The Economic Problem of Candidacy

Candidates frequently accept one or multiple low-fee cases as part of their training experience. Although the practical and unconscious meanings of the formerly taboo topic of money have recently been discussed in the literature, the candidate's experience in regard to the fee is rarely discussed. The author argues that the candidate is positioned to face a Gordian knot of personal, training, and clinical intensity in the duration of training that impacts casework. This paper discusses two prototypical characterological constellations related to the fee. Psychoanalytic training involves immersion, and thereby differs from training in psychoanalytic psychotherapy programs or from a residency in psychiatry. The candidate's economic experience is unique and under-recognized in today's practice climate. The present article recommends open discussion about the fee among psychoanalysts and candidates.