"But what do I say to the patient?" - The challenges of moving beyond heteronormativity in clinical practice

It is now widely recognised that traditional psychoanalytic theory and practice which previously failed to recognise its own heteronormativity and homophobia, was terribly damaging. However, attempts to reappraise the assumptions that are embedded in classical psychoanalytic ideas, about the developmental paths by which an individual becomes aware of their gender and sexual orientation, can leave psychotherapists feeling rudderless. A psychoanalytic understanding of the couple relationship in the Tavistock tradition, based on a model of heteronormative relationships, presents particular challenges for clinicians working with couples whose sexual and gender identity does not ‘conform’ to the ‘norm.’ Feeling that we can no longer entirely trust our own theoretical formulations, alongside the pressure for political correctness, can shut down thinking, leading to a climate where uncertainties are silenced and authentic discussions avoided. In this talk, Leezah Hertzmann will examine what “moving beyond heteronormativity” means for our work with couples. Clinical examples will be presented and there will be opportunities for questions and discussions.  

Leezah Hertzmann is a senior couple and individual psychoanalytic psychotherapist at the Tavistock and Portman NHS Foundation Trust (London, UK) and in private practice. She has a career-long interest in psychoanalytic theory and technique with LGBTQ+ individuals and couples and is a member of the British Psychoanalytic Council’s special advisory group on sexual and gender diversity. Leezah was the recipient of two British Psychoanalytic Council awards: one in 2015, for innovation in relation to her work with couples in dysregulated/violent relationships (2015) and the second (2019), for developing and influencing psychoanalytic institutions toward a more inclusive sexual and gender-diversity culture. Leezah teaches and publishes widely

CPD Points will be applied for.

Once signed up you will receive, via email, two readings and a case study that will provide context and it is suggested to read prior to the workshop