Psychoanalytic Training

Pittsburgh Psychoanalytic Center (PPC) offers a very individualized program (5-10 years) that consists of course work primarily offered on weekends and in the evenings. Many of our candidates (referring to students in the program) are accomplished professionals with full-time careers.  PPC provides in-depth training to psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, and other mental health professionals. PPC offers the only psychoanalytic training program in Western Pennsylvania that is accredited by the American Psychoanalytic Association.

Three Components to the Training

• The training analysis (every  clinical candidate participates in psychoanalysis to gain better insight into themselves) 
• Coursed instruction in psychoanalysis (theory, technique, writing and electives)
• Supervised clinical work

For more information on courses and the education program, including the Candidate Bulletin contact administration@pghpsa.org or call (412) 661-4224.

If you are unable to commit to the full schedule of standard Candidate training, but would like to further your persuit of psychoanalytic training, then our Part-time program might be a good option. 

Part-time Candidate OPTION: This option is available for those who are not able to commit as much time as might be required by traditional training. The Part-time program is a combination of our Psychodynamic Psychotherapy curriculum, training analysis, and supervision. It primarily is structured to take place on Tuesday evenings to accomodate busy schedules. Classes are from 7-9 pm.

For more information see the Psychodynamic Psychotherapy page. 

The coursework completed will be applied as credit in the traditional training program when one matriculates. 

Deadline for applications: June 3rd

What is Psychoanalysis and who does Psychoanalysis?

• in-depth psychotherapeutic technique
• 3 to 5 treatment sessions per week
• In treatment, current day conflicts and symptoms come to be understood in terms of their historical roots, and present anxieties are explored and understood as residues from the past.  Through the individual's intensive exploration of her/his personality and character development, a greater degree of self-realization and understanding can be achieved.
• Treatment is carried out by psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, and other highly trained mental health professionals who have completed an accredited psychoanalytic training program.
• Psychoanalysis is an endeavor which aims to reduce suffering and mental anguish, achieve greater fulfillment and meaning in life, and ultimately, change one's psychological fate.

Facts about Psychoanalysis

• Psychoanalytic theory was developed by Sigmund Freud more than 120 years ago and has provided the foundation for multiple psychodynamic theories since that time.
• Although much has changed since Freud's pioneering work, his significant contributions to our understanding of human motivation and behavior has had a far-reaching impact on many disciplines, including science, history, religion, the arts, and indeed, all aspects of our culture.

What Kinds of Problems Bring Someone to Seek Psychoanalysis?

• Psychoanalysis is generally recommended for those whose recurrent emotional and behavioral problems cause significant distress in their work and interpersonal relationships, compromising their ability to enjoy life fully.

Individuals seeking treatment may exhibit symptoms and feelings of:

• anxiety and/or depression
• inhibitions, including underachievement
• interpersonal conflicts at home, work, and play

The aim of in-depth psychoanalytic exploration of personality and character development is to help individuals to develop understanding of, and to gain relief from, painful emotional experiences and crippling anxieties.

Outcomes of psychoanalytic treatment include:

• improved personal relationships
• increased productivity
• development of better coping skills
• greater control in one's life

Children and adolescents can often benefit from psychoanalysis when environmental interventions and other treatments directed are unsuccessful in reaching internalized conflicts and reducing emotional distress.  Psychoanalysis is often the treatment of choice where early trauma and developmental issues impede optimal growth, creating stress in the home and community.

What is the Pittsburgh Psychoanalytic Center?

The Pittsburgh Psychoanalytic Center (PPC) is a nonprofit organization providing comprehensive training in the theory and practice of psychoanalysis.  PPC promotes education and research in accordance with standards of the American Psychoanalytic Association and is an advocate for psychoanalytic thought throughout the Western Pennsylvania area.

PPC offers:

• an accredited post-graduate training program in psychoanalysis
• continuing education programs for mental health professionals throughout the region
• low-fee evaluation and possible referral for reduced-fee psychoanalytic treatment for a limited number of people who would be otherwise unable to afford it

APSAA

TALKING POINTS ABOUT PSYCHOANALYSIS

A Psychoanalyst can help you...

