Upcoming Events

Presenter: Megan Barber
Topic: Permeable Boundaries
Date: Thursday evening 21st May
Time: 19h30 – 21h10
Where: Zoom

Free to all CTPSPG Members

This month, Megan Barber will lead a discussion of Geist and Nocek’s paper, “Permeable Boundaries”.

‘Permeable boundaries’ have captured Megan’s attention since qualifying as a psychologist in 2018, particularly regarding “the frame” and the internal boundaries of therapists and patients that may inhibit deep empathic connection. The evening will explore this concept, as well as the controversial presentation by Geist at the 2023 IAPSP Chicago Conference. The paper is the published version of that presentation. Members are encouraged to read the paper beforehand in order to engage fully in the discussion.

The meeting will begin with a brief introduction to the concept, followed by an exploration of Geist and Nocek’s (2024) paper and the range of responses and critiques it has generated. We will then move into smaller breakout groups for more intimate discussion before reconvening as a larger group to share reflections and insights.

Together, we will consider questions such as:

• Is the concept of permeable boundaries new, useful, or irrelevant? What are its clinical implications?
• What are the ethics of dual or multiple relationships, and where do we draw the line?
• What can the history of theory development teach us, particularly within the South African context?

 Megan is a Clinical Psychologist in private practice in Worcester, South Africa. She holds an MA in Clinical Psychology from the University of Cape Town (UCT) and an MSc in Forensic Psychology and Criminal Investigation from the University of Liverpool (UoL). She has worked across the Departments of Education, Health, and Correctional Services before moving into full-time private practice.

In 2023, Megan was awarded the Early Career Scholarship through the International Association for Psychoanalytic Self Psychology (IAPSP). In 2025, she was accepted as a mentee into the Psychoanalytic Action Network. She currently co-facilitates the introductory reading group for CTPSPG and serves on the Education Committee of IAPSP. She is a member of both CTPSPG and IAPSP.

Reading:

• Geist, R.A. & Nocek, M. (2024). Permeable boundaries: Therapeutic benefits. Psychoanalysis, Self and Context, (19)(4):409–420