PsyBC's “On Psychoanalysis Symposia Series” (psybc.com) was misrepresented in the review of “Internet Discussion Groups for Psychoanalysts” [TAP 35/4]. Factual errors were used critically, and distinguishing strengths were omitted.
The review mentioned that articles discussed by PsyBC's panel are not available online but that print copies are made available. This is a price we pay for not being associated with a journal as the other discussion groups are. However, the review did not mention that our independence gives us the freedom to choose the best articles from among all of the psychoanalytic publications rather than articles only from a sponsoring journal.
Moreover, although PsyBC originated the format emulated by the other two groups, our independence has allowed us to move beyond it. Along with conversations with the authors of one clinical and one theoretically based journal article each year, we now include a debate on a controversial issue and exploration of an anonymous case presentation. We do charge a fee (as accused, $80 a year), but the review failed to mention that we are the only forum that offers continuing education credits. Furthermore, the APsaA co-sponsors us for CME and shares in the income.
There were two other significant misrepresentations. The reviewer suggests that because of the panel [and] the format there is “little outside discussion” and that entering into the conversation is “like trying to join a private club.” In fact, over the past three years, a minimum of one-third of the comments in each symposium were from subscribers interacting with the panelists and one another — not the stuff of an inhibiting or exclusive format.
Finally, the article states that the makeup of the panel “tilts toward the relational school.” On the contrary, PsyBC was founded on the idea that pluralism is a wellspring of psychoanalytic progress. Three of the fifteen panelists are identified with the relational school. The other schools of thought represented are contemporary Freudian, self psychology, and Kleinian. If PsyBC tilts, it is toward valuing multiple perspectives, critique, and inclusiveness.
Daniel Hill, Director, PsyBC
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