Brooklyn Institute for Psychotherapy and Psychoanalysis

Training Institute

The Brooklyn Institute for Psychotherapy and Psychoanalysis is an educational facility whose purpose is to provide advanced training and educational opportunities to qualified mental health professionals. It offers training through its certificate programs in Adult Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy and Child and Adolescent Psychotherapy. BIPP's coursework and faculty provide diverse treatment perspectives that include classical and contemporary psychoanalytic traditions as well as other theoretical approaches. These systematic programs are supplemented by our Continuing Educational Workshops and Colloquia which are offered during the year.

BIPP is deeply committed to the establishment of a community of serious and dedicated mental health professionals. There is no better way of achieving this goal than having such individuals train and learn together.

Adult Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy Training Programs

Co-Directors:
Joan Lipton, Ph.D.
Richard Zuckerberg, Ph.D.

Starting at the end of September, two courses are offered each ten week trimester on Thursday evenings. Classes are held in instructors’ private offices in Brooklyn The first course begins at 6:00 p.m. and ends at 7:30 p.m. and the second begins at 8:00 p.m. and ends at 9:30 p.m. Courses are sometimes offered on Sunday afternoon. Candidates are encouraged to take two courses per trimester and to complete their training in three years. However, candidates may enroll on a part time basis and extend their training over a longer period of time. In order to examine conceptual and historical issues as well as analyze case material, theoretical courses are often paired with clinical case seminars.

BIPP offers small classes in which candidates are encouraged to develop and find their own identities as psychoanalytically informed psychotherapists. Candidates are introduced to the multiplicity of psychoanalytic ideas from classical to contemporary and are encouraged to study with faculty and supervisors who have different theoretical perspectives. There is never an attempt to impose a particular theory or viewpoint on our students.

Admission Requirements

Personal Therapy Requirements

Supervision Requirements

Requirements for the Certificate

Tuition and Fees

Click on the following programs for detailed descriptions:

One Year Program in Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy
This one year program will be devoted to a presentation of essential concepts in the development of psychoanalytic theory of personality, psychopathology, and treatment.

The 30 week program will consist of an exploration of the evolution of psychoanalytic psychotherapy as it emerges in schools of psychoanalytic thought. Key concepts from the contributions of the Freudian tradition, the Object Relations, Interpersonal, and Relational positions as well as approaches to the field of intersubjectivity will be presented for analysis and discussion. These concepts will be explored through readings of seminal and critical papers which illustrate and represent the essential elements from each of the various schools of thought. BIPP’s curriculum is designed to provide a presentation and exploration of classical and contemporary concepts within the psychoanalytic tradition. There is a consistent effort made to integrate theory and experience in order to facilitate the most effective understanding of psychoanalytic psychotherapy.

The course work will be presented and critiqued by various faculty members at BIPP. Emphasis will be placed on the ways in which theoretical concepts can guide and inform our clinical work in various clinical settings and patient populations. In addition, case seminars will consist of a combination of faculty and candidates’ case presentations, group discussions, and incorporation of readings into the clinical work being presented.

This One Year Program is being conceived as a self-contained unit which may be taken by anyone interested in bringing together insights and reflections from their ongoing clinical work within the conceptual currents of psychoanalytic theory. Alternatively, the one year of course work and clinical seminars may be used to fulfill the first year requirements of BIPP’s Three Year Program In Psychanalytic Psychotherapy.
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Three Year Certificate Program in Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy
Click here for a printable curriculum

This psychoanalytic, ego psychology and practical approach to starting psychotherapy will cover numerous issues including “the therapeutic alliance,” neutrality, listening with the “third ear,” rapport, empathy, patient autonomy, resistance, transference, countertransference, eroticized resistance and maintaining the intact frame of the psychotherapy session. We will discuss the differential use of non-analytic techniques such as directive, supportive crises intervention, and short term psychotherapy based on diagnostic considerations and phase of treatment.

“To the contemporary student, many aspects of Freud’s theories seem only partly plausible and difficult to grasp with any sense of secure understanding. Those who are predisposed to rebellion often react by rejecting psychoanalysis as a whole, or turn to a more “modern” form of it, without ever knowing just what it is they are discarding, and on the basis of some stereotyped formula like “unscientific” or “too biological.” Those who are predisposed to uncritical admiration of an authentic genius, as Freud certainly was, accept those obscure parts of the psychoanalytic canon as the truly profound passages, which are simply beyond their own capacity to follow.

To one who finds neither of these styles of reaction ego-syntonic, there remains one principal course of action: to undertake a close study of the texts themselves…” From Robert Holt’s “Freud Reappraised.”

This course is designed as an exploration of the basic concepts of psychoanalysis as they emerge in the writings of Freud. The focus will be to discover these major concepts, and to trace their evolution, through a reading of some of the original, major theoretical papers. We will take a chronological view as a means of uncovering Freud’s essential early tenets, and then follow the direction of changes and shifts in his thinking over the years. All readings are from the Standard Edition, many of which can be found in paperback editions.