1. Get relief from painful emotional symptoms.
2. Feel understood as a unique individual.
3. Achieve emotional freedom.
4. Improve your personal relationships.
5. Become more productive at work.
6. Take more pleasure from life.
7. Change lifelong ways of coping that just aren't working.
8. Understand feelings and behaviors that just don't make sense.
9. Gain greater control over your life.
10. Stop self-destructive patterns of behavior.
11. Understand yourself.
12. Prevent the past from interfering in the present.
13. Talk things over in a safe and private environment.
14. Unlock your creative potential. 

Developed by: Gail Saltz M.D.

Co-chair, Committee on Public Information 

ELIGIBILITY FOR PSYCHOANALYTIC TRAINING

The Pittsburgh Psychoanalytic Center and the American Psychoanalytic Association recognize four types of applicants with professional credentials required for admission to training:

Medical or clinical doctorate applicants

Individuals are eligible to apply for training if they 1.) have graduated from an accredited U.S. or foreign medical school or from an equivalent in a foreign country, 2.) are licensed to practice medicine in Pennsylvania, and 3.) are licensed and have completed at least two years of a psychiatric residency at an accredited program.

Individuals are eligible for training if they hold a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology, Ed.D., or a Psy.D., a Doctor of Mental Health, a D.S.W. or Ph.D. in Social Work, or MSW.

Non-medical clinical applicants without doctorate degrees and those with other clinical doctorate degrees

Individuals are eligible for training if they are recognized as experienced mental health clinicians in the community. Individuals qualifying for admission for clinical training the Institute need to obtain a waiver from the Committee on Preparedness and Progress (COPAP) of the American Psychoanalytic Institute.

 Research or academic applicants

The Center will accept applicants for whom psychoanalysis is a discipline relevant to their primary field. These applicants shall meet the requirements of personal suitability expected of all candidates and shall be accomplished in their primary field. The admission of Academic Program applicants will be contingent upon the expectation of the Admissions Committee that they will contribute through their participation to the overall psychoanalytic education of the candidates for full clinical training. Academic candidates ordinarily will not participate in the clinical portions of the training program without permission from the Education Committee. The requirements for graduation from the program shall include the submission of a graduation paper on a psychoanalytic topic which shall be suitable for publication in a refereed journal.

Research or academic applicants can also apply for clinical psychoanalytic training. If so, and if the Admissions and Education Committees find that an applicant has the necessary aptitudes and qualifications, a waiver will be requested from the Committee on Research and Special Training (CORST) of the American Psychoanalytic Association. Such a request for a waiver will be submitted after a Candidate has demonstrated proficiency in the programs of the Center and aptitude for clinical work.

Transfer applicants

Candidates in good standing in any training facility recognized by the American or International Psychoanalytic Associations may apply for transfer to the PPC. Transfer PPC Candidates follow the same procedures as other applicants, and in addition, arrange to have their credentials forwarded to the PPC. A summary of educational and training experience should be included.

Personal Qualifications

Applicants may be of any age, gender, race, national origin, ethnicity, religion, and sexual orientation. The practice of psychoanalysis requires integrity of character, maturity, and an aptitude for psychological work. Individuals will need to demonstrate a professional identity as an empathetic caretaker and possess sufficient clinical aptitude for in-depth psychological work.

TRADITIONAL COURSE REQUIREMENTS

The following is an overview of required courses and sessions per year, and each session is usually 1 ½ hours long. Courses are typically offered one evening a week, and every other Saturday from 8:30-1:30 approximately. 

FIRST YEAR
Required Sessions: 70 - 90 General Program

110 Psychoanalytic Theory: Core Concepts 

120 Theory of Techniques: Psychoanalysis and Analyzability 

130 Psychoanalytic Theory of Human Development 

141 Continuous Case 20
(With permission from the Education Committee)

WR Writing Course 

SECOND YEAR
Required Sessions: 90 General Program

210 Psychoanalytic Theory: Mechanisms of Defense
and Problems of Adaptation

220 Technique of Psychoanalysis 

230 Human Development II 

241 Continuous Case (includes 241C) 

WR Writing Course 

THIRD YEAR
Required Sessions: 90 General Program

310 Psychoanalytic Theory

320 Clinical Conference 20

330 Human Development: Adolescent Psychology 

341 Continuous Case 

WR Writing Course 

FOURTH YEAR
Required Sessions: 70 General Program

410 Theory of Psychoanalysis 

420 Techniques of Psychoanalysis 
441 Continuous Case 

450 Writing Course 

Participation in Electives and programs as advised by faculty. 

If additional years are needed based on personal circumstance, the course structure is likely to be similar to year 4.