Working with Survivor Siblings in Psychoanalysis

by Johanna Dobrich

Working with Survivor Siblings in Ability and Disability in Clinical Process explores a previously neglected area in the field of psychoanalysis, addressing undertheorized concepts on siblings, disabilities and psychic survivorship, and broadening our conceptualization of the enduring effects of lateral relations on human development. What happens to a person’s sense of self both personally and professionally when they grow up alongside a severely disabled sibling? Through a series of qualitative interviews held between the author and a sample of psychoanalysts, this book examines both the unconscious experience and the interpersonal field of survivor siblings. Through a trauma-informed contemporary psychoanalytic lens, Dobrich combines data analysis, theory-building, memoir, and clinical storytelling to explore and explicate the impact of lateral survivorship on the clinical moment, making room for a contemporary and nuanced appreciation of siblings in psychoanalysis. Working with Survivor Siblings in Ability and Disability in Clinical Process, will be of immense interest and value to psychoanalysts and other mental health professionals, and for all therapists who work with and treat patients that are themselves survivor siblings. Uniquely integrating both academic and memoir writing, this book will also engage those building theory around the implications of the analyst’s subjectivity on clinical processes.

184 pages, Paperback

Published April 8, 2021

Reviews

[Heather Craige · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sibling relationships have received scant attention in the psychoanalytic literature. Dobrich’s book explores new ground in the experience of patients who grew up with a severely disabled sibling, but her thinking applies to the treatment of anyone who grew up with chronic illness and other ongoing tragedies in the family. Dobrich does a skillful job of applying contemporary psychoanalytic perspectives to her discussion of the dynamics and treatment of patients who have experienced ongoing tragedy and overwhelm in childhood. Using her own experiences, she brings the psychoanalytic understanding of trauma and dissociation into high relief. I recommend this book to people interested in siblings, chronic illness/disability, and the intersection of contemporary psychoanalysis and trauma theory.

[Grant Brenner · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you have a disabled sibling, know someone who does or work in the field this book is a must read.

With keen clinical sensibility, grounded in contemporary psychoanalytic theory and trauma work, the author addresses a difficult and underrecognized yet critically important topic.

The impact on the siblings of people with disabilities is considerable and easy enough to dismiss. Siblings often have complicated feelings to navigate, of survivorship and luck, feelings of guilt and strong feelings of attachment, to name a few. Siblings learn to silence their feelings and often set aside their own needs. These developmental accommodations often show up later in life.

Rich clinical and personal examples in this book are invaluable, making real the theoretical and clinical concepts.

[Eli Zal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Working with Survivor Siblings makes significant contributions to the fields of psychoanalysis and trauma studies. Johanna Dobrich enriches our understanding of the profound impact a disabled sibling can have on other family members. Dobrich is an extraordinary writer. She conveys with deep empathy how severe illness creates its own distinctive legacy on survivor siblings.