Dr. Joan White, Psya.D., MSW, Cert.Psya.
Contact Information
Personal Statement
I started working with underprivileged youth in NYC at a children’s theater and as a camp director which eventually led to my becoming a social worker. I soon realized that while my creativity and intuitive responses to children were helpful, they were not strong enough tools to manage the emotional demands required of me. I was introduced to modern psychoanalysis and found the concepts of transference, countertransference and resistance to be pragmatic and supportive personally and professionally. I was fortunate that when I moved to Boston so did modern psychoanalysis.
As an educator, I have been committed to introducing modern theory and technique to teachers through the school based program and developing collaborative conferences for educators.
Program Affiliation
Programs in Psychoanalysis and Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Research & Interests
My dissertation on psychic restructuring after catastrophic trauma has led to further study of trauma informed modalities. I became a certified teacher in QiGong and Tai Chi when my research led me to studies documenting the success of these evidence based modalities in treating trauma. They have also been shown to be efficacious in treating other emotional symptoms such as problems with focus, anxiety and depression.
Publications
White, J.(1985).The Chemistry of a Psychoanalysis.Mod Psychonanal.,10:199-215.
White, J(1997). Adolescent Conflicts. Mod. Psy...22: 175-179.
White, J.(2001).Adolescent Search for the First Object. Mod. Psy.93-97.