Vernon C. (Vick) Kelly, Jr., M.D. is a board certified psychiatrist, author, and educator who has lectured nationally and internationally integrating affect and script theories into a variety of topics, including childhood trauma, restorative practice, psychotherapeutic interventions with individuals and couples, and emotional intimacy. His psychiatric practice in suburban Philadelphia focuses on the biopsychosocial forces behind affect and emotion that create problems for children, adolescents, adults, families and couples. He cofounded the non-profit educational organization the Silvan S. Tomkins Institute with Donald L. Nathanson, M.D. in 1991 and is currently Chairman Emeritus of that organization. He is a life member of the American Psychiatric Association and a Fellow of the College of Physicians of Philadelphia. He is a past member of the Board of the Australian based organization Restorative Practices International.

Dr. Kelly has authored or co-authored three books that expand upon American psychologist Silvan S. Tomkins’s multifaceted theory of human personality development. His current book The Upside of Shame: Therapeutic Interventions Using the Positive Aspects of a “Negative” Emotion (New York: Norton) was co-authored with psychologist Mary Lamia, Ph.D. Intended primarily for psychotherapists, this book presents the concept that shame has an evolved function of critically positive importance in personality development and in the understanding and treatment of personality disorders, in spite of that fact that it can also have seriously deleterious effects. His first book The Art of Intimacy and the Hidden Challenge of Shame introduced the same concept based on his work treating troubled couples. The utility of shame in the field of restorative practices was also highlighted in his book co-edited with Margaret Thorsborne The Psychology of Emotion in Restorative Practice: How Affect Script Psychology Explains How and Why Restorative Practice Work (London: Jessica Kingsley).

Click here for the content.

David Van Nuys, PhD
Creator/Host of Shrink Rap Radio

Click here to see video clip from interview

You need to be a member of Depth Psychology Alliance to add comments!

Join Depth Psychology Alliance

Email me when people reply –