Neuroscience and Psychoanalytic Therapy

Neurons on the Couch: Two-Year Training Program

The page describes a two-year training program beginning in September 2009. The program consisted of 31 weekly sessions in each of its two years and was designed to connect contemporary neuroscience with psychoanalysis and psychoanalytic psychotherapy.

Students studied theories of brain function, the functional organization of the brain, and the relevance of these subjects to psychotherapy. Courses were taught by instructors with theoretical and practical backgrounds in neuroscience and psychoanalytic psychotherapy. Readings combined contemporary literature with historically significant works.

Intended Participants

The program was intended primarily for experienced mental health practitioners with graduate training in social work, psychology, psychiatry, counseling, or psychiatric nursing. Its purpose was to deepen participants’ understanding of neuroscience and demonstrate how that knowledge could enhance psychotherapy.

Non-clinical professionals interested in applying the training to scientific, educational, scholarly, or related work were also invited to apply.

Eligibility

Applicants were assessed on their prospective ability to complete the program’s work. Primary consideration was given to practitioners holding relevant graduate degrees.

The program also considered non-clinical applicants and sought to adapt the training to their particular needs, skills, and interests.

Learning Objectives

1. Gain knowledge of contemporary neuroscientific theories of brain function and their application to psychoanalytic psychotherapy.
2. Develop expertise in applying neuroscientific and psychoanalytic theory to clinical practice.

Continuing Education

The page states that the activity was jointly sponsored by the American Psychoanalytic Association and the Washington Center for Psychoanalysis and was planned in accordance with Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education requirements.

At the time described, physicians could claim up to 50 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits, proportionate to their participation. The Washington Center for Psychoanalysis also offered up to 50 continuing-education credit hours for psychologists and social workers under the approvals and criteria listed on the original program page.

These accreditation and credit statements relate to the historical program described on the page and should not be interpreted as current availability.