Current Research Study
Elizabeth B Sullivan LCSW-R, PhD Candidate
I am currently a PhD Candidate at The Institute for Clinical Social Work in Chicago IL.
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The Institute for Clinical Social Work has one of only two PhD programs in Clinical Social Work in the United States that have a psychodynamic or psychoanalytic focus.
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After finishing three years of course work, 110 hours of clinical consultation and passing both oral case presentations and oral theory exams, I have begun my dissertation study.
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Please read about my research below if you are interested in becoming a participant in this project or if you would like to help me spread the word that I am now seeking participants.
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You can contact me by email:
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or via my private office cell phone:
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516-712-4919 (text or voice)
The Lived Experience of Catholic Mothers in the Wake of a Unique Betrayal:
A Psychoanalytic Case Study
Purpose:
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The purpose of this dissertation research is to understand and describe the experiences of Catholic mothers who have learned that their adult child or children experienced childhood clergy-perpetrated sexual abuse. The results of the study will be used to expand clinical social work practice and theory that relates to these experiences.
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Using a qualitative Psychoanalytic Case Study method, I hope to understand how these mothers have understood and navigated this experience and how this experience of disclosure may have changed their relationship to themselves, their families and to the Catholic Church.
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Under the auspices of my dissertation chair, Jennifer Tolleson, PhD, I am hoping to conduct 2-3 individual interviews of 60-90 minutes with at least 5 Catholic mothers. These participants must:
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be female and age 21 or older
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be a present or former practicing Catholic
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be English speaking
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have learned of their adult child’s abuse over one year ago
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Note:
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This research is separate from my private practice. Current or former clients are not eligible to participate in this study and anyone participating in this study will not be able to become a patient in my practice either now or in the future.