Personality and the Alchemy of Therapeutic Change with Nancy McWilliams, PhD

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Jul 27, 2022

In this enlightening discussion, Nancy McWilliams, a renowned psychoanalytic psychotherapist and author, shares her insights from over 50 years in the field. She distinguishes between complex and shock trauma, emphasizing individualized therapeutic techniques. Reflecting on her journey from political science to psychology, she unveils the importance of understanding personality in therapy. McWilliams critiques evidence-based treatments, advocating for a human-centered approach where therapists learn alongside their patients, and highlights the profound impact of trauma on relationships.

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INSIGHT

Individual Differences

Nancy McWilliams prioritizes understanding individual differences in personality, not just disorders.
Her therapeutic approach adapts to each person's unique story, including cultural background and experiences.

INSIGHT

Complex Trauma Definition

Complex trauma involves multiple, long-lasting sources that affect many life areas.
This differs from single-incident trauma, which may have more localized effects.

ADVICE

Trauma Definition

Reserve "trauma" for truly overwhelming experiences, not just stressful ones.
Trauma shatters expectations and fragments one's emotional system.

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Nancy McWilliams, PhD, is a pioneer in the field of psychoanalytic/psychodynamics. Her genuine curiosity for trying to understand and help people has led to a rich, 50-year career.

In this conversation, Nancy shares learnings from her research in the field of complex trauma and profound lessons from clients who have opened up their worlds to her.

Reflecting on the changing landscape of psychotherapeutic approaches, and her objections to the “so-called evidence-based treatments”, she highlights the humanity in the psychotherapeutic relationship: meeting the clients where they are. “You have to tolerate uncertainty and not knowing – a kind of moral equality with the patient, where we’re figuring it out together. I have to learn from you; I’m not here to apply something to you.”

About Nancy McWilliams:

Nancy McWilliams, PhD, is a renowned psychoanalytic psychotherapist, professor, and author. Nancy teaches psychoanalytic theory and therapy at the Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology at Rutgers--The State University of New Jersey. She is also a senior analyst with the Institute for Psychoanalysis and Psychotherapy of New Jersey and the National Psychological Association for Psychoanalysis. Nacy’s influential book, Psychoanalytic Diagnosis, is a response to the significant change of direction of the DSM IV and has become a standard text in many training programs for psychotherapists in the United States and abroad.

Learn More:

Nancy McWilliams, PhD, ABPP Psychoanalytic Diagnosis Text

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