The Academic Training Program of the Seattle Psychoanalytic Society and Institute
(SPSI) offers educational opportunities for a limited number of individuals from
non-clinical fields who have serious interest in psychoanalysis and who wish to
engage in the intensive study of psychoanalysis in order to enhance their teaching,
research or other activities in their own profession. Academic Associates (AAs),
as the participants in this program are known, will have the opportunity to bring
their special interests and expertise into the training offered by SPSI. The Institute
has established the Academic Program for the mutual benefit of the Clinical and
Academic Associates and of the Institute as a whole.
AAs may participate in all activities of the Institute that are open to Clinical
Associates, except for the carrying out of supervised psychoanalysis. Thus, Academic
Associates (AAs) normally participate in all courses and activities that are appropriate
to their level of psychoanalytic knowledge (including scientific meetings and organizational
committees) and that are expected of the Clinical Associates in the Core Program
of the Institute. With approval of the Institute, however, the training program
can be altered to meet an AA’s unique needs and talents. Participants in this program
generally undertake independent study projects under the supervision of Institute
faculty, including a faculty mentor selected by the AA in consultation with the
Academic Training Program Committee.
During the period of training, personal psychoanalysis or psychoanalytic psychotherapy
with a qualified analyst who is an active member of the SPSI faculty is a requirement
of the program. Ideally this should commence at least 6 months prior to beginning
classes. Members of the SPSI Faculty are expected to make every effort to consider
the applicant’s financial circumstances when establishing fees.
The full program normally takes four academic years, and Academic progress is evaluated
by the Academic Training Program Committee at least annually. To receive a graduation
certificate, Academic Associates must (a) complete the full four-year program and
(b) prepare a thesis (or its equivalent as established by the Academic Training
Program Committee in consultation with the AA) which is to be submitted in written
form and presented orally to SPSI members.
In Seattle, psychoanalytic training under the auspices of the American Psychoanalytic
Association began in 1946. The Seattle Psychoanalytic Institute and Society is a
component of the American Psychoanalytic Association as well as the International
Psychoanalytic Association founded by Sigmund Freud in 1909.
To be considered for this program, applicants should submit the following to the
Chair of the Academic Program Committee:
1. Professional résumé or curriculum vitae, including a list of applicant’s publications
or manuscripts (if any).
2. A brief (5 pages maximum) narrative that address the relevance of psychoanalysis
to the applicant’s professional or scholarly endeavors, and includes at least some
autobiographical information.
3. Three reference letters, two from individuals familiar with the applicant’s professional
and/or scholarly work and one from an individual who can speak to the applicant’s
character.
4. Optional: reprints (if any) of applicant’s representative publications or portfolio
or other evidence of professional accomplishments. (Reprints and other such items
will be returned.)
To determine whether there is a mutual fit between the applicant and the Institute,
at least three application interviews will be scheduled—two with members of the
Faculty of the Institute and one with a current Academic or Clinical Associate.
The Chair of the Admissions Committee for Clinical Associates may also be asked
to interview the candidate as appropriate. On the basis of all these materials and
any other information that may be requested, the Academic Training Program Committee
shall make the final decision as to whether to admit the applicant and, in a timely
manner, shall inform the applicant of its decision.
Although applications are accepted at any time, the Academic Training Program Committee
is strongly of the opinion that it is ideal for Academic Associates to begin academic
training at the same time as an incoming clinical training class.
Link to Documents