This course will look at the ways in which therapy promotes change. We will compare and contrast theories on the mutative aspects of psychoanalysis such as the roles of interpretation and the relationship between patient and therapist. Candidates will have the opportunity to discuss their own cases and to examine what their patients need from the treatment and from the therapeutic relationship in order to change. Topics such as resistance, internalization, and enactment will also be covered.

In this course participants will have the opportunity to present cases and to discuss assigned readings which will reflect self psychological, intersubjective, and object relational perspectives. This course is open to psychotherapists seeking a deeper understanding of their clinical work.

Beyond Freud: The Development of Psychoanalytic Theory
Karen D’Amore, LCSW, BCD

In this course we will explore the development of psychoanalytic theory "beyond Freud" - mainly aspects of theory developed after his death, but some that had their genesis during his lifetime, and have been rediscovered, or expanded on, in recent years. We will survey the contributions of ego psychology (Hartman, Anna Freud, Erikson, and Mahler), British object relations (Klein, Fairbairn, Guntrip, Bion, and Winnicott), self-psychology (Kohut), and intersubjectivity (Stolorow, Atwood, Lachmann). Also included will be the contributions of unique thinkers like Ferenczi, Balint and Bowlby. In addition to surveying the various theories, we will assess their impact on our understanding of specific kinds of patients as well as the clinical situations in general.

In this seminar on dream interpretation and its uses in psychotherapy we will review theoretical material. However the main focus will be on clinical material and their utilization in treatment. Material will be from candidates and the instructor.

This course will explore the therapeutic usefulness of the relational theories in psychoanalysis. Issues to be covered will include Klein’s theories of the paranoid-schizoid and depressive position, projective identification, manic defenses and envy, Kernberg’s revisions of Klein’s concepts with subsequent emphasis on ego operation, and Racker’s concern with the relational experience within the clinical setting. Attempts will be made to draw out the essential conceptual similarities and differences within the object relations framework of Fairbairn, Guntrip, and Winnicot, and those of Kohut’s selfobject theory, and Stolorow’s and Atwood’s intersubjectivity theory. The course will focus on the integration of these theoretical approaches within the clinical setting.

This clinical seminar will cover the foundations of interpersonal theory from Sullivan’s clinical approach to a range of contemporary interpersonal thought. Candidates will have the opportunity to present clinical material to help them formulate interpersonal treatment approaches.

This course will explore the effects of exposure to overwhelming life events. It will examine trauma and recovery as well as the relationship of attachment style and vulnerability as they affect both individuals and couples. Treatment approaches to be discussed will include acute preventative interventions as well as the psychoanalytic treatment of trauma with emphasis on the ameliorative influences of the therapeutic relationship for the patient and on the risk and prevention of vicarious traumatization of the therapist.

Clinical Seminar: The Treatment of Difficult Patient Populations
John Rossland, Ph.D.

This course will combine a lecture and case presentation format. It will address the assessment and treatment of the more difficult to treat symptom constellations with practical as well as psychoanalytic, ego psychology, and object relations informed approaches. Some of the clinical scenarios will include suicidal, homicidal, substance abuse, psychosis, dissociative identity (multiple), borderline, and narcissistic personality disorders.

Clinical Seminar: Race and Diversity
Sandra Chaplain, CSW

Talking about race and diversity in the treatment can be both challenging and uncomfortable for both the patient as well as the therapist. This seminar will teach how to explore and manage the therapeutic relationship within the confines of countertransference and transference issues. We will explore and deepen our understanding of how biases and prejudices can build or destroy the therapeutic alliance. This seminar will heighten and develop sensitivity to cultural and racial issues through role play and exercises.

Transference
Karen D’Amore, LCSW, BCD

Among Freud's discoveries, none has proved more theoretically valid or clinically productive than his demonstration that humans regularly and inevitably repeat with the analyst patterns of relationship, fantasy, and conflict experienced in their childhood. Transference is one of the cornerstones of psychoanalytic therapy, and, like other major concepts, has undergone significant changes over the years in regard to its theoretical premises, its meaning, and the ways in which it can be used in therapy.

In this course, we will survey some of the major papers on transference from Freud's time to the present. However, the emphasis will be on the clinical aspects of transference: various ways in which transference is expressed or manifested by the patient, how its meaning can be explored, and how it can advance or hinder the course of therapy. Case material from participants, the instructor, and published papers will be utilized.

The purpose of the course is to help clinicians gain deeper insight into their work with patients. From theoretical readings and case presentations we will examine the multiplicity of relational and interpersonal thought on transference and countertransference.

Clinical Seminar: Neuropsychology: The growing interface with clinical treatment
Robert Steiner, Psy.D.

