Depressive Personality Styles: an In-Depth Discussion

Depressive Personality Styles: an In-Depth Discussion

Kathryn Levison, BA

One of the most widely studied personality styles, no discourse on a depressive personality’s approach to coping with life can be all-inclusive. Even author and psychoanalyst Nancy McWilliams wrote twice as much on depression as all the other chapters in her reference text, Psychoanalytic diagnosis. Therefore, while this writing is packed with information, the data on depression can be daunting. Still, Kathryn Levison strives to present the most apropos data along with plenty of resources and references for further exploration of depression and depressive personalities.

The Surprising Root of Manic Character Patterns

The Surprising Root of Manic Character Patterns

Kathryn Levison, BA

How can an upbeat person have a gloomy undercurrent to their otherwise personable nature? Why would someone who’s “always happy and productive” suddenly turn irritable but then shift back to their usual cheerful self? And who wouldn’t feel steamrollered and sad when someone or something dear to their heart is suddenly and unexpectedly stripped away? Drawing on psychoanalyst Nancy McWilliams’ theories, two classic concepts from Freud and Jung, and her own personal experiences, Kathryn Levison offers an answer that is both surprising and surprisingly logical.

Unmasking Masochistic Self-Defeat

Unmasking Masochistic Self-Defeat

Kathryn Levison, BA

People who seem to be their own worst enemies — whose histories are riddled with actions and decisions clearly antithetical to their well-being — can confound even the most skilled clinician. But while theories on its origin abound, one thing is crystal clear: masochistic self-defeat is a learned behavior. Follow along as Kathryn Levison presents insights, information, and her own personal experience that, with psychoanalytic psychotherapy, any learned behavior — even the most self-damaging — can be un-learned.

Demystifying Dissociation

Demystifying Dissociation

Kathryn Levison, BA

Using Dr. Nancy McWilliams’ text Psychoanalytic Diagnosis as a springboard, Kathryn Levison offers insights into the history of and advances in the treatment of dissociation, the role of neuroscience in explaining the physiological roots of memory impairment, and presents psychoanalytic psychotherapy as the best possible option for healing disconcerting symptoms and finding balance for those who find dissociation to be a helpful tool for managing the stresses of life and relationships.

SEMINAR: Examining the Emotional Legacy of Systemic Racism

SEMINAR: Examining the Emotional Legacy of Systemic Racism

NOVEMBER 6, 2021 | 10am CST

This live supervision seminar was presented in partnership with The Kedzie Center. This online seminar provided a live view of how two psychoanalysts from two different countries and with different racial identities think and learn about race in the clinical setting. This discussion between Dionne Powell, a Black American clinician, and Amanda Kottler, a White South African Clinician was moderated by Huey Hawkins, Jr., a Black American clinician from St. Louis.

SEMINAR: The Individuated ‘Dividual’ or What is Culture Good For?

SEMINAR: The Individuated ‘Dividual’ or What is Culture Good For?

JUNE 4, 2021 | 6:00–7:30pm CST

Depth Counseling’s first live supervision seminar was presented in partnership with the Society of Fellows in the Liberal Arts at the University of Chicago, and Yellowbrick Consultation and Treatment Center as part of the 2021 Weissbourd Dialogues. This seminar explored the emotional world of a first-generation Indian American as he struggles with cultural expectations of personhood that differ from the normative American conceptions of individuality. Case presented by Sean M. Dowdy, PhD, with clinical supervision by Usha Tummala-Narra, PhD.

Rethinking Social Media: Insights from Dr. Maria Mastronardi

Rethinking Social Media: Insights from Dr. Maria Mastronardi

Dr. Maria Mastronardi, PhD LPC, is a licensed therapist and a professor of communication studies. Her research and teaching focus on social media use, relationship issues, trauma, and gender. Dr. Mastronardi offered some of her insights about how social media can both contribute to and alleviate mental distress for those who may be interested in seeking help.