American Psychoanalytic Association
The American Psychoanalytic Association (APsaA) is the oldest national psychoanalytic organization in the United States, founded on May 9, 1911, in Baltimore, Maryland.[1][2] It serves as a professional body for psychoanalysts, overseeing accredited training institutes and affiliate societies across the country, with approximately 3,500 members.[3][4]
| American Psychoanalytic Association | |
|---|---|
| Organization details | |
| Type | National psychoanalytic association |
| Founded | 1911 |
| Founder(s) | James J. Putnam, Ernest Jones |
| Key figures | James J. Putnam, Ernest Jones, A.A. Brill, Heinz Kohut, Robert S. Wallerstein |
| Orientation | Freudian |
| Institutional context | |
| Affiliation | International Psychoanalytical Association |
| Relation to IPA | Component society |
| Operations | |
| Headquarters | New York City, United States |
| Geographic scope | National (United States) |
| Training function | Accredited training institutes |
| Publications | Journal of the American Psychoanalytic Association |
| Website | https://apsa.org |
APsaA is a component society of the International Psychoanalytical Association (IPA), maintaining standards for psychoanalytic education, research, and practice in a predominantly Freudian orientation.[5] The organization holds annual national meetings and supports scientific exchange through forums and publications.[4]
History
Precursors
Prior to APsaA's founding, psychoanalytic activity in the United States centered on early societies such as the New York Psychoanalytic Society, established by A. A. Brill on February 12, 1911.[2] James Jackson Putnam of Boston advocated for psychoanalysis through papers and informal networks, while Ernest Jones acted as a missionary for the movement at Sigmund Freud's behest.[2]
Founding (1911)
APsaA was formally established on May 9, 1911, at the Bellevue-Stratford Hotel in Baltimore during a meeting arranged by Ernest Jones at Freud's request.[2][6] Charter members included James J. Putnam, who became the first president, along with Ralph C. Hamill, G. Lane Taneyhill, Ernest Jones (secretary), and John T. MacCurdy.[1]
The organization grew through annual meetings, initially coinciding with those of the American Therapeutic Society until 1924.[2]
Growth and Controversies
APsaA expanded to include over 50 affiliate societies and 30 accredited training institutes.[5][7] A major controversy arose in the 1910s–1920s over lay analysis, with APsaA, under presidents like Brill (1919), adopting a medicalized stance opposing non-medical practitioners, diverging from Freud's position.[2]
Organizational Structure
APsaA operates through a hierarchical governance model with elected officers including a president, secretary, treasurer, and chairs of boards such as Professional Standards.[1] It comprises affiliate societies and training institutes, coordinated from its New York headquarters.[3]
Governance
Leadership rotates annually, as documented in chronological tables of presidents (e.g., Robert P. Knight in 1951, Heinz Kohut in 1961, Robert S. Wallerstein in 1971).[1] The Board on Professional Standards oversees training accreditation.[1]
Membership
Membership includes certified psychoanalysts, with categories tied to training completion at accredited institutes; approximately 3,000–3,500 members as of recent records.[4][3]
Training and Formation
APsaA accredits training institutes requiring personal analysis, supervised cases, and theoretical seminars in a classical Freudian curriculum.[5][7] Training emphasizes four-times-weekly analysis and clinical supervision, without Lacanian devices like the pass or cartel.
Key Concepts / Theoretical Orientation
APsaA adheres to ego psychological and classical Freudian traditions, prioritizing concepts such as the structural model of id, ego, and superego, developed by figures like Heinz Hartmann and associated members.[2] This orientation informs rigorous medical training standards and resistance to lay analysis.[2]
Notable Members
- James J. Putnam: First president (1911), early advocate.[1]
- Ernest Jones: Founding secretary (1911).[2]
- A. A. Brill: Influential in medicalization debates, president 1919.[2]
- Heinz Kohut: President-elect 1961, developed self psychology.[1]
- Robert S. Wallerstein: President 1971, research leader.[1]
Publications
- Journal of the American Psychoanalytic Association: Peer-reviewed journal founded 1953, covering theory, practice, and research.[4]
- The American Psychoanalyst: Newsletter with historical content.[2]
See also
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7 "Chronological Table of Officers and Meetings" (PDF). American Psychoanalytic Association. Retrieved 2026-01-31.
- ↑ 2.00 2.01 2.02 2.03 2.04 2.05 2.06 2.07 2.08 2.09 2.10 "The American Psychoanalyst" (PDF). American Psychoanalytic Association. Spring/Summer 2011. Retrieved 2026-01-31.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 "The American Psychoanalytic Association (APSAA)". Retrieved 2026-01-31.
{{cite web}}: Text "publisher Boswell Group" ignored (help) - ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 "American Psychoanalytic Association". NORD. Retrieved 2026-01-31.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 "American Psychoanalytic Association (APsaA)". APA Dictionary of Psychology. Retrieved 2026-01-31.
- ↑ "The American Psychoanalytic Association". Next Exit History. Retrieved 2026-01-31.
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 "Oral History Workshop Recordings". Boston Psychoanalytic Society & Institute. Retrieved 2026-01-31.