Curriculum

PPSC's curriculum consists of a blend of orientations structured to impart theory and technique represented in the most important works of our analytic forebears in concert with contemporary and evolving psychoanalytic theory.  We offer three options under our License in Psychoanalysis Qualifying Programs: a Four-Year Program in Psychoanalysis  (P*), a Three-Year Program in Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy (PP*), and a License-Qualifying Certificate of Completion Program in Psychoanalysis (LP*). The coursework is the same for the first three years (6 semesters) of the programs while the personal analysis, control supervision, and clinical requirements differ.  The final year of the LP and 4-Year programs consists of courses that emphasize comparison and synthesis of all major orientations as well several specialized study courses and electives.  The LP program, which prepares candidates to sit for the Licensing Exam in Psychoanalysis, additionally consists of coursework in ethics, research, socio-cultural influences and child abuse.  Pre-requisite classes in development, assessment, and psychodynamic theory and technique are provided for individuals without previous mental health experience. All courses are 1.5 hours and run 12 weeks in length unless otherwise noted.

*The LP Program provides non-licensed professionals with theoretical and clinical training that prepares them to sit for the NYS License Exam to obtain a license in psychoanalysis.  The Three- and Four- Year programs may be taken by already-licensed professionals whose scope of practice includes psychoanalysis and psychoanalytic psychotherapy.

PRE-REQUISITE YEAR (For LP candidates without prior Clinical Training)

Models of the Mind I  •  Models of the Mind II
Clinical Seminar I • Clinical Seminar II

FIRST YEAR

Evolution of Psychoanalytic Technique I • Evolution of Psychoanalytic Technique II
Freudian Theory I • Freudian Theory II
Group Supervision I • Group Supervision II
Development & AssessmentI • Development and Assessment II

SECOND YEAR

Introduction to Object Relations • 
Group Supervision III • Group Supervision IV
Transference and Resistance • Countertransference & Counter-resistance
Clinical Assessment I • Clinical Assessment II

THIRD YEAR

Introduction to Self Psychology • Introduction to the Relational School • Dreams, Symbols, and Fantasies • Introduction to Modern Psychoanalysis
Case Seminar I • Case Seminar II
Character Styles • Borderline Personality

FOURTH YEAR

Advanced Integrative Colloquium I • Advanced Integrative Colloquium II
Trauma and Dissociative Disorders • Psychodynamics of Addiction • Termination
Advanced Psychoanalytic Electives I • Advanced Psychoanalytic Electives II • Gender & Sexuality • Neuropsychology

ADDITIONAL LP COURSES

Research in Psychoanalysis: Case Study and Evaluation Concepts*
Child Abuse **
Ethics†
Socio-cultural Influences†

*This is a 24 clock-hour course that will be offered in blocks throughout the year on select weekend-days.
**This is a 2 clock-hour course that may be taken in person or online by a designated outside provider.
†Content of these courses, linked to specific readings and course units, is embedded in the core curriculum.