New Directions Journal and Writing

Writing from a Psychoanalytic Perspective

New Directions is a postgraduate program for clinicians, academics, researchers, and writers interested in applying psychoanalytic perspectives to professional and creative work. Participants may develop theoretical or clinical papers, essays, memoirs, fiction, poetry, books, and oral presentations.

The program treats writing as a way to clarify ideas, deepen psychological insight, and strengthen critical thinking. Its writing activities have included workshops, small-group discussion, review of successive drafts, and consultation on independent projects.

The New Directions Journal

The program began publishing a journal of participant and faculty writing in February 2003. The journal was created to share work emerging from the New Directions community and to provide a view of the program’s approach to reading, thinking, and writing.

Earlier program materials identify Kent Jarratt, Michael Bieber, Kathie Hepler, and Jessica Arenella among the editors of its first six volumes.

Independent Writing Projects

Participants pursuing substantial writing projects have been able to work with consultants selected for relevant theoretical, clinical, research, or literary expertise. Such collaboration may address:

• Defining the subject or scope of a project
• Finding resources for background study
• Developing and organizing central ideas
• Reviewing drafts and planning revisions
• Adapting psychoanalytic insight to professional or creative forms

Program Overview

More information about the program is available from the New Directions overview.