Frequently Asked Questions

What is psychoanalysis?
Psychoanalysis is a treatment method, a theory of human motivation, and a research approach to studying the unconscious. This three part psychoanalytic orientation was developed by Sigmund Freud at the turn of the 20th Century. It is through the transference relationship with the analyst and the natural resistances that occur in all of us that the progress of the treatment occurs. While many developments relevant to our society and our psychopathological problems are shaping psychoanalysis today, this three part orientation toward treatment, theory, and research remain essential for the work of a psychoanalyst.

What is modern psychoanalysis?
Modern psychoanalysis was initiated in the 1950’s by Hyman Spotnitz, a research and treating psychiatrist who studied the more seriously disordered patients who were considered untreatable. His curiosity and commitment to curing the hopeless patient led to the many breakthroughs that modern psychoanalysis has begun and continues to develop.

What is applied psychoanalysis?
ACAP has developed an Applied Psychoanalytic Division. The goal of this division is to apply modern psychanalytic understanding to diverse systems in our society and thereby enable associations, agencies, groups and individuals to function in more productive ways. Target audiences include groups such as schools, mental health agencies, and medical practitioners, as well as individuals and families.

Coursework in both the Master's and the Certificate programs provides invaluable training for mental health workers in a variety of venues including public and private agencies, group homes, and hospitals. Modern psychoanalytic training provides mental health workers at all levels of education and experience important tools and techniiques for understanding and working with difficult populations. Further, the coursework and clinical supervision available at ACAP also enable mental health workers to develop strategies for combating burnout, a serious problem inherent in work with difficult populations.

See also ACAP Academics as well as ACAP Continuing Education and Professional Development.

*Go to Applied Psychoanalysis

What can we do with Masters of Psychoanalytic Counseling?
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Is Freud still relevant?
As our society deals more with the effects of unplanned and planned aggression, it is essential that we understand the unconscious processes that motivate all of us. It is only when we have true control over our impulses that freedom of choice actually can occur.

How is psychoanalysis different from psychotherapy and psychiatry?
Psychoanalysis derives from the study of the unconscious motivation. The goal of psychoanalytic treatment is the resolution of repetitive character patterns that are maladaptive in the life of the individual. The therapist engages in a training psychoanalysis to develop self-understanding to help one's patients.

What can I do with a master’s in psychoanalysis?
You can increase the depth of your understanding of the people in your life whether at work or in your home. Teachers can learn to understand self destructive students and resolve their resistances to learning. Teachers can also increase job potential by increasing pay scale, and in many fields, students may be reimbursed, either fully or or partially, for course work.

Can I get a license after completing the Certificate program?
Application for state certification of psychoanalysis can take place after graduation. Once the application is submitted to and accepted by the certified psychoanalysts advisory committee, the applicant may sit for the examination.

Why is a personal psychoanalysis required in the program?
A personal analysis is required because the psychoanalyst is trained to use his or her personality to understand the patient. Because of this important use of oneself, a personal psychoanalysis helps clean out the personal quirks and problems that interfere with us understanding our patients fully.

Would psychoanalytic training be useful if I do not want to be a private practicing psychoanalyst?
People in many diverse fields find psychoanalytic training useful. Parents, teachers, counselors, lawyers, students of literature and philosophy, and people working in many other areas are drawn to psychoanalytic training to help them understand the unconscious motivations that drive their colleagues, students, clients, and family members.

Why would an educator benefit from psychoanalytic training?
An educator may receive tuition reimbursement from his or her school district for couse work in psychoanalysis. Additionally, psychoanalytic course work may qualify an educator for an increase in salary. An educator will develop the ability to understand students' self-destructive behaviors and learn methods to resolve students' resistances to learning.

Should you consider becoming a psychoanalyst if you are dissatisfied with your present profession?
Yes, and even if you are satisfied, modern psychoanalytic training can deepen your work and make your present career even more fulfilling.

Is financial aid available for the master’s degree?
Yes. Loans are available through the national student loan program in coordination with Centenary College and the federal government.

Does psychoanalysis treat only the healthy and wealthy elite?
At our treatment service, the North Jersey Consultation Center, we have never turned away a patient, no matter what the diagnosis or ability to pay. Call for a consultation: 973-736-7696.

What about medication?
Often patients do better on a combination of medication and psychotherapy. Medication may be necessary to help patients through a difficult period in coordination with psychoanalytic treatment.

Is psychoanalysis too costly?
Many therapists and all therapists at the North Jersey Consultation Center work with a flexible fee schedule.

How long does training take?
The Master’s in Psychoanalysis is a 48 credit MA degree and can be completed in two years of full time work. After completion, students may apply to the Certificate program. Usually, it takes a minimum of five years to complete the Certificate program. During those five years students are helped to build a private practice while treating patients under supervision at the North Jersey Consultation Center.

Do I have to get an MA in psychoanalysis to apply to the Certificate Program?
No, some students prefer to enroll in the Certificate program and do not need an MA, since they already have one. For those students, their work in the Certificate training program will deepen their work and enable them to apply for the state certification exam.

Does psychoanalytic training require five times a week analysis?
The modern psychoanalytic approach encourages students to discover the frequency that is best for them. The patient is a consultant in his or her own psychoanalysis, selecting frequency in discussion with the psychoanalyst.

Is psychoanalysis appropriate for elderly patients or children?
Modern psychoanalytic approaches are ideal for all ages. The modern psychoanalytic approach welcomes patients of all ages and diagnoses with optimism.