Philosophy of PSP

PSP’s philosophy of training begins with Freud’s definition of psychoanalysis as “any line of investigation which takes transference and resistance as a starting point of its work.” The curriculum therefore encompasses the broad spectrum of psychoanalytic tradition including classical analysis, ego and self psychology, object relations, contributions of Ferenczi, Klein, Reich, Sullivan and many others who have expanded upon or modified Freud’s original discoveries.

The School focuses on the theory of treatment, in particular on the contributions of the Modern Analytic School of thought developed by Dr. Hyman Spotnitz and others. The treatment approach is comprehensive and pragmatic, developing interventions that expand the range of people and groups who can be helped successfully by psychotherapeutic means. Contributions of Dr. Hyman Spotnitz that are of particular interest at PSP include:

  • The detailed analysis of narcissistic transference, countertransference and resistances found in all patients and therapists.
  • Use of a wide range of interventions which are maturational with people who do not benefit from, or who are damaged by interpretive interventions.
  • The importance of determining when a patient or group of patients are emotionally ready for a particular kind of intervention.

These principles are also applied to the education and training offered at PSP. While most courses emphasize didactic learning, many of our instructors incorporate aspects of group process, and as such provide the student with an opportunity to learn the practice of psychotherapy in a more effective way than they would at most universities or other institutions.

PSP does not discriminate with regard to race, color, national origin, ethnic origin, gender, sexual orientation, physical disability, age, religion, creed, gender identity, ancestry, marital status, or political affiliation, in any aspect of its psychoanalytic programs, including the selection and assignment of faculty and administrative staff, student admissions, class and field placement, and referral services. In accepting students with a wide range of interests and skills, PSP identifies, nurtures and certifies psychoanalysts with talents and abilities vital to the profession.

History

The Philadelphia School of Psychoanalysis was formed in 1971 with the encouragement of Dr. Hyman Spotnitz and others. It was founded as a sister organization of the Manhattan Center for Advanced Psychoanalytic Studies (now Center For Modern Psychoanalytic Studies). Classes were initially held at the Combs College of Music in the Germantown neighborhood of Philadelphia. In 1975, PSP became a charter member of the National Association for Accreditation in Psychoanalysis (NAAP). Since the establishment of ABAP (American Board for Accreditation in Psychoanalysis) as an independent accrediting body for psychoanalysts in 1997, PSP has adhered to their requirements for admission, training, and graduation.

Philadelphia School of Psychoanalysis established its present location at 313 South 16th Street in 1975. The beautiful building is located in an historic area in Center City Philadelphia, and is also home to our clinical training facility, the Philadelphia Consultation Center.

Our Current Leadership

For information about our current leadership visit: