arts Therapists (#CAT-0037) and Licensed Mental Health Counselors (#MHC-0112). This certificate is not applicable to any other New York State profession.