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Center for Modern Psychoanalytic Studies

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Center for Modern Psychoanalytic Studies
Organization details
TypePsychoanalytic training institute and society
Founded1970
Founder(s)Evelyn Abrams, Dorothy Bloch, Selwyn Brody, Ethel L. Goldwater Clevans, others
Key figuresHyman Spotnitz, Phyllis W. Meadow, Ethel L. Goldwater Clevans, Yonata Feldman
OrientationModern psychoanalysis
Institutional context
AffiliationSociety of Modern Psychoanalysts; independent
Relation to IPANot affiliated
Operations
HeadquartersNew York City, United States
Geographic scopeNational (United States)
Training functionCertificate in Psychoanalysis; licensure-qualifying program
PublicationsModern Psychoanalysis
Websitehttps://www.cmps.edu


The Center for Modern Psychoanalytic Studies (CMPS) is a psychoanalytic training institute and society located in New York City, dedicated to the practice and teaching of modern psychoanalysis. Founded in December 1970, it emphasizes the techniques developed by Hyman Spotnitz and Phyllis W. Meadow, focusing on emotional communication to address a broad spectrum of emotional disorders.[1][2] CMPS holds an absolute charter from the New York State Board of Regents and is approved as a licensure-qualifying institute for psychoanalysis in New York.[1]

As a founding member institute of the Society of Modern Psychoanalysts, CMPS has played a key role in establishing standards for modern psychoanalytic education outside traditional International Psychoanalytical Association (IPA) frameworks, promoting innovations in technique while building on Freudian foundations.[1]

History

Precursors and Origins

The origins of CMPS trace to the late 1960s and early 1970s, amid growing interest in psychoanalytic techniques adaptable to diverse patient populations, including those with severe emotional disturbances. This reflected broader developments in American psychoanalysis, such as the establishment of lay-oriented institutes like the National Psychological Association for Psychoanalysis (NPAP) in response to debates over lay analysis.[3]

Founding (1970)

CMPS was established in December 1970 through a meeting of analysts and supporters of psychoanalysis, including Evelyn Abrams, Dorothy Bloch, Selwyn Brody, Ethel L. Goldwater Clevans, Mark E. Clevans, Irene Kesten, Jacob Kesten, William Kirman, and Evelyn J. (full list per official records).[1] In early 1971, Hyman Spotnitz was elected Honorary President for his pioneering work in modern psychoanalysis.[1] That year, senior associates including Gertrude Aull, Arnold Bernstein, and others were appointed to advance training.[1]

In 1972, CMPS received a provisional charter from the New York State Board of Regents as the Manhattan Center for Advanced Psychoanalytic Studies; this became absolute on March 21, 1978, with the current name.[1] It was approved as a licensure-qualifying institute in 2006.[1]

Under Phyllis W. Meadows direction, CMPS grew into a leading institute, developing the first dedicated program in modern psychoanalysis and influencing other U.S. training centers through faculty consultations.[1]

No major schisms are documented in its history, distinguishing it from more fractious groups like early IPA societies.

Organizational Structure

CMPS operates with a Board of Trustees and faculty governance, typical of U.S. psychoanalytic institutes. It maintains a Psychoanalytic Training Institute and an Extension Division for broader professional education.[1][2]

Governance

The Board of Trustees oversees operations, with faculty roles in curriculum and supervision. Unlike hierarchical IPA models, CMPS emphasizes collaborative education, reflecting modern psychoanalysis's focus on emotional communication in institutional life.[1]

Membership and Training Levels

Membership includes candidates in formation, graduates, faculty, and senior associates. Certification leads to a Certificate in Psychoanalysis, qualifying for licensure in New York.[2]

Training and Formation

CMPS offers a structured program in modern psychoanalysis, including personal analysis, seminars, and supervision. Key innovations include process teaching (introduced by Ethel L. Goldwater Clevans) and supervisory logs (structured by Yonata Feldman) to enhance communication between students, supervisees, and faculty.[1]

The Extension Division provides accessible training for professionals in fields like social work, mental health, and education, emphasizing techniques for loosening rigid emotional patterns.[2] Universities grant academic credit for CMPS studies.[1]

Unlike Lacanian schools' pass or cartels, CMPS uses traditional U.S. institute models: four-times-weekly analysis, theoretical seminars, and case supervision, adapted to modern techniques.[1]

Key Concepts and Theoretical Orientation

CMPS adheres to modern psychoanalysis, rooted in Freud's framework but advanced by Spotnitz and Meadow's innovations, particularly emotional communication—a technique enabling analysts to engage patients' defenses directly, expanding treatment to narcissistic and other severe disorders.[2][1] This orientation prioritizes practical adaptability over classical abstinence, influencing flexible institutional training.[1]

Notable Members

  • Hyman Spotnitz: Honorary President; foundational theorist of modern psychoanalysis.[1]
  • Phyllis W. Meadow: Director who expanded training programs.[1]
  • Ethel L. Goldwater Clevans: Introduced process teaching.[1]
  • Yonata Feldman: Developed supervisory structures.[1]

Publications

CMPS publishes Modern Psychoanalysis, a semi-annual peer-reviewed journal launched in 1976, featuring contributions from faculty, graduates, and candidates. An editorial program supports psychoanalytic writing, leading to books and articles.[1]

See also

References

  1. ↑ 1.00 1.01 1.02 1.03 1.04 1.05 1.06 1.07 1.08 1.09 1.10 1.11 1.12 1.13 1.14 1.15 1.16 1.17 1.18 1.19 1.20 "Welcome to CMPS". Center for Modern Psychoanalytic Studies. Retrieved 2026-01-31.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 "Extension Division". Center for Modern Psychoanalytic Studies. Retrieved 2026-01-31.
  3. ↑ "Psychoanalytic institutes and societies in the United States". Wikipedia. Retrieved 2026-01-31.
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