Thoroughly Unprepared Lecture

In her paper, Elizabeth examines life transitions through middle age, the so-called mid-life crisis, and into older age. She explores the developmental process and psychic work that we and our patients face when confronted by these transitions. Among other things, she considers defences that might have previously protected us from unconscious, deep-seated, perhaps unwanted aspects of ourselves that can be challenged by transitions. She discusses how working on these can potentially free up the development of new, more ego-syntonic identities at any stage of life. Elizabeth draws attention to the psychic situation of elder therapists, and possibly others in the helping professions, as they begin to contemplate retirement. In her paper, Elizabeth particularly draws on the work of the Jungian Analyst, Dr. Murry Stein. However, the breadth of her paper and the model she brings for discussion will appeal to both Jungian Analysts and Psychoanalytic/Psychodynamic Psychotherapists.