The American Psychoanalytic Association

It is most fitting that our first profile be devoted to that organization which is representative of American psychoanalysis. The Association, both in scope and purpose differs in many respects from the usual national scientific organization. It not only holds scientific meetings and furthers psychoanalysis but is actively engaged in establishing and maintaining standards for the training of psychoanalysts and for the practice of psychoanalysis. These latter functions are among the prime activities of the association. Why this should be so can be understood in the light of the earlier psychoanalytic development described below.

The Association consists of members who are associated with affiliate societies and whose training has been approved by a recognized Institute or Training Center. At the present time membership is acquired by direct application of the candidate. His credentials are checked and passed upon by a subcommittee of the Board of Professional Standards and if approved the candidate becomes a member. This differs somewhat from previous procedures where one became a member of the American automatically upon becoming a member of the affiliate society.

The officers of the Association are elected by the members for a period of two years. They are ex-officio members of the Executive Council, the body that performs yeoman's work in keeping the Association running. There are in addition six members at large elected by the Association and the other members are elected by the affiliate Societies, one for each Society, in whatever fashion they see fit.

The problems in connection with the setting up of minimal standards for psychoanalytic Institutes and Training Centers fall within the province of the Board of Professional Standards. This board consists of two representatives from each approved Institute or Training Center. These are senior members of the Faculty of the Institute or Training Center they represent. This Board serves as the watchdog for t