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Professional and Personal Development After Psychoanalytic Training: Interviews with Early Career Analysts
Sabrina Cherry1, Juliette Meyer1, Gregory Mann1
1Sabrina Cherry, Associate Clinical Professor of Psychiatry, Columbia University, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons; Associate Director and Training and Supervising Analyst, Columbia University Center for Psychoanalytic Training and Research. Juliette Meyer, Lecturer in Psychiatry, Columbia University, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons; Director of Admissions, Externship Program, and faculty, Columbia University Center for Psychoanalytic Training and Research. Gregory Mann, M.A. Pamela Meersand, Associate Clinical Professor of Medical Psychology in Psychiatry, Columbia University, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons; Director of Child Division and Training and Supervising Analyst, Columbia University Center for Psychoanalytic Training and Research.
Psychoanalytic training graduates navigate career challenges, including competence and work-life balance. Despite disillusionment, many report high career satisfaction in psychoanalytic practice.
Area of Science:
- Psychoanalysis
- Psychology
- Psychotherapy Training
Background:
- Graduates integrate their psychoanalyst identity into broader careers post-training.
- Key decisions involve taking new cases, adapting knowledge, and focusing professional interests.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify developmental themes in psychoanalysts' career trajectories.
- To understand challenges faced by recent graduates in psychoanalytic practice.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal study tracking 69 graduates from Columbia University Center for Psychoanalytic Training and Research since 2003.
- Grounded theory analysis of interviews with analysts followed for at least ten years.
- Utilized questionnaires and interviews within the Columbia Postgraduate Analytic Practice Study (CPAPS).
Main Results:
- Recent graduates face challenges in developing competence, managing professional relationships, mentoring, and balancing life responsibilities.
- Disillusionment regarding training, practice, and the field is common, coexisting with high career satisfaction.
- Developmental themes include navigating professional identity and evolving roles.
Conclusions:
- Psychoanalytic training programs should offer career development support.
- Realistic expectations regarding practice and treatment outcomes are crucial for graduates.
- Addressing disillusionment and supporting career transitions are vital for the field.
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