NAAP and Licensing: Fact and Fiction
By Categories: Controversial, Editorials

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

Benefit Concert for Peruvian Earthquake Relief
By Categories: Announcements

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You are cordially invited to a benefit concert by renowned Peruvian classical guitarist Jorge Caballero at St. Bartholomew’s Church (Park Avenue at 51st Street, New York) at
8 p.m., on Friday, September 14, 2007

Mr. Caballero, who has been called a “superb young guitarist” by The New York Times, is the only guitarist to win the Naumburg Competition. Proceeds go to Doctors Without Borders earthquake relief. For tickets, please call 212-378-0248.
$100 preferred seating -$50 general admission – $35 students/seniors

Register now for The Future of Psychoanalytic Education conference Dec. 1 & 2, 2007
By Categories: Announcements

Seats are going quickly for the December 1st and 2nd, 2007 conference at the Lycee Francais (505 East 75th Street, New York, NY) with Keynote Speaker Jurgen Reader

In light of the extraordinary changes occurring in the education and credentialing of psychoanalysts, the goal of this conference is to provide an ecumenical forum, bringing together representatives of the major psychoanalytic associations to discuss the current and future status of psychoanalytic education.

Click here to see Program and Click here for Registration Information