New York City is home to the American Psychoanalytic Association. The APsaA was founded in 1911, only months after the New York Society was founded. Our Central Office has been located in the city since the early days of the association, and New York has hosted our Fall Meetings annually since 1947. Three of our largest society-institutes are located in Manhattan, and more than 500 of our members live and practice in the city.
Hence when terrorists targeted the World Trade Center as a symbol of American as well as New York values and life, they struck a blow to us as well. We admire and support the heroism of its citizens, especially that of the firemen, police, and rescue teams who responded with great courage and sense of community.
Our members also responded to the crisis, both locally and nationally. Many worked tirelessly to help alleviate the suffering that followed in the wake of the disastrous destruction. The APsaA donated $10,000 to the September 11 Fund, and members contributed individually to the aid of the victims of terrorism. In a sense we are all New Yorkers.
Now, nearly three months after this terrible tragedy, the wounds — psychological as well as physical — remain. We know that in many ways the challenges become more difficult after the acute phase of the trauma has ended, and we are left to deal with the profound sequelae of the catastrophe.
Our work will go on. Our best response is to demonstrate that we will not be deterred from the missions of our profession and its national association.
Photo by Kerry Sulkowlcz