Application & Admission

Training at the New School for Existential Psychoanalysis, though based in San Francisco, is conducted exclusively on a virtual basis. It is open to all, depending on clinical licensure and academic qualifications. Applicants should have a graduate degree in psychology or a related discipline, some clinical experience in psychoanalysis, and an abiding interest in existential philosophy. Our faculty and supervisors are worldwide — the United States, Brazil, Australia, Great Britain, and Canada. Candidates are welcome the world over. All teaching is conducted in English.

Training comprises weekly theoretical and clinical seminars of 90 minutes each, and individual supervision of two concurrent control cases, with a minimum of two years duration. Candidates who have not been in psychoanalysis should seek an analyst to work with in their geographical location during training. Candidates are expected to participate in weeklong, annual in-person gatherings (in locations to be determined) in order to get acquainted, and to bond.

Upon completion of training, a Certificate in Existential Psychoanalysis will be awarded.

Application Process

1. Initial Inquiry. Reach out to Dr. Michael Guy Thompson at michaelguythompson@mac.com and Dr. James Norwood at jamesnorwoodpsyd@gmail.com for initial interviews and discussions.
2. Application Materials. Following the initial discussion, if you are interested in applying, submit electronically to the same email addresses: CV / resume and the application fee (see Fees below).
3. Interview with Training Committee. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted to schedule interviews with two members of our Training Committee.
4. Group Interview with Clinical Presentation. Final-stage candidates participate in a group interview with all five members of our Training Committee (including Dr. Douglas Kirsner) and present a clinical case.

Fees

• Application fee: $250
• Training: $5,000 per year ($1,250 per term)
• Non-refundable deposit upon approval: $1,250 (applied to first term)
• Individual supervision: $150 USD per session, payable to the supervisor

Training fees cover teacher honoraria and administration. You will carry two control cases for the duration of training, each with its own supervisor. Sessions generally convene Tuesdays, 10:00 am–1:00 pm Pacific Time.

Inquiries

New School for Existential Psychoanalysis
2196 Union Street
San Francisco, CA 94123
415.683.3353
michaelguythompson@mac.com

Free Association Clinic for Existential Psychotherapy & Psychoanalysis

Psychoanalysis relieves suffering by helping us think through things that we are usually too anxious or distracted to think about. By confiding to another person what comes to mind, we enter into a collaboration through which, together, we endeavor to make sense of the conflicts and confusion that lie at the bottom of our symptoms, anguish, and unhappiness. Free Association convenes a low-cost clinic in San Francisco that refers prospective patients to candidates who reside in the San Francisco Bay Area. Candidates located elsewhere are obliged to seek their own referrals.