As Op Editor of InternationalPsychoanalysis.net I am pleased to post a new editorial from Jennifer Harper about a current debate in the United States on a recent licensing bill passed by several states due to the effort of the National Association for the Advancement of Psychoanalysis (NAAP). More than an opinion piece, Jennifer Harper has given a history and explanation of NAAP’s efforts to protect psychoanalysis. Although this piece was written in response to my recent editorial, I feel that its depth and breadth merits its own editorial space. Your responses are welcome.
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An editorial by Jennifer R. Harper, MDiv
Past-President, NAAP
Chair, Psychoanalytic Recognition Committee, NAAP
Many thanks to Jane S. Hall for her editorial of August 7, 2007 and for her thoughtful outline of qualities that make good analysts. I applaud her effort to initiate an on-line conversation around a number of issues that have aroused consternation among various psychoanalytic groups and individuals over the meaning of the term psychoanalysis and of the requirements for training that are reflected in the New York state license.
The license we have in New York state is a product of many defensive maneuvers carried out over a period of more than 30 years on behalf of evolving groups, including various subgroups of existing mental health interests and more recently of the legislative efforts and organization of the National Association for the Advancement of Psychoanalysis (NAAP).
Contrary to the perception that NAAP has aggressively pursued licensing for psychoanalysis, NAAP has in fact aggressively defended lay analysis against multiple attempts by the existing mental health professions (medicine, later psychology and more recently social work) who seek to own and control the scope of practice of psychoanalysis within their own licenses; thereby denying the existence of independently trained psychoanalysts. Even in this history of struggle there are efforts that we can all support and join around as we seek ways of cooperating more clearly among ourselves around our common interests and our continued differences — as psychoanalysts and psychoanalytic organizations. Continue reading NAAP and Licensing: Fact and Fiction
