“Blooming in December” Presented by Dr. Amy Schaffer, Ph.D.

Although our field has largely neglected this population, psychodynamic treatment of older adults can be extremely effective—in many cases not only relieving suffering but leading to striking psychological change and more fulfilling lives. The assaults, losses, and indignities accompanying older age are many and may exacerbate old relational conflicts, revive early trauma, and erode the sense of self. The resulting destabilization may cause misery but, in the context of therapy, it presents opportunity. Dr. Schaffer will discuss aspects of aging, including current and revived trauma, later-life disruptions to self-experience, the impact of ageism, and existential concerns. The focus will be on the way psychodynamic treatment can address these issues. Challenges to the clinician will also be addressed.

Dr. Amy Schaffer, Ph.D., is the author of Blooming in December: Psychodynamic Psychotherapy with Older Adults, published in the Routledge series, Psychoanalysis in a New Key. She received her certification in psychoanalysis and psychoanalytic psychotherapy from the Institute for Contemporary Psychotherapy, where she is on the faculty, acts as a supervisor, and is the founder and former director of the Two-year Training Program in Psychodynamic Psychotherapy. She has served as faculty and supervisor at the Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy Study Center and is currently the President-Elect of the New York State Psychological Association’s Division of Adult Development and Aging. Her background also includes psychodrama, psychological research, and college teaching. She has worked clinically with older adults for more than 40 years.