MSW Intern Program
Gain clinical experience in psychoanalytic psychotherapy through direct client work, individualized supervision, and an introduction to diverse psychoanalytic perspectives.
An Introduction to Psychoanalytic Clinical Practice
PPSC's MSW Intern Program provides advanced social work graduate students the opportunity to learn about and engage with multi-theoretical psychoanalytic perspectives.
With the support of both individual and group supervision, PPSC’s social work interns will learn to apply psychoanalytic theories to clinical practice through their work with clients within PPSC's Treatment Service.
Additionally, PPSC’s Intern Program offers interns both a weekly didactic seminar that focuses on the history of psychoanalysis, its origins, changes, growth, and challenges, as well as the opportunity to attend a wide variety of programming, including Colloquia, Annex webinars, and Learning Lab events.
"I feel so fortunate to have completed my internship at PPSC. PPSC offers a genuine and open learning environment with top-notch supervision. My supervisors were supportive, knowledgeable, and committed to helping me to grow professionally.
The weekly clinical seminars gave me a firm theoretical foundation, and motivated me to further my psychodynamic learning. Without questions, my internship year at PPSC was the highlight of my graduate training, and one of the most rewarding experiences."
-- Iryna, Former PPSC Intern
The Internship Experience
PPSC’s Intern Program runs from September through May each year, with an orientation typically occurring in late August. Some of the weekly activities take place in person at PPSC or at the individual field instructor's private practice office, while others take place remotely and require that the intern have a private, confidential space. The group supervision class is held on Tuesdays from 12-1:30pm at PPSC and is in person.
Clinical Work
A caseload of 2-5 weekly clients, along with initial phone intakes.
Supervision
2.25 hours of individual and group supervision each week.
Education
A weekly 1.5-hour course exploring psychoanalytic theory and its clinical application.
Professional Community
Assistance with administrative tasks such as event organization, applying for continuing education credits, and serving on committees.
Eligibility & Application
Who Should Apply
Advanced MSW students with exposure to and interest in psychodynamic, psychoanalytic, and/or attachment theories, including one's own experience as a client in dynamic insight-oriented therapy. PPSC seeks applicants who are curious, open to different theoretical orientations, organized, and comfortable contributing to a collaborative learning environment.
How to Apply
Students apply through their graduate school's Field Placement Coordinator. Applications are considered on a rolling basis typically though the end of April, and prospective interns participate in individual interviews with two PPSC members.
PPSC does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, age, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, national/ethnic origin, or analytic orientation in the administration of its admissions and education policies.
Interested in an Internship at PPSC?
For questions about the internship or application process, contact Katie Bellas, Internship Program Coordinator.
"The [PPSC] internship marked my first step in training as a psychoanalyst (my second career after practicing as a lawyer since the 1990’s), I wanted to be sure it was a right fit; my experience did not disappoint. The group and individual supervisions were excellent, catalyzing curiosity regarding myriad theoretical concepts and clinical techniques. Our cohort classes coupled with seeing patients under supervision provided an enriching and meaningful environment. PPSC gave us the opportunity to wonder, collectively, about what an empathetic therapeutic dyad looks like and how one strives to create it for patients."
-- Irma, Former PPSC Intern