Dear Colleague,

Comparative psychoanalysis is at its best when the same detailed case material is explored from a number of perspectives. It is, therefore, fitting for AAPI, an interdisciplinary and multitheoretical psychoanalytic association, to present at its First Annual Conference an Object Relations Clinical Presentation by Jill Scharff, M.D., a well-known object relations theoretician and practitioner. Seven noted psychoanalysts, Arnold Rothstein, M.D., Anne Alvarez, M.D., Donnel Stern, Ph.D., Jeff Seinfeld, Ph.D., Frank Lachmann, Ph.D., Philip Bromberg, Ph.D. and Robert Stolorow, Ph.D., will discuss Dr. Scharff's clinical material. Their expertise will cover contemporary conflict, neo-Kleinian, interpersonal/relational, object relations, self psychology and intersubjective systems perspectives. Each discussant will carve out his or her unique understanding of the material with a particular focus on what goes into the process of change. Following Dr. Scharff's reply, the audience will have the opportunity to interact with the Panel to further clarify and highlight understandings of the clinical material.

It is unusual to have such an outstanding roster of psychoanalysts participating on the same Panel and focused on the same clinical material. When we get into the "trenches" of the analytic work itself, we can better identify and compare the various understandings and technical approaches generated by psychoanalysts. We feel assured that it will be an intellectual and emotional feast. We are pleased to announce that the proceedings will be published as an issue of the Psychoanalytic Inquiry, a journal that focuses on contrasting perspectives.

Immediately following the Conference, we will have our first individual membership meeting. Members will be brought up to date on AAPI's activities and the members will elect two representatives to the Executive Board.

We look forward to seeing you in New York City, on Saturday, March 3, 2001.

AAPI's Conference Committee

James L. Fosshage, Ph.D., Chair

Mary Beth Cresci, Ph.D.

Gianni Nebiossi, Ph.D.

Morton Shane, M.D.