Dr. Arlene “Lu” Steinberg Recognized for her Contributions to the Profession

Dean Lawrence J. Siegel and Dr. Arlene “Lu” Steinberg

On Thursday, March 28, 2019, 160 alumni, faculty and friends of Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology came together to honor Dr. Arlene “Lu” Steinberg for her contributions to both the profession and the school at this year’s Distinguished Alumni Event, which took place at Lincoln Square Synagogue. “I can think of no one who is more deserving of this recognition,” said Dean Lawrence Siegel in his introduction. “Lu Steinberg exemplifies the highest level of accomplishments of our alumni.” Dr. Steinberg’s keynote address, “More than Meets the Eye: Progress in the Trauma Field as Reflected in a Personal/Professional Journey,” covered her trajectory as the child of Holocaust survivors with a unique perspective on trauma to a successful psychologist/psychoanalyst and expert in the trauma field. She dedicated the lecture to her parents, Milton Steinberg, 94, and her mother, Lillie Steinberg, who passed away last year. “Having someone listening is profound and can restore the natural order of things. This evening is dedicated to the sharing of and listening to stories, to my parents and to survivors,” Dr. Steinberg concluded. “It is also dedicated to the important training and work of the Asylum Project.” Recognizing both Dr. Steinberg and Ferkauf’s critical role in supporting victims of trauma, funds raised from the event will go to support the Asylum Project, which provides students with the tools to psychologically evaluate asylum seekers and write affidavits presented in court on their behalf. Of the more than 40 asylum seekers who have gone to court with a Ferkauf evaluation, all have been successful in their attempts. “The vulnerability that surrounds immigration experiences is compounded exponentially for asylum seekers,” she explained. “Ferkauf’s asylum program not only provides evaluations that can lead to asylum but also student training to be able to bring these skills, including listening ones, forward in their professional futures.” In addition to her successful private practice, Dr. Steinberg serves as a member of Ferkauf’s board of overseers as well as an adjunct professor at the school, where she supervises students in the child clinical program. She also teaches in the Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary (RIETS)-Ferkauf pastoral counseling program, a joint initiative designed for RIETS students who plan to pursue a career in Jewish communal work. In addition to Dr. Steinberg, three faculty members—Dr. Marty Rock (associate professor of psychology),Dr. Shelly Goldklank (associate professor emeritus of psychology and director of the psychodynamic track in clinical psychology) and Dr. Carl Auerbach (professor of psychology)—were recognized for their impact on their students.

(l-r): Dr. Marty Rock, Dr. Shelly Goldklank, Dr. “Lu” Steinberg and Dr. Carl Auerbach