Beverly Greene, Ph.D.

Dr. Beverly Greene receives 2012 Jewish Women's Caucus Award

Beverly Greene, Ph.D. Professor of Psychology in St. John’s College of Liberal Arts and Science has been awarded the 2012 Jewish Women’s Caucus Award for Scholarship by the Association for Women in Psychology.

Dr. Greene received this honor for her co edited book with Dorith Brodbar: AMinyan of Women: Family Dynamics, Jewish Identity and Psychotherapy Practice. This award was announced at the American Psychological Association annual convention in Orlando, Florida. The award address will be presented at the Association for Women in Psychology’s annual meeting in March 2013 in Salt Lake City, Utah.

 

As a professor and a practicing clinical psychologist in New York City, Dr. Greene has authored nearly 100 publications. The following is a compilation of comments written by this year’s Award Committee:

“A Minyan of Women is a marvelous, eclectic, inspiring collection of writings about family dynamics, Jewish and intersecting identities. Most are personal narratives, while others are commentaries written by colleagues and allies from different cultural backgrounds and religious identities.”

“There can be an initial discomfort in hearing/reading how one’s primary culture and identity is perceived by another, but in reading this book, sitting with and through that discomfort led to a more compassionate, multidimensional framework for understanding Jewish identity as it impacts self, family, clients and colleagues, as well as community.”

“The diversity of perspectives adds breadth and depth to the understanding of Jewish women's experiences in many facets of life, including growing up, becoming professionals and working in the field of psychology.  Each contributor has a unique voice and style as well as story to tell, although throughout the compilation there are some similar themes of 'otherness,' intergenerational survivor trauma, the double-sided experience of Jewish pride and shame, and reconciling feminism with Jewish identity."

“Particularly noteworthy were those chapters, both narrative and commentary, that focused on intersectionality of identities. This book is truly deserving of the Jewish Women’s Scholarship award, and is a meaningful addition to the library or reading list for feminist therapists and activists from all cultural and religious traditions."

“This was a profound and enjoyable read.  It was possible to identify with various authors,  re-learn psychological aspects of one's own self-disclosure [or not], and to consider the consequences of secrecy, avoidance of self-identifying for convenience, or ‘passing’ – to not deal with anti-Semitism or prejudice.  It validates each Jewish woman’s personal story and, by its existence invites readers to consider writing their own personal essay."

For more information, please contact Dr. Beverly Greene, by calling (718) 990-1538, or via e-mail at greeneb@stjohns.edu