Admissions Policy & Procedures

MISSION STATEMENT

LAISPS offers psychoanalytic training to mental health professionals and qualified individuals from other academic fields. The minimum requirement is a graduate degree (Ph.D. or Psy.D in Psychology, Master's in Social Work, Master's in Marriage and Family Therapy, R.N. in Nursing, or M.D. in Medicine), and a clinical license for mental health professionals. Academicians with a Ph.D. and demonstrated excellence in his or her field can apply for training as a research analyst.

II. CRITERIA FOR ADMISSIONS TO CANDIDACY:

Applicants must provide an autobiographical statement and information regarding education, training and clinical experience. In addition, letters of reference and academic records are required. To determine the applicant's suitability, the admissions committee will consider the following criteria for evaluation:

1. Introspective capacity and psychological awareness

2. Capacity to be analyzed

3. Capacity to tolerate aloneness and the unknown

4. Capacity for empathy

5. Grasp of human complexities

6. Flexibility and openness to new ideas

7. Capacity for critical inquiry and intellectual rigor

8. Scientific curiosity and commitment to learning

9. Ability to accept and deal with aggression and sexuality

10. Financial resources, time and energy to sustain psychoanalytic training.

We seek candidates with a capacity for empathy, solitude, intimacy, independence, healthy dependency and comfort with limitations and boundaries. In addition, applicants must have the intellectual capacity to comprehend the complexity of psychoanalytic thinking, and the motivation and perseverance to fulfill the requirements of psychoanalytic training.

III. RESPONSIVENESS TO INDIVIDUAL NEEDS:

LAISPS has flexibility in meeting some candidates' special needs in the pace of training (e.g., disabilities, anticipations of pregnancy, desire of advance placement, leave of absence, need to proceed at a slower pace, etc) and to assess the feasibility of such parameters with the Education Committee in advance of concluding the evaluation process.

IV. ADVANCED STANDING:

Acceptance of candidates for advanced standing will be determined on a case-by-case basis by the education committee.

V. APPLICATION FOR ADMISSION:

The deadline for applications is June 1. Applications are accepted throughout the year, but should be submitted by June 1 to give the committee adequate time to conduct the admissions process in consideration for classes beginning in the fall. Request for extension of deadline must be discussed with the Chair of the Admissions Committee.

1. A. The completed application including a psychologically-oriented autobiography must be accompanied by the required fee.
2. B. Official transcripts of both graduate and undergraduate work and three letters of reference must be submitted. The applicant should verify that these materials have been received in the LAISPS office to make the application complete.
3. C. Petitions for waiver of any requirements must be made upon application through the Admissions Chair to the Education Committee.

VI. INTERVIEWING PROCEDURES:

The applicant can anticipate meeting with three separate interviewers. The Chair will select three different Admissions Committee members to serve as interviewers for each applicant.

1. The applicant is expected to complete three interviews, one of which is a clinical interview. The applicant shall prepare back-ground and process notes from a couple of recent clinical hours with at least one patient whom the applicant considers s/he is working with from a psychoanalytic perspective, if possible. Although the clinical interview usually focuses on one case, it is recommended that the applicant prepare a second case to discuss if necessary. During the clinical assessment the applicant is evaluated in terms of psychological mindedness, and potential for working within the transference and maintaining boundaries. The interview procedure for applicants applying as a research analyst will be adjusted accordingly, presuming that research analysts may not have clinical experience.
2. B. The other two interviews are personal interviews, focusing on the general application and the applicant’s autobiography. The interview is most often shaped by the applicant's autobiography-what is included and what is excluded. Sensitivity will be observed regarding the appropriate depth of probing into the applicant's internal world and defenses and about issues regarding the applicant's ongoing analysis or therapy.

VII. PROCEDURES FOR DEALING WITH ACCEPTANCES AND REJECTIONS:

A favorable majority in both the Admissions and Education Committees will be required to accept an applicant. If unanswered questions arise during either committee's deliberations, an additional meeting with the applicant may be arranged. Once a final decision has been reached, the Chair of the Education Committee will notify the applicant of the outcome. In the case an applicant is rejected, there is a one year waiting period before a new application can be submitted.

VIII. BEGINNING THE PERSONAL ANALYSIS:

Admitted candidates should be prepared to begin their four to five times per week personal psychoanalysis with a LAISPS Training Analyst upon admission. It is highly recommended that accepted applicants begin the personal psychoanalysis as soon as possible.

IX. INFANT OBSERVATION:

Infant Observation Course is part of the curriculum.  Admitted candidates will be required to take an active role in their pursuit of finding an infant to observe.  The instructor for Infant Observation will provide guidelines and make recommendations to aid the candidate in obtaining an infant.