Moving Toward a Theory of Difference with Alice Maher, MD
Psychoanalysis transitioned from a one-person Freudian model to a two-person relational model. The toxic polarization in our country and our world is deepening, and existing analytic models seem ineffective in addressing it. This is the time for a transition to a three-dimensional model, a model of difference rather than pathology, a model that includes the dynamic complexity presented by our sociopolitical world. This paper includes a theoretical model and a potential methodology. For example, a person who sees, in bold relief, the evil perpetrated by Hamas and empathizes with the behavior of Israel has a different psychological constellation from a person who focuses on the actions of Israel toward the people of Gaza. Because the mental health field focuses on pathological symptoms and diagnoses, we tend to weaponize our insights about human nature and throw ineffective interpretations at one another. This only serves to deepen the toxic divide. The same problem exists between people who support Trump and people who do not. It’s impossible for them, including analysts and academics, to communicate effectively.
A new model invites participants to reach across divides of difference with curiosity and empathy rather than critiques and labels. The author has been developing multiple pilot projects designed to test this paradigm and develop theories and techniques. She developed emotional literacy curricula for middle and high school students, and she is presently working with students at a community college. She brought together a group of analysts who meet regularly to discuss their religious and political differences on Zoom. The meetings are recorded and posted on YouTube, with the audience representing the third dimension in a model that brings together different but equal individuals. She is also developing an app, a safe space to meet and struggle with differences, using AI as support.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
After attending the program in its entirety, attendees will be able to:
- Identify the one-person Freudian model, the two-person relational model, and the transitions between one model and another.
- Describe external conflicts between people with ideological differences and imagine new approaches.
PRESENTER
Alice Lombardo Maher, MD, is a psychiatrist and psychoanalyst in full-time private practice in NYC. She trained at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine and the Institute now known as PANY. In recent years, she has been working to transfer what she knows about individual dynamics to the world stage, with the goal of developing a theory and methodology to facilitate dialogue across vast human divides. She has a non-profit organization dedicated to this goal. She co-created two mental health documentaries, designed and co-taught an emotional literacy curriculum for middle and high school students, and she is now co-teaching a similar curriculum at a community college. She is developing online dialogue projects, including one with APsA members, under the name Waging Dialogue. Her book, Catalysis: A Recipe to Slow Down or Abort Humankind’s Leap to War, was published in 2018. She is also working on the development of an app to facilitate dialogue between and among people with ideological differences.
REFERENCES
Maher, Alice Lombardo. Catalysis: A Recipe to Slow Down or Abort Humankind’s Leap to War. IPBooks, 2018.
Sheehi, Lara, and Stephen Sheehi. Psychoanalysis under Occupation: Practicing Resistance in Palestine. Routledge, 2021.
Volkan, Vamik D., and Kevin Volkan. Human Aggression, War and Genocide: The Psychological Roots of Violence. Pitchstone Publishing, 2025.
DISCLOSURES
Division 39 is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. Division 39 maintains responsibility for this program and its content. Austin Psychoanalytic is approved by the Texas State Board of Social Workers Examiners (Provider # 5501) to provide continuing education for social workers and the Texas State Board of Examiners of Marriage and Family Therapists (Provider #1138). We also meet the requirements to provide continuing education for the Texas State Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors. This program, when attended in its entirety, is available for 1.5 continuing education credits. Division 39 is committed to accessibility and non-discrimination in its continuing education activities. Division 39 is also committed to conducting all activities in conformity with the American Psychological Association’s Ethical Principles for Psychologists. Participants are asked to be aware of the need for privacy and confidentiality throughout the program. If program content becomes stressful, participants are encouraged to process these feelings during discussion periods. If participants have special needs, we will attempt to accommodate them. Please address questions, concerns and any complaints to info@austinpsychoanalytic.org. There is no commercial support for this program nor are there any relationships between the CE Sponsor, presenting organization, presenter, program content, research, grants, or other funding that could reasonably be construed as conflicts of interest. Participants will be informed of the utility/validity of the content/approach discussed (including the basis for the statements about validity/utility), as well as the limitations of the approach and most common (and severe) risks, if any, associated with the program’s content.