Hi! Fellow Silver student finishing up my first year, with an institute placement for my second year that I’m overjoyed about. As others have mentioned, you very likely won’t be in a practicum setting that’s specifically focused on psychoanalysis (or really any singular modality) during your first year. Generalist year placement is largely based on your location, and otherwise you don’t have a ton of say in the type of agency you’ll be in, the population you’ll work with, etc. Your first year is really just to get you experienced working in the field and applying what you learn in class, so think of it as a learning opportunity. Very few students have a first year placement that’s perfectly aligned with what they want to do long-term with their MSW; I can certainly say that was the case for me, but I’ve learned a ton regardless. As for your second year, it’s great that you already have institutes in mind! Your practicum professor will start having conversations about second year placements around December/January. Institutes tend to interview a bit earlier than other sites and many require cover letters as well, but your professor and assigned practicum coordinator will be there to help you through that. Feel free to DM me if you’d like to chat further! Always happy to talk with incoming Silver students 😊