Lamis K. Jarrar, PhD, CGP

The Washington-Baltimore Center community mourns the passing of one of our own, Lamis K. Jarrar, Ph.D., CGP. She was a gifted scholar, skilled therapist and beloved colleague.

Dr. Jarrar was a Clinical Psychologist and the Director of the Practicum and Externship Training Program at Howard University for many years. Her keen interest in understanding large group phenomenon and her powerful ability to identify and give voice to the conscious and unconscious processes of groups facilitated the learning of the many who were fortunate enough to work with her, both as members and staff.

From 2001 to 2003, she served a three-year tenure as the Director of the annual residential conference of the Washington-Baltimore Center. One of the innovations she brought to this experience was her decision in 2003 to bring to the conference her infant daughter, Rasees, along with her mother and a family friend to provide child-care while Dr. Jarrar worked. By doing this, she allowed skeptics and supporters alike to witness and experience an embodiment of complexity in action -- the notion that one could competently hold multiples roles at the same time -- and still retain the ability to function.

The Center was enriched by this beautiful poet, whose interpretive voice opened new worlds of meaning to those who encountered her.

Dr. Jarrar died on February 9, 2007 after a long and difficult battle with cancer. She is survived by her daughter Rasees, her mother, five brothers and a large and diverse network of extended family, colleagues and friends. The diversity and breadth of her relationships was described well by one who said, "She created her own tribe."

She belongs now to the ages, companioned on the journey with our forebears in the work: Rioch, Scott, Boomer, Newman, Shapiro, Carter, Wells, Wright, Gabelnick, Manasse, Skolnick and others. We feel her loss deeply, but trust that her legacy, like theirs, lives on through the work we endeavor to carry forward.

If you would like to leave a message, testimonial or other tribute to Lamis Jarrar for posting on this site, please e-mail it to:  wbcljtribute@gmail.com

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