Psychological Assessment for Treatment - The Values Dimension (1.5 CEs)

In keeping with the theme of the conference: “Advancing Standards in Personality Assessment,” this symposium will bring together leading clinicians and researchers to explore the expanding scope of values assessment which links newer methods of assessment more closely with treatment. Dr. Steven Anthony Sola selectively and critically reviews the values assessment literature and suggests an approach based upon some new developments in social psychology, specifically the work of Shalom Schwartz and associates. He points out that we neglect this area at our own peril in individual assessment, and further suggests that our countertransference to dealing with values issues is a significant problem that must be overcome. Dr. Arnold Bruhn picks up the discussion of countertransference issues and illustrates an approach based upon based on Cognitive-Perceptual theory to conceptualize how countertransference may be overcome. He articulates his Early Memories Procedure as one way to accomplish this. Dr. Howard Lerner presents a highly illustrative case: “Value Conflict in Treating a White Supremacist” that goes to the heart of these issues. These papers will be discussed by Dr. Jilisa Snyder, a master clinician and supervising psychologist, who will integrate the contributions into the theme of “Advancing Standards in Personality Assessment” from a clinical and management perspective.

Chair

Howard D. Lerner | University of Michigan 

Discussant

Jilisa Snyder | Brattleboro Retreat

Goals & Objectives

1. Understand the theory underlying Schwartz Value inventories. 
2. Further realize some of the counter-transference issues in value assessment. 
3. Demonstrate how negative counter-transference may be an artifact of a neutral self-presentation for insight-oriented therapists. 
4. Understand how Memories Work can be used to identify "traumas" that may otherwise remain unknown. 
5. More fully appreciate the values dimension in assessment and treatment.