The Psychoanalytic Training Program of the Washington Psychoanalytic Institute

Educational Programs

The Washington Psychoanalytic Institute offers three educational programs:

• Psychoanalytic Studies Program (PSP): A two-year introduction to essential psychoanalytic concepts. For students pursuing clinical psychoanalysis, it serves as the first two years of the full psychoanalytic curriculum.
• Adult Psychoanalytic Training: Comprehensive preparation in psychoanalytic theory and technique. Graduates are qualified to practice clinical psychoanalysis with adults.
• Child and Adolescent Psychoanalytic Training: Comprehensive training in psychoanalytic theory and practice with children and adolescents.

Approach to Training

The program integrates major theoretical schools and contemporary developments while emphasizing the distinct usefulness of different psychoanalytic perspectives. Training focuses on clinical applications, practical technique, research, and writing skills.

The Institute welcomes candidates from varied clinical disciplines and academic backgrounds. It encourages collegial relationships among candidates and faculty and seeks to provide an open environment for discussion and learning.

The curriculum follows a tripartite model consisting of seminars and continuous case conferences, supervised psychoanalysis of multiple cases, and personal analysis with an approved training analyst.

Candidates and graduates of approved institutes may pursue child and adolescent specialization. Prior formal training in child psychiatry or child psychology is desirable but not required, although additional experience with children may be recommended.

Candidates receive additional learning and teaching opportunities through an affiliation with George Washington University. Institute candidates are eligible for membership in the American Psychoanalytic Association and, after graduation, the International Psychoanalytical Association.

Components of the Educational Program

The program combines training analysis, 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

Newly admitted candidates, including transfers from other institutes, are required to undergo psychoanalysis with a training analyst approved by the Institute. Alternative arrangements may be considered when geography makes this necessary.

The training analysis is confidential. The analyst reports only its beginning and completion dates to the Institute. A candidate’s suitability for psychoanalytic practice is evaluated through supervised analyses, case presentations, and participation in seminars.

A substantial portion of supervised clinical work is generally expected to occur concurrently with the training analysis. Fees are negotiated between the training analyst and candidate.

Courses in Theory and Technique

The Psychoanalytic Studies Program provides the first two years of required coursework and clinical supervision for students who continue into clinical psychoanalytic training. Subsequent classes and seminars build upon that foundation and develop the knowledge and expertise needed to conduct clinical psychoanalysis.

Supervised Clinical Work

Candidates conduct psychoanalysis with consultative supervision from supervising analysts. Adult-program requirements include creditable analyses of at least three adult patients. Child and adolescent candidates complete work with both adult and child patients.

Supervision consists of weekly individual discussion of a single analytic case. This collegial mentoring process helps candidates apply their developing theoretical and technical knowledge within the clinical relationship.

The Psychoanalytic Clinic

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

Analysts and candidates treating patients through the Clinic must hold a valid mental-health professional license and professional liability insurance. Supervised psychoanalytic evaluation and treatment of Clinic patients form an important part of the Institute’s educational program.