The course work extends over a 2-year period. The curriculum is organized along both theoretical/developmental and clinical tracks. Every effort is made to adapt the program to the particular educational needs of the students. In addition to the course work, the curriculum includes the Margaret S. Mahler Child Psychotherapy Lecture. Previous speakers have included: Drs. Anni Bergman, Peter Blos, Jr., J. Alexis Burland, and Peter Fonagy. This lecture is held annually, and attendance is required.
Students are expected to have weekly individual supervision and are expected to have at least two supervisors during the course of the program. Fees are arranged privately. Reduced fees are available. Supervisors must be selected from a list provided by the Child Psychotherapy Program.
Personal psychoanalytic psychotherapy or psychoanalysis is essential for a full understanding of the therapeutic process. It is preferable that students be in personal treatment while participating in the program if they have not completed a personal experience in intensive treatment. Both the Directors and members of the Administrative Faculty are available to assist with decisions about personal psychotherapy.
Periodic evaluations of the student’s progress and decisions as to satisfactory completion of the program are made by the Administrative Faculty. A certificate is awarded upon completion of the program. Graduates of the program are invited to apply for membership in The Psychoanalytic Center of Philadelphia as Psychotherapy Associates. Graduates are considered for teaching or administrative positions in the Child Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy Program.
After completion of the 2-year curriculum, graduates are encouraged to continue their involvement in the Child Psychotherapy Program. Postgraduate options include tutorial work with a particular faculty member, continued individual supervision, a program of workshops and study groups developed jointly with the faculty, or enrollment in the adult Psychodynamic Psychotherapy Program of The Psychoanalytic Center of Philadelphia. The Directors of the program are available to assist regarding these.