American Institute for Psychoanalysis

The American Institute for Psychoanalysis is that instrument of the Association organized to carry out the following aims: namely, to train psychiatrists for the clinical practice of psychoanalysis; to enlarge the techniques and perspectives of medical students and physicians by an awareness of relevant psychoanalytic data; and to develop the natural relationship of psychoanalysis with the humanities, the fields of anthropology, religion and social sciences. These aims are implemented through the facilities of the New York Medical College and the New School for Social Research.

This program can only be effectively realized in a democratic atmosphere which would tend to deter the development of rigidities in psychoanalytic thinking.

The Institute strives to give the students a well-rounded knowledge of psychoanalytic theories and techniques as its part in their developing into effective therapists and intelligent thinkers in their chosen field. It is no less to be emphasized that the students are acknowledged to be intelligent and responsible adults, full-fledged physicians engaged in postgraduate training. It is assumed that individual development never ceases and that it is invalid to insist that graduation from formal training should be withheld until personal and scientific development is “complete” in an absolute sense. It is the hope of the Institute that it will continue to avoid conceptual rigidities, and to respond to ideas, whatever the source, in a spirit of scientific and academic democracy.

Continuous Case Seminar

30 seminars

Harmon S. Ephron

Devoted to detailed study of two cases under active analysis, presented by students and discussed by the entire group. Each case will be studied for 15 sessions, and, in contrast with the clinical conferences, will permit a more thorough consideration of psychoanalytic technique, and closer followup of case material.