Scientific Programs 2025

During the winter and spring of 2025, the PCC has featured a sequence of distinguished guest speakers for our Scientific Programs series.

In January, renowned British analyst, Anne Alvarez, PhD, was with us from London by Zoom to give the Rosenblitt Lecture at the Lucy Daniels Center. Dr. Alvarez is known for her work with children on the autism spectrum and for her close observation of the match between an 'interpretation' and the structure of the patient's mind. Dr. Alvarez spoke on 'Elements of Vitalization in Psychoanalytic Work with Empty or Dissociated Patients.' Afterward, she led a faculty and student discussion of a case presented by child candidate, Teresa Greco, LCSW.

In March, Howard Levine, MD, prolific analytic writer, presented on 'Interpretation in a Changing Landscape.' This Scientific Program was held for the first time at the McKimmon Center in Raleigh, with participants attending in person and by Zoom. In the afternoon, Dr. Levine, along with faculty and students, discussed a case presented by adult candidate, Dio Godbold, LCMHC.

In April, Neal Vorus, PhD, spoke on 'The Interpretive Process.' PCC faculty member Amy Levy, PhD was his discussant. Dr. Vorus is Editor-in-Chief of the Psychoanalytic Quarterly and a leader on the faculties of IPTAR and the NYU Postdoctoral Program in Psychoanalysis. In the afternoon, Dr. Vorus and a gathering of faculty and students discussed a case presented by adult candidate, Liz Liepold, LCSW.

On May 31, we look forward to an outstanding program with Dionne Powell, MD, on 'Becoming Raced: Psychic Consequences of Transgenerational Racial Trauma.' Held at the McKimmon Center in Raleigh, this program will be hybrid, on Zoom and in person, open to all mental health professionals and students. PCC faculty and students are invited to stay for lunch followed by a case discussion.

Recent Graduate

Congratulations to our most recent graduate in Adult Psychoanalysis!

Kendra A. Surmitis, PhD has been an active member of the Psychoanalytic Center of the Carolinas (PCC) community since 2017. She is a licensed clinical mental health counselor, a David Raft Fellow, and a graduate of the PCC's adult psychoanalytic training program. She has completed additional psychoanalytic training at the Washington Baltimore Center for Psychoanalysis, Tavistock, College of William & Mary, and the University of Edinburgh, where she studied object relations theory with an emphasis on the work of Donald Fairbairn. Complementing her private practice, Kendra serves as a Clinical Professor of Counseling and Psychology. As an educator, she aspires to create welcoming paths for counseling students to study contemporary psychoanalytic concepts. Her research publications span self-injury, social justice in counseling, counselor education, and self-authorship. She maintains an active psychoanalytic practice in Chapel Hill, NC, and is available for referrals for adult psychoanalysis. 

2025 Thomas J. Pearsall, Jr. Psychiatry Fellowships

Apply by June 6, 2025

Psychiatrists interested in deepening their understanding of psychoanalytic theory and practice are encouraged to apply for the Pearsall Fellowship.

This fellowship awards up to $5,000 to first-year fellows to support expenses such as psychoanalytic coursework, clinical supervision, and individual treatment.

Eligible applicants include psychiatry residents in postgraduate years 3 and 4, as well as early career psychiatry faculty involved in residency training programs across North and South Carolina.

New for the 2025–26 cycle, the Pearsall Fellowship now offers an expanded format with optional second- and third-year opportunities for continued psychoanalytic study.