The Educational Program

The Institute’s educational program includes a training analysis, a sequence of courses in psychoanalytic theory and technique, and supervised clinical work. Candidates are also encouraged to attend and participate in the scientific meetings of the Washington Center for Psychoanalysis.

Training Analysis

To begin first-year courses in September, a candidate will ideally have been in analysis with a training analyst since at least the previous October. This requirement is flexible according to individual circumstances.

All newly admitted candidates, including those transferring from other institutes, are required by the American Psychoanalytic Association to be in psychoanalysis with a training analyst of the Institute. Alternative arrangements may be considered when required by geography.

A successful training analysis is a fundamental and required part of training. The analysis remains confidential: the training analyst reports only its start and completion dates to the Institute. A candidate’s readiness for psychoanalytic practice is assessed through supervised analyses, case presentations, and participation in Institute seminars. A considerable portion of supervised clinical work is generally expected to occur concurrently with the training analysis.

Courses in Theory and Technique

The basic four-year curriculum consists of a graduated series of required lectures and seminars covering psychoanalytic theory and technique. Required and advanced courses are described in the Institute’s curriculum.

Supervised Clinical Work

A major part of the program involves candidates conducting psychoanalysis with consultation from supervising analysts, in accordance with American Psychoanalytic Association requirements.

• Adult-program candidates must complete creditable analyses of at least three adult patients, including patients of more than one gender.
• Child and adolescent analytic-program candidates must complete analyses of at least two adult patients and three child patients.

Supervision consists of an individual weekly discussion focused on one analytic case. This collegial mentoring process helps candidates apply their developing knowledge of psychoanalytic theory and technique within clinical relationships. Supervision fees are generally lower than supervisors’ customary fees and are linked to the fee paid to the candidate for the supervised case.

The Psychoanalytic Clinic

The Psychoanalytic Clinic offers psychoanalysis at reduced fees. Treatment is provided by members of the Washington Center for Psychoanalysis, including candidates at the Washington Psychoanalytic Institute.

To treat patients through the Clinic, an analyst or candidate must apply to become a Clinic Associate and hold both a valid license to practice a mental health profession and professional liability insurance.

Supervised psychoanalytic evaluation and treatment of Clinic patients form a major part of the Institute’s educational program. The Clinic may be contacted at (202) 337-1617.

Memberships and Affiliations

Upon matriculation, candidates automatically become active voting members of the Washington Center for Psychoanalysis. Membership dues are fully waived while candidates remain enrolled in good standing at the Institute.

Candidates and graduates also benefit from the Institute’s affiliation with the George Washington University Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences and from other joint programs with the university.

• Candidates are eligible to join the American Psychoanalytic Association as voting members.
• Graduates may join the International Psychoanalytical Association as voting members.
• Graduates may apply for certification through the American Psychoanalytic Association.