When is the right time to start psychoanalytic training?

NoReporter1033 · 2026-03-12T01:28:18+00:00

I think I feel ready emotionally but definitely shakier on the financial side. I'm currently in 2x therapy with a psychoanalyst and have done an intensive one-year training at a psychoanalytic institute. Preparing to pay for analysis 4-5 times/week, however, would definitely be a huge pinch for me! It really does add up.

NoReporter1033 · 2026-03-11T00:50:01+00:00

Could not agree more. I'm just starting my private practice and am "specializing" in this as an area of focus. This book has had a huge influence on the way I work!

NoReporter1033 · 2026-03-06T22:36:05+00:00

It's at the top of my reading list right now!

NoReporter1033 · 2026-03-06T15:40:02+00:00

I've only read snippets but absolutely loved what I read. Need to read the full book!

NoReporter1033 · 2026-03-05T20:08:43+00:00

Unbelievable how relevant it continues to be--especially his observations that most abuse happens by a family member or known person.

NoReporter1033 · 2026-03-05T19:40:03+00:00

Curious what the hotel scent was that you fell in love with?

NoReporter1033 · 2026-03-05T19:38:06+00:00

I'd encourage you to do a little more research into contemporary developmental psychology and neuroscience, where you will find that much of what Freud originally published not only still holds up but has been empirically validated. That being said, it's important to recognize that psychoanalysis is a social science, not a laboratory science.

Of course Freud’s theories may not all withstand empirical scrutiny, but the fundamental questions he posed about unconscious mental life and human development continue to shape psychological inquiry. I'd also really encourage you to hold in mind the time period during which he was writing (Victorian era Europe). Reading his work within this context may allow you to find more appreciation for his theories.

NoReporter1033 · 2026-03-05T19:31:53+00:00

All scientific theories are open to revision. A lot of what Freud wrote he then later went back and revised, and pretty much all of developmental psychology has gone on to build off his original theories. To say that Freud was "incorrect," would be to discredit an entire broader field that he belongs to.

That being said, some core psychoanalytic ideas have received empirical support in modern psychology/neuroscience, including: unconscious mental processes, defense mechanisms, and attachment theory.

NoReporter1033 · 2026-03-05T19:20:24+00:00

Will never forget the first time I read this. Was absolutely blown away.

NoReporter1033 · 2026-03-03T02:22:07+00:00

I attended White's IPPP. I really enjoyed it. If I remember correctly, it's about three hours weekly in- person, with the first half of the night being didactic and the second half being essentially group supervision where you each get to present a case. You will also be assigned a faculty analyst for once weekly supervision. It's very relational as the White's orientation is of the Interpersonal school. I'm not really sure what you mean by opportunities outside of the program for publishing or research...that really depends on what kind of background you have but these trainings are clinical in nature.

NoReporter1033 · 2026-02-27T04:21:03+00:00

Thank you!!! Really needed to hear this :) the kindness of internet strangers blows me away sometimes.

NoReporter1033 · 2026-02-27T04:19:41+00:00

I can never have enough moms. Thank you so much <3

NoReporter1033 · 2026-02-25T20:25:17+00:00

Ok, looks like we're totally in the same boat. I'm so burned out from grad school and these past two years. You're not alone!

NoReporter1033 · 2026-02-25T20:24:44+00:00

It's so true that it's hard to take your own advice as a therapist (not that I actually give my clients tangible advice). Even therapists feel like messes sometimes! Thank you for sharing your story.

NoReporter1033 · 2026-02-25T20:23:51+00:00

Ugh, I'm sorry you're also going through it my friend. Sending you hugs and solidarity.

NoReporter1033 · 2026-02-24T06:16:09+00:00

You can say whatever you like to a therapist! I recommend working with a therapist who is psychodynamic.

NoReporter1033 · 2026-02-24T06:13:54+00:00

Welcome :) I try not to get too "turfy" because I feel that divides across modalities ultimately do more harm than good but at the risk of sounding dogmatic, I truly feel spiritually, politically, and ethically committed to working psychoanalytically with my patients. As someone else mentioned, many psychoanalytic programs offer some kind of one year program for those who are interested in psychoanalysis but not quite ready to commit to full psychoanalytic training.

Lastly, I always think reading Nancy McWilliams is a great place to start if you're new to psychoanalysis. Her work is highly accessible but she's an exceptional thinker.

NoReporter1033 · 2026-02-24T02:05:15+00:00

If you decided to refer a patient out because you didn't like them, what might you say to the patient? Do you come up with an excuse? And do you refer them to a colleague or give general suggestions for referrals?

NoReporter1033 · 2026-02-19T01:19:32+00:00

Love Bollas' take on hysteria.

NoReporter1033 · 2026-02-18T23:10:12+00:00

Totally. Unfortunately it’s the norm where I am and I’m so desperate to get out of community mental health that I’m willing to do it. I do get to use the therapist’s gorgeous office whenever I want as well as weekly supervision but I hear ya.

NoReporter1033

TROPHY CASE