The Institute

In an atmosphere of intellectual independence, LAISPS helps qualified professionals create their own psycho-analytic identities. Our system of training ensures that candidates develop into knowledgeable and skillful psychoanalysts capable of practicing, teaching, conducting research, and applying psychoanalytic principles to the broad spectrum of human endeavor.

In the tripartite model, candidates experience a personal training analysis, conduct three supervised psychoanalytic cases, and participate in an intensive four-year academic program of coursework. Our training analysts, who represent the full range of psychoanalytic perspectives, provide candidates with an in-depth experience of psychoanalytic knowledge while simultaneously respecting their intellectual autonomy. We begin with classical psychoanalysis and nine months of infant observation, and continue with ego psychology, Kleinian theory, object relations, self psychology, intersubjectivity and relational theory. Courses on personality development and psychopathology are integrated into this curriculum.

LAISPS' training program is designed to fit the schedules of most working mental health professionals. In addition, qualified professionals who are not mental health clinicians may train as Research Associates, and therapists who have equivalent psychoanalytic training may apply for advanced standing.

Upon completion of psychoanalytic training, the candidate is certified as a psychoanalyst and awarded a Psy.D. in Psychoanalysis. LAISPS also offers a Ph.D. in Psychoanalysis, which requires additional coursework and a dissertation.

Both the Psy.D. and Ph.D. in Psychoanalysis are approved by the State of California Council for Private Postsecondary and Vocational Education.