The last two decades have brought about an enormous growth of knowledge about the brain and its relationship to behavior, both during the course of normal aging and in conjunction with emotional development and disturbance. This clinical seminar will provide a series of "bridges" between new developments in neuroscience and neuropsychology as applied to clinical treatment.

This clinical seminar builds on the underlying theory presented in Trauma and Its Impact Over Time. The specifics of treating several types of trauma will be discussed, for example, sexual trauma, criminal victimization, war trauma, survival of terrorist episodes and traumatic bereavement. The content of this course will reflect the candidates’ specific interests. With permission of the instructor this course can be taken before the candidate has completed Trauma and Its Impact Over Time.

Clinical Seminar: Theory of Development
Laura Barbanel, Ed.D., ABPP
Warren Spielberg, Ph.D.

This clinical case seminar will cover the effects of early object loss as seen in work with adult patients. We will emphasize developmental issues as well as transference and countertransference. Participants will present case material.
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Personal Therapy Requirements
BIPP places great emphasis on the value of one’s personal therapy experience. There is no better way to understand and appreciate the concepts and work of psychoanalytic psychotherapy than within the context of one’s own therapy. All that is learned in coursework and supervision needs to be continually brought back to one’s experience, and the core of this reference point is likely to be created out of one’s own individual therapy. In addition, we at BIPP feel strongly that each candidate will benefit from ongoing involvement in therapy during training. The challenges of training in psychotherapy, and the struggles of clinical work, often make therapy a necessary place to sort out anxieties and conflicts and to discover and clarify one’s emerging resources and assets.

BIPP requires that each candidate complete at least 200 hours of psychoanalytic therapy in order for a certificate to be granted. It is recommended that the therapy be conducted with a frequency of at least twice a week and with a psychoanalyst or psychoanalytically oriented psychotherapist. The therapist must be a licensed mental health professional (psychologist, social worker, psychiatrist, psychiatric nurse), and either a graduate of a psychoanalytically-oriented training program with at least 5 years of post-institute experience, or a licensed mental health professional with at least l0 years post-licensing experience.

In general, a candidate’s prior personal therapy experience will be accepted as meeting BIPP’s requirements if the above conditions have been met. If a candidate is interested in having his or her therapy experience considered in fulfillment of the therapy requirement this should be discussed at the time of application. Determinations as to the acceptability of part or all of the candidate’s prior therapy experience will be left to the discretion of BIPP’s Training Committee. Despite the prior therapy experience of candidates, it is strongly believed that candidates benefit from being in therapy at the time of their training.

At the time of application, it is the candidate’s responsibility to have his or her therapist submit a written statement detailing how the therapist meets the above requirements, and confirming the length and frequency of the candidate’s psychotherapy. This should be updated yearly.

Supervision Requirement
For those students who elect to pursue a Certificate, supervision in psychotherapy is required. Each student is required to follow at least three cases with at least three supervisors for a total of 125 supervision sessions with at least 40 hours with one supervisor. All candidates in supervision are required to take at least one course each academic semester.

Patients are not provided by BIPP but must be supplied by candidates from their own private practices or the clinics, schools, or institutions where they work.

Requirements for the Certificate
1. Satisfactory completion of all course work. Courses are graded pass/fail as determined by the instructor. No credit will be given for an unsatisfactory grade given for more than two absences in any course. Evaluation is based on any or all of the following: oral and/or written presentations, and class participation.

2. Completion of the required hours of supervision. Credit for supervision is contingent upon satisfactory evaluations by the candidate’s supervisor. If a candidate’s performance in supervision is judged to be lacking, additional hours of supervision may be recommended.

3. Satisfactory fulfillment of the personal therapy requirement as described previously.

4. Each student’s progress through BIPP is monitored closely by instructors and supervisors. Formal evaluation of candidates is conducted on a regular basis.

5. Students will need to present a written case study to a committee of three Board Members selected by the Dean of Students and Education.

Tuition and Fees
(For One Year and Three Year Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy Training Programs):

BIPP Society Membership (per year): $ 50.00

Colloquium Series
The BIPP colloquium series is an integral part of the BIPP learning experience. Offered throughout the academic year on selected Sundays, experts are invited to give a presentation on a topic of clinical interest. The setting is informal, often referred to as our “parlor floor” dialogues. These colloquia provide a forum for professional and intellectual exchange, inquiry, and networking within the BIPP community. It has served as an opportunity for candidates to step forward with their own presentations, a growth experience in itself. Please check the Colloquia Schedule for current offerings.
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Continuing Professional Education Workshops
Community Workshop Series
Workshops are an opportunity for short term immersion, for refreshment and new learning. Contact Andrea Artz, LCSW to reserve your place for these exciting learning opportunities.
(718) 499-7443
email WAAT@aol.com

Check the Workshop Schedule for current offerings.
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