Getting Next To Ourselves Again

This presentation will explore the notion of double consciousness, a concept used to describe the experiences of African Americans.  One holds an internal image of self and, at the same time, holds an image of self projected by the ‘other.’  The presentation looks at the possibility that this dynamic exists in everyone, regardless of race or ethnicity. Described as intersubjectivity, it recognizes images of self hidden from consciousness that may be reflected back to us in the ‘other’s’ eyes. It posits that retrieving these images of self from the unconscious can lead to more internal stability and spaciousness. We may become more available for interracial conversations that are less encumbered and dissociated when we can hold competing ideas about ourselves, including the potential shadow elements that the ‘other’ holds of us.

This presentation is intended for those who have some working familiarity with clinical concepts such as dissociation and projection.

Learning objectives:

• Describe dissociation and dissociative othering and its implications for the therapeutic relationship
• Describe the interpersonal approach to double-consciousness and racialized not-me states
• Compare concepts from interpersonal and critical race theory with Jung’s concepts of the shadow and the collective unconscious.