Abstract:

Intimacy Disorders can be some of the most difficult behaviors for both the patient and therapist. People with Borderline ­Personality Disorder, Narcissistic Personality Disorder, and others often turn to pornography use, virtual affairs or fantasy chatting as methods of coping with triggering emotional states such as anxiety and boredom. There has been an increase in these behaviors due to the uncertainty and prolonged nature of our current crisis.

In this workshop we will be reviewing a case conceptualization, identifying core schemas and needs fueling these behaviors, assessing the function of the modes and helping patients find ways to stay connected to things other than compulsive behaviors. Emphasis will be placed on a comprehensive assessment, therapeutic attachment through virtual platforms and conceptualizing the function of the modes in order to meet core emotional needs.

About the Presenters:                   

Elizabeth Lacy:

Liz Lacy, LCSW, provides individual, couples, and group therapy in private practice in New York City. She has an Advanced Certification in Schema Therapy and is a member of the International Society for Schema Therapy, having served on the ISST's Board subcommittee for Supervisor Training. Liz is also an Emotion Focused Couples Therapist, a member of NYCEFT and is a member of the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies. Liz contributes to professional publications and develops and implements training programs for the NY/NJ Schema Institute, private practices throughout the Tristate area, NASW and Orange County Trauma Task Force among others. Throughout her long career in human services, Liz has worked in mental health treatment, intensive alcohol treatment programs, served as clinical director for an HIV service organization and clinical supervisor for a NYC Sex Addiction Treatment Center. Her focus for the past decade has been working with individuals with PTSD, sexual and other addictions, chronic anxiety disorders and personality disorders, especially Borderline and Narcissistic Personality Disorders.