The American Psychoanalytic Association: a Decade of Change

Abstract

The American Psychoanalytic Association in the last decade has undergone the most extensive organizational changes in its history. Efforts at inclusion, outreach, and democratization have halted a decline in candidates, active members, and cultural influence and led to a vibrant, growing organization, as new professional groups have gradually been included in the association's training programs. The goal of increasing training opportunities for minority candidates has only partially been achieved. A recent effort to offer affiliate status to psychotherapists and students has begun, though with modest results. Alliances with other psychoanalytic groups have led to creation of the Psychoanalytic Consortium and steady progress toward external accreditation of institutes and licensure of psychoanalysts. In the interest of unification there is a need to develop pathways of affiliation and membership for independent institutes and societies that desire to join the association. Democracy has in large measure already been enhanced at the national level. Deliberations are now transparent, and an invigorated Executive Committee willingly shares power with the Executive Council. Candidates now are deeply involved in the governance of Board and Council and their committees. But only when all members and candidates enjoy full voting rights and all members are able to serve as officers and Executive Councilors will the decades-long effort to democratize the association be concluded.