My work

 

The major themes that have emerged in my career have included parenthood, issues of complex identity–particularly in relation to sexual and cultural identities–and the interface of clinical and qualitative research theories and epistemologies.

My involvement in a variety of mind-body practices has further broadened my professional perspective, as has my own complex cultural identity and experiences of ‘integration’ in a foreign culture.

In all of my work, I have always been strongly attuned to the interface of the psychological ‘inner world’ and the ‘outer world’ issues of culture, politics, and social justice.

The theme of complex identity reflects those elements of inner- and outer world ‘otherness’ present in all human experience. Indeed, shifting and increasingly complex identifications and changes in the sense of self, constitute core elements of psychotherapeutic change, contributing actively to the increase in potential space and transformation.

Theoretically, I have ‘traveled’ widely as well, with the bulk of my interests connected up to the domain of Relational Psychoanalysis, into which so many diverse strands are woven, from constructivism to critical theory, anthropology, and the latest infancy research, attachment and neuro-affective science. Along the way I explored many other domains including Jungian psychology, phenomenology and cognitive science.

My work with clients has ranged from incarcerated men to sexually abused children, families with complex problems, cross-cultural couples and individuals with complex sexual identities, as well as the whole gamut of other life experiences, depressions, anxieties and trauma.

I supervise and consult to professionals and agencies on wide range of topics including parenthood and professional work with parents, couples therapy, complex identity, sexualities, trauma, attachment and mentalization, organizational dynamics, Jungian typology (MBTI), and research methods.

I have taught and developed courses on these and other topics, and supervised academic research, at universities and postgraduate programs in England and the Netherlands.