Programs of Study

Exploring Psychoanalysis Program

Designed as an introduction to psychoanalytic thought for graduate students, therapists, advanced trainees, academics, professionals and artists. This nine-month-long program offers a monthly seminar with a senior analyst, monthly access to mentorship with an Institute Faculty member, and four opportunities to participate in a case conference.

Monthly meetings with mentors can be used for a variety of student needs, including discussing papers, clinical material or career interests.

Students in clicnical practice may present and get feedback on their own clinical work in a series of four clinical case conferences.

This program is an essential entry point to the psychoanalytic lifelong learning community that the Institute nurtures.

Students are invited, as guests, to select scientific meetings and contiuning education programs during the Exploring Psychoanalysis year. There are approximately 20 students in this program.

  • Who is this program for?

    This program is open to advanced trainees and recently graduated mental health professionals who have significant interest in psychoanalysis as a body of knowledge and as a framework with which to understand and carry out therapeutic work. Artists and academics interested in applying analytic concepts to their work may also apply.

  • Curriculum

    • Theory — readings from Freud, Self Psychology, Winnicot, Relational Theorists
    • Core Concepts—Transference, Countertransference, Defense, Conflict, Enactment, Trauma
  • Schedule

    Monthly Saturday morning meetings September-May. All sessions include a CEU eligible 2 hour lecture. Four of the nine sessions will include an additional, optional 1.5 hour case conference following the lecture.

    Fall, Winter, Spring quarters
    8 South Michigan Avenue, Floor 7
    Chicago, IL  60603
    View Academic Calendar

  • Available Locally

    This program is only available to local students.

  • Tuition and Fees

    The program is offered at no cost to participants.


Continuing Education Units will be granted to Physicians, Psychologists, Social Workers, Professional Counselors and Marriage and Family Therapists based on attendance.

Student Stories

Title of Student Story

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Application Procedures

The following items will be required with your application:

  • Curriculum vitae/resume
  • (1) Letter of reference (Reference guidelines can be found here)
  • Personal statement (no more than 600 words)

You will be able to start, save and return to the application to complete it, before submitting.

Please address questions or concerns about the program to our Director of Education education@chicagoanalysis.org

Admissions Deadline:

5/1/2024 (subject to change)

Admissions Criteria

  • Continuing Education Accreditation

    This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the accreditation requirements and policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) through the joint providership of American Psychoanalytic Association and The Chicago Psychoanalytic Institute. The American Psychoanalytic Association is accredited by the ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians.”

    The American Psychoanalytic Association designates this Live Activity for a maximum of 15 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of  their participation in the activity.

    IMPORTANT DISCLOSURE INFORMATION FOR ALL LEARNERS: None of the planners and presenters for this educational activity have relevant financial relationship(s)* to disclose with ineligible companies whose primary business is producing, marketing, selling, re-selling, or distributing healthcare products used by or on patients.

    *Financial relationships are relevant if the educational content an individual can control is related to the business lines or products of the ineligible company.

    – Updated July 2021 –

  • Commitment to Diversity

    The Institute is committed to serving faculty, students, consumers of therapy, and community members with respect and dignity. The Chicago Psychoanalytic Institute does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, genetic information, marital or familial status, sex, age, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status or gender identity.