In this episode of the Doorknob Comments podcast, we are thrilled to be joined by psychoanalyst and author Johanna Dobrich.

In our conversation, Johanna discusses her book "Working with Survivor Siblings" and her research into the unique challenges faced by individuals who grew up with chronically or severely disabled siblings. The conversation examines the profound impact these sibling relationships have on personal development, the influence of parental dynamics, and the necessity for therapists to understand these complex peer relations. The episode also addresses the effects of medical trauma on families, highlighting the importance of increased awareness and therapeutic support for all members affected.

Key Takeaways

• Sibling relationships significantly influence personal development, especially when one grows up with a sibling who has chronic or severe disabilities.
• Survivor siblings face unique challenges, including balancing their own needs with the demands of their sibling's disability.
• Therapeutic approaches should be more nuanced and tailored to address the specific needs of survivor siblings.
• The resilience and strength of survivor siblings highlight the human spirit's capacity to cope with and adapt to challenging circumstances.

In This Episode:

• [01:46] Understanding sibling relationships/sibling rivalry
• [14:43] Defining survivor siblings
• [16:34] Impact of chronic medical conditions
• [22:20] Sharing life with a sibling
• [26:00] Siblings who disrupt family dynamics/troublemaker siblings
• [30:08] Transmission of trauma and attachment
• [33:24]The importance of children feeling delighted by their parents

Resources and Links

Doorknob Comments

• https://www.doorknobcomments.com/

Johanna Dobrich

• https://www.johannadobrich.com/
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/johannadobrich/
• Working with Survivor Siblings in Psychoanalysis: Ability and Disability in Clinical Process

Dr. Fara White

• https://www.farawhitemd.com/

Dr. Grant Brenner

• https://www.granthbrennermd.com/
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/grant-h-brenner-md-dfapa/