Relational responsiveness: Inference and evidence
in the treatment of trauma

David Kealy, Ph.D., MSW

Scientific Meeting | Saturday, January 28, 2017 | Venue: Arbutus Club
2001 Nanton Avenue, Vancouver, B.C. V6J 4A1

How can research inform our responses to patients who have suffered from relational trauma? What aspects of psychoanalytic treatment are most therapeutic? What are the roles of clinical inference and empirical evidence? Psychodynamically-oriented clinicians may despair that the unique individuality of the patient may be lost in an empirically-informed approach to psychotherapy. This presentation will integrate research findings and relational theory in a discussion of the treatment of trauma using long-term psychodynamic psychotherapy. The presentation will particularly focus on evidence for the consideration of and responsiveness to the patient’s unique characteristics and needs. Clinical vignettes will be used to illustrate an empirically-informed relational approach to treatment.


Dr. David Kealy is an Assistant Professor of Psychotherapy in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of British Columbia, and a registered social worker with a private practice in consultation and psychotherapy. His research interests include psychodynamic psychotherapy and the study of identity and personality disorder.

Learning Objectives: At the end of this program/session/event participants will be able to:

  1. Provide an overview of relational conceptualizations of trauma and its treatment;
  2. Provide a review of the evidence base for psychodynamic psychotherapy;
  3. Describe the research evidence in support of individualized relational responsiveness in psychotherapy.

The Arbutus Club in the Terrace Room
2001 Nanton Avenue, Vancouver, B.C. V6J 4A1
Time: 9:30 am to 12:30 pm

Cost: Members, Guests: No charge
Non-Members: $ 40.00 per event
Students, VIP: $ 25.00 per event

For further information please contact: info@wcpsi.digitalswan.com

This event is an accredited group learning activity (section 1) as defined by the Maintenance of Certification Program of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, approved by the Canadian Psychiatric Association (CPA). The specific opinions and content of this event are not necessarily those of the CPA, and are the responsibility of the organizer(s) alone. 2.75 CME Credits

PARKING INFORMATION: Attendees of the Program will be asked to register at the front desk when they arrive at the Arbutus Club. Free parking is available within the indoor garage, only within the spaces designated for visitors. Entry to the club is through the main door. Garage entry to the building is not available.

CANCELLATION POLICY: The WB Scientific Program offers refunds, minus an administration charge of 20%, only if requested 6 or more business days prior to an event. The Program is unable to offer refunds within the period of 5 business days before an event, since that is when hotel arrangements and catering costs are finalized. If an event in the Program were to be cancelled, all registrations fees would be refunded.

Scientific Program Committee: Judith Setton-Markus (Chair), Karin Holland Biggs, Elie Debbane, James Fabian