by Tanisha Stewart, Psy.D.

This year, we as a nation seemed determined to return to a sense of normalcy. Mask restrictions were relaxed and in-person gatherings resumed. I recently attended the annual lecture of the Psychoanalytic Couple Psychotherapy Group. It was my first large, in-person gathering since the pandemic began. I was immediately struck by the simple presence of my colleagues. I often speak of the local psychoanalytic community, but as I chatted with people and we caught up on our professional and personal lives, that sense of community was a lived, embodied experience. 

I began my presidential term at NCSPP intending to create more inclusionary spaces while also welcoming dissent and provocative thought. As NCSPP continued to reenvision our organization’s future, those lofty goals were met with the obstacles of attending to routine needs. This year NCSPP tentatively resumed programming after a year of hiatus. I was honored to work with a dedicated Board of Directors and a trusted Administrator as we contended with the tension of returning to normal operations without thoughtlessly reverting to prevailing norms. Our incoming President, Willow Banks, Psy.D., has served on NCSPP’s Board of Directors for several years and represents both a continuation of that vision and the opportunity for new ideas.