Jeremy D. Safran

Jeremy D. Safran (April 23, 1952 – May 7, 2018) was an American psychotherapist, lecturer and researcher. He was a Professor of Psychology at the New School for Social Research, where he served for many years as Director of Clinical Training. He was also a faculty member at New York University's Postdoctoral Program in Psychoanalysis and The Stephen A. Mitchell Center for Relational Studies. He was co-founder and co-chair (along with Lewis Aron and Adrienne Harris) of The Sandor Ferenczi Center at the New School for Social Research. In addition he was Past-President of The International Association for Relational Psychoanalysis and Psychotherapy.

Safran was known for his contributions in a variety of areas. His early theoretical work in collaboration with Les Greenberg became the foundation for the development of Emotion-Focused Therapy. He was also an early innovator in the refinement of cognitive theory and practice through his incorporation of principles from interpersonal, and emotion theory and research. Safran was also known for his contributions to the field of psychoanalysis, with an important emphasis on the development and refinement of relational psychoanalytic theory and practice. Finally, Safran was known for his writing and teaching on the topic of psychoanalysis and Buddhism.

As a psychotherapy researcher, Safran played a foundational role in launching the field of research on repairing therapeutic alliance ruptures and treatment impasses. His ongoing research program in this area in collaboration with J. Christopher Muran and other colleagues, continues to influence researchers and clinicians in North America, Europe and Latin America.

Safran published several books including: Psychoanalysis and Psychoanalytic Therapies (2012); Psychoanalysis & Buddhism: An Unfolding Dialogue (2003); "Negotiating the Therapeutic Alliance: A Relational Treatment Guide" (2000); Widening the Scope of Cognitive Therapy (1998); Interpersonal Process in Cognitive Therapy (1990); and Emotion in Psychotherapy (1987).

Safran was found dead in his home on May 7, 2018, victim of what police believe was a botched burglary.

Publications

• Greenberg, L.S., & Safran, J.D. (1987). Emotion in Psychotherapy. New York: Guilford Press.
• Safran, J.D., & Muran, J.C. (eds.) (1998). The therapeutic alliance in short term psychotherapy. American Psychological Association Publications.
• Safran, J.D. & Muran, J.C. (2000). Negotiating the therapeutic alliance: A relational treatment guide. New York: Guilford.
• Safran, J.D. (ed.) (2003). Psychoanalysis and Buddhism: An Unfolding Dialogue. Boston: Wisdom Publications.
• Safran, J.D. (2012). Psychoanalysis and psychoanalytic therapies. Washington, DC: American Psychological Association Publications.