Corresponding Author Information: Jed Yalof

Session Abstract: These four presentations cover the various ways in which Rorschach re-test findings are utilized in different settings. The first presentation discusses change over time using two case examples. One case involves test-retest formally, and the second case involves initial test and then inferences about what Rorschach change might look like based on an intensive treatment but without a second Rorschach test. The second paper reviews test-retest complexities in a child analysis. The third paper discusses test-retest considerations in a transgender client. The fourth paper raises questions about the meaning of retest with a case illustration. This latter paper, originally prepared by Dr. Bruce Smith, will be presented in his honor by Dr. James Kleiger.

Chair Information: Jed Yalof, PsyD | Immaculata University and Austen Riggs Center

Discussant Information:Jed Yalof, PsyD | Immaculata University and Austen Riggs Center

Presentation 1 Title: Context Considerations in Rorschach Testing

Presentation Abstract: The concept of test-retest has always been applied to time 1 and time 2 testing. The Rorschach test is helpful in identifying change based on structural modifications in personality character. This paper presents a case using the traditional Rorschach test-retest format, and then offers a second case based on a Rorschach test and predictive inferences about change drawn from a long-term therapy but without administration of a second Rorschach test.

Presenter:

Jed Yalof | Immaculata University Immaculata PA and Austen Riggs Clinic Stockbridge MA

Presentation 2 Title: Rorschach Assessment Before and After A Four-Year Child Analysis

Presentation Abstract: I present detailed structural and content data from Rorschach administrations before and after a four-year child psychoanalysis. The patient had been referred at age 5 for intensive treatment because of his severe emotional dysregulation and shame sensitivity.  Although his symptoms and behavior improved meaningfully over the course of treatment, the comparison of pre/post Rorschach data is more messy, confusing, and humbling. In this presentation, I grapple to make sense of the complexity of the data and raised questions about analyst-as-examiner effects and transference, timing of reassessment, possible latent gender identity concerns, and the assessment of nonlinear structural change.

Presenter:

Anthony D. Bram | Private Practice Lexington MA and Cambridge Health ALlicance/Harvard Medical School

Presentation 3 Title: In Transition: Change in a Transgender Patient

Presentation Abstract: Our hope in this paper is to present a case study of a transgender patient in the early stages of transition from female to male while in intensive psychodynamic psychotherapy in a residential treatment center.  In particular, we were curious what we might learn about this process from this patient’s experience, as well as about using performance-based measures in assessing these kinds of changes.  We found pervasive and profound level of positive changes on the TAT, as compared to more circumscribed, modest changes on the Rorschach and offer thoughts about the difference.

Presenter:

Christina Biedermann | Private Practce and Adler School of Professional Psychology, Chicago IL

Presentation 4 Title: To the Last Presentation - Retest Findings: What Do They Really Mean?

Presentation Abstract: A much beloved figure in the SPA community, Dr. Bruce Smith prepared one of his last presentations for a Symposium on Re-testing Patients.  Sadly, Bruce passed away before being able to present his contribution to the symposium.  In a tribute to Dr. Smith, James Kleiger reflects on Bruce’s many contributions over the years and presents his last PowerPoint presentation entitled “Re-test Findings: What Do They Really Mean?”, which links psychodynamic assessment, the Rorschach in particular, to therapeutic changes in personality structure and dynamics and in transference and countertransference paradigms.

Presenter:

Bruce Smith (Read By James Kleiger | Private Practice, Bethesda, MD)

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