Who we are and what we do
The American Association for Psychoanalytic Education (AAPE) is an independent, non-profit 501 (c) (3) standards organization. AAPE fosters excellence in psychoanalytic education by establishing, promoting, and maintaining standards for psychoanalytic education in member institutes and centers. AAPE achieves its goals by means of periodic review of standards, site visits, and consultations. External accreditation of institutes/centers that follow AAPE standards is available through the Accreditation Council for Psychoanalytic Education (ACPE), an independent accrediting agency by means of joint AAPE/ACPE site visits.
AAPE includes institutes and training programs that have agreed to meet these standards.
The AAPE Board of Directors and its committees seek active participation from our institutes and professional organizations on issues bearing on standards and psychoanalytic education. AAPE also seeks advice and input from our candidate advisory committee.
For AAPE Standards, click here.
Board of Directors
AAPE’s Board of Directors is the governing body of the organization. It is responsible for defining the overall mission, developing policies and procedures, and establishing and charging committees. All committees report to the Board of Directors.
Dwarakanath G. Rao, M.D. President
Dionne R. Powell, M.D. Vice-President
Rex H. McGehee, M.D. Secretary
Navah C. Kaplan, Ph.D. Treasurer
Sydney Anderson, Ph.D.
Lee I. Ascherman, M.D.
Dhipthi Brundage, M.D.
David L. Frank, M.D.
Phillip Freeman, M.D., DMH
Elizabeth M. Wilson, M.D.
M. Jane Yates, Ph.D.
Calvern E. Narcisi, M.D., Consultant
Committee on Adult Training–Establish, review, and revise adult training standards on an as needed basis (admission criteria, curriculum, progression, graduation, faculty appointment and development), coordinate with child/adolescent training.
Committee on Child/Adolescent Training
Co-chairs: Sydney Anderson, Ph.D. and Charles E. Parks, Ph.D.
Establish, review, and revise child/adolescent training standards on an as needed basis (admission criteria, curriculum, progression, graduation, faculty appointment and development), and coordinate activities with committee on adult training.
Committee on Site Visits
Chair: Howard Foster, M.D.
Prepare site visit schedule, create roster of site visit committee members, collaborate with ACPEinc on all aspects of joint site visits with ACPEinc team, including preparing report, and communication with institutes.
Training and Supervising Analyst Development and Appointment Committee
Chair: Michael Singer, D.O.
Establish policies and procedures for a developmentally sensitive appointment of training and supervising analysts.
Committee on Clinical Candidate Preparedness
Chair: Barbara Redinger, LCSW, Ph.D.
—Establish criteria for admission to psychoanalytic training: including pre-requisites, pre-matriculation and post-matriculation educational and clinical pathways for clinician applicants in mental health or non-mental health disciplines. Develop standards consistent with local licensure regulations.
Committee on Faculty and Practice Development: Assist institute faculty in life-long learning activity; professional development, including certification, practice building, teaching and supervision; and achieve familiarity and comfort in seeking peer review and consultation.
Committee on Institute Liaison and Development–Provide consultation and advice for new and existing member institutes on resolving local issues, establishing educational goals, recruitment, and collaboration with other institutes, in accordance with AAPE standards.
Finance and Development Committee —This committee will be responsible for all financial matters, including budgets, fundraising, collection of dues, and maintaining records necessary for a non-profit organization.
Public Information Committee
Chair: Aneil M. Shirke, M.D.
Publicize the mission of AAPE using website, social media, and print material; develop strategies to address professional and societal concerns about psychoanalytic standards.
Committee on Ethics in Psychoanalytic Education
Chair: Peter Kotcher, M.D.
Develop policies and procedures for addressing appeals and complaints from institutes or individuals regarding any aspect of education and training.
Candidate Advisory & Liaison Committee
Chair: Dhipthi Brundage, M.D.
Provide a forum for candidates interested in standards and accreditation and the effects of standards on education, career development, candidate recruitment. This committee will act as liaison between the AAPE Board and the candidate community.
Liaison Committee to Professional Organizations–Maintain liaison with other psychoanalytic organizations, and explore ways to collaborate on common professional goals.