Written by Anne O’Connor
As a profession, psychotherapy can be a lonely endeavor. We’re with people all day, but the work requires us to be focused, available, and attentive to others. There is exchange, of course, but our work is to be there for our clients.
For me, gathering with others is always rejuvenating and inspiring. So, I was thrilled to finally be able to attend the Psychotherapy Networker Symposium in March. Over four days in Washington D.C. more than 5,000 psychotherapists and colleagues in the mental health field gathered to renew our commitment to our training, to foster our camaraderie, and to return to our clients renewed.
I’ve been learning from some of the presenters for many years, reading their books, taking their online trainings. Being with them in person was rewarding and instructive.
I got to thank Janina Fisher for her work on trauma and how it shows up in my own work. I listened to Arielle Schwartz as she walked us through a video of a client session and how she conceptualized the session. One evening, the therapist from the show Couples Therapy, Orna Guralnik, joined us and from the stage and talked about one of the couples from the show. I didn’t know the show before this time, but people were so excited to see her and the energy was contagious. By the end of the evening, I understood the excitement.
Dr. Guralnik showed us a moment where she got stuck and how she figured out the way forward with a couple. It was fascinating.
It’s inspiring and energizing to have rooms full of engaged therapists to talk about what you’re learning in real time. I made some new friends, and continue to be in touch.
One thing that brightened my heart was how much support our fellow therapists showed Minnesota after months of occupation and brutal force by the federal ICE and Homeland Security agents. Every time I said I was from Minneapolis, people were cheering us on.
I went to a lunch presentation by Bessel van der Kolk, author of The Body Keeps the Score, a leading book about trauma and its impacts.
In his talk, Dr. van der Kolk shared how frustrated and despairing he is as he watches what is happening in the current administration. He pointed to many areas of concern, including Gaza and Minnesota. Then he did something controversial and surprising: he ended his talk early and handed the conversation over to the room of hundreds of therapists, asking them what they’re doing in the face of these challenges.
Many therapists were upset—one implored Dr. van der Kolk to get back up on the stage and tell us that there is hope. Others accused him of using a decidedly not trauma-informed way to bring these difficult subjects to light. Others defended the good work that is being done all over the country. It was a bit raucous and a great conversation.
I also raised my hand and responded to what was happening in the room. You can see my remarks here. I have permission to show my remarks, but not his response. He replied that Minneapolis is demonstrating a strong path forward in the face of deep hardship.
And yes, we are. I loved this part of the conference—it was great to hear from so many therapists in the room. I told one of the organizers of the conference—the affable, smart and seemingly indefatigable Livia Kent—that maybe an open forum after a rousing slide deck should be on the agenda on purpose.
Next year, the Psychotherapy Networker is celebrating 50 years of the Symposium. I’ve already got my ticket and I’m already excited. Maybe I’ll see you there.
