Training in Psychoanalysis
The last century has seen an explosion of information on the nature and functioning of the psyche. Starting with Freud, a plentitude of observations, theories and insights have been published. We believe that all of this material represents different facets of the same human mind.
Thus we teach all different schools of thought, from Freud to Klein, Winnicott to Self Psychology, Object Relations to Attachment Theory, and Lacan to Neuroscience. This leads to an in depth understanding of how the psyche is structured, of its motivations, and its relationships to the outside world.
Theory is not everything, of course, it is of interest to the clinician as a guide towards the alleviation of mental suffering. We teach a theory of technique that was advanced by Dr. Hyman Spotnitz, the founder of Modern Psychoanalysis, who, with amazing prescience and intuitive savvy, developed methods of curing severely disturbed patients, that only in the last decade have been validated by the most recent discoveries around issues of attachment, trauma and psychic structure.
This knowledge helps clinicians to identify the forces at work in their patients and learn the techniques to uncover and redirect the destructive aspects of these forces towards growth, and liberate the positive ones from their atrophies and inhibitions. It also alerts them to possible structural deficits on the narcissistic level of the Self, and gives them the means to rebuild the Self where needed.
The flexible nature of our program allows students to fine tune their learning towards the kind of setting, practice and patient populations they work with. Beginning clinicians are supported in building the kind of practice they want.
We also believe in the wide applicability of psychoanalysis not only to the treatment situation, but in every walk of life, from parenting to education, politics, business, art and social research and our teaching addresses all these areas of experience.
How we do it
Our classes are a lively mix of instruction and participation. We practice what we teach, and students are encouraged to speak their minds, and express negative as well as positive reactions to the material. Psychoanalysis is in part an emotional re-education, and it is vital that students be able to experience that themselves in a nurturing and supportive environment, especially with their peers.
We continuously integrate the theory with the clinical: theories suggest cases, which are then discussed by everyone, from each person's perspective and understanding. And often the clinic will call for theories, and so we keep weaving our knowledge using both sides of our brains. Reading is as important as clinical discussion.
Self knowledge is essential for therapeutic work. It refines our percetions, and removes obstacles in our interactions with patients that might come from our own issues and sufferings. Thus an important aspect of the training is the requirement that students be in personal analysis with a CCMPS approved, NAAP registered psychoanalyst during the period of her or his study.
CCMPS offers programs leading to certification at the end of Level I as a Psychoanalytic Psychotherapist, (PsyP). Completion of Level II leads to certification as a Psychoanalyst (PsyA). This certification can lead to registration as a nationally certified psychoanalyst by NAAP.
At the continuing education level, an open enrollment policy invites people from a wide range of backgrounds and interests to investigate the theory of Modern Psychoanalysis and the psychoanalytic profession. Students have received continuing education credits for courses taken at CCMPS.
For specific information on our requirements go to: Requirements/Catalog
How to Know and Contact Us
The best way to acquaint yourself with our program and methods of teaching is to sample a variety of classes by sitting in on them.
Prospective students may participate in two classes of any course each semester at no cost. Current students may audit one class per course and semester at no cost
You can always connect with us directly through our administration and faculty, and we will be glad to arrange a personal orientation to our program.