Family Enrichment Center of Seattle

In this continuing series of articles Calof explores the issues associated with chronic self-injury in adult survivors of childhood abuse.  Exploring the etiology and functional meanings of self-injury.  the author argues that, “in the context of the time distorted, fragmented, information-deprived, and trance-logical realities of still-traumatized victims of abuse, self-injurious behaviors often become sane choices for survival.”  Calof also examines the role of self-injury in self-regulation as well as the relationship between self-injury, rage, and other forbidden affects, and he discusses patterns of trance logical and magical thinking in self-injurious clients.  The article series also includes an explanation of cultural aspects of self-harm and countertransference issues involved in self-injury, and concludes with a presentation of intervention guidelines for self-injurious behaviors.

This article is Part 1 of 4 of the Chronic Self-Injury series: “Sources, Motivations, and Functions of Self-Injury (Part 1)”

This article is Part 2 of 4 of the Chronic Self-Injury series: “Sources, Motivations, and Functions of Self-Injury (Part 2)”

This article is Part 3 of 4 of the Chronic Self-Injury series: “Developmental Processes of Anger in Relation to Self-Injury (Part 1)”

This article is Part 4 of 4 of the Chronic Self-Injury series: “Developmental Processes of Anger in Relation to Self-Injury (Part 2)”

Co-founder and Executive Director, False Memory Syndrome Foundation, Inc., Parts I and II. In this two-part in-depth interview, Calof goes head-to-head with Pamela Freyd, co-founder and active member of the False Memory Syndrome Foundation, Inc. (FMSF).  This controversial organization claims to represent thousands of parents who have been falsely accused of incest by their adult children.  The interview touches on the formation of the FMSF, the charges that it has brought about an accusatory climate, and the basis by which the FMSF considers itself to be a scientific endeavor.