Presented by: Gloria Levin, Psy.D., LP, FIPA, Bev Caruso, LICSW
When: Sunday, February 15th, 2026, 7.00 to 8.50 VIA ZOOM
The term "psychopath" was conceptualized and investigated by John Bowlby, James Robertson and Mary Ainsworth at the Tavistock Clinic in London during the early 50s. Their early work saw the foundation of this disorder to be related to attachment, characterized by a lack of anxiety, underarousal, and minimal anxiety. People at all levels of society, including those considered successful and “normal,” can exhibit psychopathic traits. These individuals are often quite skilled at manipulating others to believe in their skewed sense of reality, affecting their (our) states of mind and behavior. In this seminar, we will discuss the underpinnings of psychopathic traits, countertransference reactions, and therapeutic interventions.
Presentation Goals:
Learn the definition and traits of psychopathy
Differentiate this diagnosis from the DSM diagnosis of antisocial personality
Explore the psychopath's defenses, states of mind, and sense of self
Discuss the use of detachment, devaluation and deception
Explore the psychopath’s capacity for object relations
Present and discuss psychodynamic therapeutic interventions
