The Role of the Superego in Psychopathic States of Mind and Personality

This seminar will provide a brief history of the concept of psychopathy, before outlining recent thinking around whether psychopathy is both inherited and acquired.  The biological and psychological impact of early adverse experiences will be examined, upon how – and whether – the human capacity for guilt fully evolves or remains stunted.  Three case vignettes will illustrate the psychopathic superego in action, and the place of punishment in the form of criminal sanctions will be questioned.  The seminar will conclude with some observations about the considerable risks and possible benefits of treatment.

Dr Celia Taylor is a Consultant Forensic Psychiatrist and Lead Clinician of Millfield's inpatient medium secure unit for high-risk offenders who suffer from severe personality disorders. She also runs a Module of an MSc in Forensic Mental Health at Queen Mary University of London (Psychosocial Perspectives on Working with Personality Disorder).  Her published papers have appeared in journals such as Psychodynamic Practice, Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy and the International Journal of Applied Psychoanalytic Studies. They focus on “what works?” with this group, and how best how to support staff in their roles.

Registration and refreshments from 10:30 am, the Seminar will start at 11:00 am and end at 12:30 pm.

For more information on the complete CPD Seminar Series please click here.