Tampa Bay Psychoanalytic Society

Saturday, January 17, 2026- 1:30 pm-4:30 pm EST (Zoom)

FIRST HORACIO ARIAS LECTURE

with tributes to Dr. Arias by Henry Wehrum, D.O., 

Fabio Eslava Cerón, M.D., and Lycia Alexander-Guerra, M.D.

Speaker: Aisha Abbasi, M.D.

 “Transference, Countertransference, and Transformation: Exploring the Dynamics of the Analyst’s Relocation”

Summary

In this presentation, Dr. Abbasi will explore the complex emotional landscapes that arise when an analyst moves to a new location. This transition not only evokes countertransference responses within the analyst but also profoundly affects the patient’s experience, bringing various transference dynamics to the fore. Dr. Abbasi will examine how her own history of immigration influences her reactions and perceptions during relocation. By reviewing these layers of emotional response—including the potential for enactments in the therapeutic relationship—she will illuminate themes of loss, change, and adaptation. Drawing on clinical case material and her personal reflections, Dr. Abbasi will offer insights into how both analysts and patients can navigate the transformative journey of relocation within the therapeutic process.

Objectives

1. Identify common countertransference responses that may arise in analysts during relocation and analyze how these responses can influence the therapeutic process.

2. Examine the impact of prior immigration experiences on the analyst’s emotional state when she relocates and identify potential enactments that can occur in the therapeutic dyad as the analyst recalibrates.

3. Explore technical strategies for managing complex transference, countertransference, and enactments during the transition of relocation, to enhance the overall effectiveness of therapeutic interventions.

BIO:

Dr. Aisha Abbasi is a dedicated psychoanalyst whose clinical practice spans both in-person and remote work across Oregon (Portland and Happy Valley), California, Washington, New York, Michigan, and Florida. She was educated as an analyst at the Michigan Psychoanalytic Institute (MPI), where she served as a Training and Supervising Analyst until 2023.  She's now a Geographic Rule Training and Supervising Analyst at the Florida Psychoanalytic Center (FPC) and a member of its National Faculty. She's also a Supervising Analyst for the Seattle Psychoanalytic Society and Institute (SPSI). She brings three decades of experience in guiding the next generation of psychoanalytic clinicians.

Dr. Abbasi serves on the boards of the Psychoanalytic Quarterly (as Secretary) and the Tampa Bay Psychoanalytic Society (TBPS). Her professional affiliations extend to the Oregon Psychoanalytic Center and her role as a co-facilitator in the Group for Analysts of South Asian Origin.

The author of The Rupture of Serenity: External Intrusions and Psychoanalytic Technique and co-editor of Privacy: Developmental, Cultural, and Clinical Realms, Dr. Abbasi is renowned for her insightful integration of cultural context, developmental theory, and technical precision. Her dedication to both patient care and psychoanalytic training makes her a valued mentor, scholar, and clinician in the psychoanalytic community. She's also a published poet in her native language Urdu.

References:

1 Colombo, D. (2017) The Analyst's Relocation: Analysis Terminable, Interminable, and Dislocated. Psychoanalytic Quarterly 86:45-73

2 Davies, J. E. (2021) Intimate Solitudes: Unique Qualities of Psychoanalysis by Telephone. Psychoanalytic Perspectives 18:189-207

3 Mendes, D. (2022) Where is My Mother? Childhood Trauma and the Configuration of the Self. Psychoanalytic Dialogues 32:294-311

3 CME’S

LOCATION: Virtual - Zoom

CHARGE: Members get up to 21 CMEs/CEUs for free per year.

Non-members pay $25 to attend a 3 hour speaker program meeting and an additional $20 for CEUs for a total of $45 (or $15/CEU).

Register Online: https://tbps.wildapricot.org/

ACCME Accreditation Statement

This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the accreditation requirements and policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) through the joint providership of American Psychoanalytic Association and Tampa Bay Psychoanalytic Society. The American Psychoanalytic Association is accredited by the ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

AMA Credit Designation Statement

The American Psychoanalytic Association designates this live activity for a maximum of 3 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their    participation in the activity.

The APsA CE Committee has reviewed the materials for accredited continuing education and has determined that this activity is not related to the product line of ineligible companies and therefore, the   meets the exception outlined in Standard 3: ACCME,s identification, mitigation and disclosure of relevant financial relationship. This activity does not have any known commercial support.