Beginning in the third year of training and continuing into the fourth, every candidate will be offered the opportunity to work closely with a member of the Teaching Faculty of Division I (mentor) in pursuing the scholarly study of a psychoanalytic topic of his or her choosing. The candidate and mentor will meet monthly to discuss and guide the progress of the candidate’s independent study, which will culminate in the preparation of a short scholarly article. The article should be suitable for publication in a psychoanalytic journal or for presentation at a national conference, and may be submitted for the Kaufman Award.

Candidates will choose a mentor from anyone on the Teaching Faculty of Division I other than their personal analyst. The candidates will also select two “readers” who will be available to provide additional guidance, support, and scholarly input during all phases of the independent study. The selection of topic, mentor, and readers will be reviewed by the Chair of the Curriculum Committee by November 1st of the third year. Copies of the completed article must be sent to the mentor, the two readers, and the Chair of the Curriculum Committee by March 1st of the year of expected graduation.

This program was developed so as to make the resources of the Institute available in a structured way to candidates who have the desire to write. It is designed to encourage creativity, risk-taking, and self-expression; and to provide the opportunity for candidates to further develop themselves as writers in a field where writing contributes greatly to theoretical and clinical understanding.

The equivalent of one course at the 600 level will be offered to candidates who complete the program.

Other Case Seminars can be arranged by a small group of candidates with a training supervisor of its choice. Times and fees are by private arrangement with individual instructors.