The program for psychoanalytic training is fully described in the Bulletin of the Florida Psychoanalytic Institute. We will be glad to send you a copy. The Bulletin outlines the course offerings, requirements for admission, tuition charges, etc.

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HOW IS ONE EDUCATED TO BECOME A PSYCHOANALYST?

Under the auspices of the American Psychoanalytic Association, Candidates at the Florida Psychoanalytic Institute undergo training which consists of three interrelated and synergistic components.

Candidates:

• undergo a personal analysis
• attend classes in psychoanalytic theory and technique
• conduct the psychoanalysis of at least three patients under the close and extended supervision of experienced analysts. Candidates who plan to treat children attend further classes and, with supervision, analyze young people ranging in age from toddlers to late adolescents. Child analytic training is offered in conjunction with another affiliate Institute of the American Psychoanalytic Association (APsaA).

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Further Explanation

• Undergo a personal analysis:

The purpose of Candidates' own analyses is to help them with overcoming any personal problems and to help them deal with any personality factors which would interfere with their conducting the best possible psychoanalyses. In addition, by undergoing the treatment that they themselves are going to practice, it affords the future analyst a greater empathy with patients and an intimate understanding of the psychoanalytic process.

• Attend classes in psychoanalytic theory and technique:  

The academic program at the Florida Psychoanalytic Institute is given over a minimum five year period and takes the form of seminars.

The courses include:

• history of psychoanalysis
• child and adult development
• psychoanalytic technique
• issues of analyzability
• psychoanalytic theory
• psychopathology
• gender and sexuality
• object relations
• dreams
• clinical case conferences
• continuing case conferences
• problems in analysis
• other periodic offerings
• visiting analyst seminars

These courses are described more fully in our bulletin which we will be glad to send you.

• Conduct the psychoanalysis of at least three patients under the close and extended supervision of experienced analysts :

After the Candidates have been in a personal analysis for a suitable time, and following the first semester of classes, they generally take their first patient into analysis. These patients are selected as being appropriate for a beginning analyst, keeping in mind that most Candidates have already had experience in treating patients. The Candidates' work is discussed weekly with a senior supervising analyst. If the Candidate's work with the patient proceeds satisfactorily he or she may take another case with a different supervisor. Ultimately the Candidate must have a minimum of three cases, both sexes represented, with three different supervisors, although a greater number than that is usual. Candidates remain in personal analysis to discuss and analyze any problems that occur in conducting their patients' analyses.

Upon the completion of the academic program and the personal analysis and when the faculty has determined that the Candidate can an independently conduct psychoanalysis, he or she is graduated. Training requires six or more years.

Because psychoanalysts are provided with the most thorough education available in normal and pathological development, their training enhances the quality of all their therapeutic work. Their education also informs their community activities as teachers, supervisors, consultants, and researchers in the many settings -- hospitals, medical schools, colleges, day-care centers -- where analysts may be located.

Besides conducting psychoanalysis, most graduate analysts also practice intensive and brief psychotherapy, sometimes prescribing medication if they have medical training. Many treat couples, conduct family or group therapy sessions, and work with the aging.