"I write to know what I think": a four-year writing curriculum

Area of Science:

• Psychoanalysis
• Psychological Training
• Clinical Supervision

Background:

• The Columbia Center for Psychoanalytic Training and Research developed a four-year writing curriculum.
• The program aims to enhance analytical skills through the practice of writing about psychoanalysis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the structure and methodology of a psychoanalytic writing curriculum.
• To examine how writing facilitates learning about psychoanalytic analysis and the analyst's function.

Main Methods:

• A stepwise, four-year curriculum employing a didactic method called "layering."
• Examination of typical candidate writing difficulties at each level.
• Use of write-up examples in teaching.

Main Results:

• The curriculum addresses specific writing challenges faced by candidates.
• Examples demonstrate the pedagogical application of candidate write-ups.
• The importance of faculty experience in the training process is highlighted.

Conclusions:

• Writing is a crucial tool for developing and articulating psychoanalytic understanding and practice.
• The "layering" method provides a structured approach to teaching psychoanalytic writing.
• Faculty guidance is essential for effective training in psychoanalytic writing.