Herbert Rappaport, Ph.D.

 

Email:  rappt@verizon.net
Phone: (215) 204-7323

Interests: Integration of psychodynamic and existential psychology; future-oriented psychotherapy; traditional and nontraditional healing; cross-cultural psychology.

Herbert Rappaport, Ph.D is a professor of psychology at Temple University where he was the Director of the Psychological Services Center as well as Director of the Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology. A former Fulbright- Hayes Fellow in East Africa, Dr. Rappaport has worked in diverse settings from the inner cities of New York, Hartford, Denver and Philadelphia to rural parts of Colorado, Montana, Wyoming and Alaska. Trained as a clinical psychologist and in psychoanalysis, Dr. Rappaport integrated conventional psychological theory with anthropological inquiry in Africa, South America and amongst Native American groups throughout North and Central America.

It was from working with traditional healers in tribal contexts which led to a long term study of "life lines" or how we struggle to create the identities which become the framework for planning our lives. This seminal work on time perspectives led to a series of publications in highly regarded professional journals and the publication of Marking Time (Simon & Schuster). An extension of this work involved a study of the critical role of celebration in both pre industrial culture and in the west.

Because of confusion and conflict within both individuals and families, holidays are not always cause for celebration. In the Family Gathering Survival Plan ( Running Press), Dr. Rappaport describes types of 'holiday blues' patterns and outlines "ten commandments" for resolving individual and family conflict. Case examples deal with inter-ethnic, inter-faith and reconstituted family problems and proposed solutions. Dr Rappaport's work has been extensively reviewed in such popular media as T he New York Times Science Times, Prevention Magazine , Health, O Magazine and newspapers all over the country. Dr. Rappaport has also appeared on many national live radio and T.V. shows including NPR, CNN, Fox Broadcasting and other network programs. In addition to teaching in the doctoral program at Temple University, Dr. Rappaport maintains a private practice and also consults to executives and organizations.

Discussion topics

• Holiday Blues Profiles: Are you a "Juggler", a "Perfectionist", "A Fixer", a "Mourner", etc.: Discover your negative holiday behavior and find out what to do about it.
  
• The Family Gathering Disasters: Whether at holidays or regular family gatherings, some people end up in their therapists office the next day. What causes these nightmares and some proposed solutions.
  
• Rediscovering the Art of Celebration: Whether due to confusion or loss about how and with whom to celebrate, we can bring meaning and vibrancy back to holidays by engaging in such actions as proactivity, creativity and re-invention.
  
• The Problem of Identity in Western Society: Because our identities are unclear, undeveloped or too fluid, we have trouble discerning what is meaningful, setting long term goals and knowing how to celebrate life.