A brief History of The Austin Society for Psychoanalytic Psychology: “Austin Psychoanalytic”
This organization which we call “The Austin Society for Psychoanalytic Psychology” (ASPP), and recently branded as “Austin Psychoanalytic”, emerged in the late 1980’s from the efforts of a small group of Austin Mental Health professionals seeking a professional forum for the study of Psychoanalytic concepts and methods. With the help of the Dallas Society of Psychoanalytic Psychology, and under the auspices of Division 39 of the American Psychological Association, The Division of Psychoanalysis, our original founders established the Austin Society for Psychoanalytic Psychology in 1988.
The inception was around the same time the American Psychoanalytic Association was being challenged and eventually relented to opening formal psychoanalytic training to mental health disciplines other than Psychiatry. At this time in Austin there were very few psychoanalysts, no institute or post-graduate training in the field of psychoanalysis or psychoanalytic psychotherapy. Our organization soon formed an Education Committee to develop what would become a robust program of Monthly lectures and twice-yearly conferences with speakers of national renown. Currently, in addition to monthly meetings and yearly conferences, we have engaged our more experienced clinicians to offer trainings through Salon programs, where professionals can be introduced to Psychoanalytic concepts in small group settings. We have also established an affiliation with the The Center for Psychoanalytic Studies in Houston, which has an Austin-based, 2-year post-graduate training in psychoanalytic psychotherapy. Now in our 30th year, the organization has fulfilled many of the dreams of our original founders.
As the field of Psychoanalysis and Psychotherapy has evolved, ASPP has worked to evolve in kind. Incorporating training that is current and meets not onlythe educational needs of our constituency, but also serving the Licensing needs of the various Disciplines that practice in the Mental-health field. Our trainings are relevant to all mental health professionals and our programs meet the licensing standards for most professional disciplines. This approach to inclusiveness is as important as the rigor we strive to maintain in the provision of Psychoanalytic teachings.
Today, in our 30th year, we have customized our website and developed our “brand” to stay current with our evolving world. Austin Society for Psychoanalytic Psychology, referred to as “Austin Psychoanalytic” going forward, has evolved from the vision of a small cadre of dedicated professionals to a vibrant and inclusive community providing for the education and application of Psychoanalytic Theory.
Founding Members
Gemma Ainslie
Ricardo Ainslie
Juana Antokoletz
Peggy Bradley
Richard Campbell
Marvin Daniels
Jeff Ezel
Don Giller
Sharon Horowitz
Elayne Lansford
Marty Mansovitz
Marsha McCary
Mary Pharis