The Washington Society of Psychoanalytic Psychology is a local chapter of the Division of Psychoanalysis (39) of the American Psychological Association.

We are an educational organization which offers workshops and short seminars on modern psychoanalytic ideas and approaches. We are open to practicing psychotherapists from all disciplines. In our seminars and short courses, we emphasize and foster a collegial atmosphere in which members and attendees learn from experienced, psychoanalytically-oriented clinicians, and in which all feel free to discuss the way the presenter’s ideas and approaches pertain to their own clinical experience.

Over many years, we have developed a seminar format that actively welcomes the participation of all. For many, it is a rich and rewarding opportunity for professional growth and networking.

Five Fridays (Sept – May) and April Seminar

We’re glad you’re here to learn more about our upcoming Five Friday seminars!  Please peruse each program’s description. ** Please note that all Friday seminars will be via Zoom.  Zoom links for seminars will be sent to all registrants on the Monday before the seminar.  Be sure to register by the Sunday (earlier is even better) to receive the Zoom link.

We continue to offer opportunities for connecting with each other informally for half an hour after each seminar. We are also exploring options for an in-person, outdoors, social gathering (as weather and safety permit).

Please note, registration is free for WSPP members. Membership is only $140.  Otherwise, the fee is $75 per seminar registration.  

Awakening

September 30, 2022 from 11:30am – 2:30pm EST
Macario Giraldo, Ph.D

Slip Slidin’ Away

November 18, 2022 11:30am – 2:30pm EST
Stephanie Schechter, PsyD and Susan Kattlove, MD

Note: This seminar earns 3 CE’s toward licensure requirements in ethics.

Finding Solid Ground… Even with the Most Dissociative Clients!

February 10, 2023 9:30am – 12:30pm EST
Bethany Brand, PhD

Mentalizing Autism:

Incorporating a Neurodiversity Framework into Psychodynamic Work

March 31, 2023 11:30am – 2:30pm EST
Stacey Dershewitz, J.D., Psy.D. and Sara Hedlund, PhD

Note: This seminar earns 3 CE’s toward licensure requirements in cultural competence.

A Companion Unobtrusive – Clinical Follow-Up
2-part Seminar with Robert Grossmark, PhD

Saturday, April 1 & Sunday, April 2.  Approximate times: 5 hours Saturday afternoon, 3 hours Sunday morning 9:30/10am – 12:30/1:00pm. In person at the BCC Service Center.

Fees: $225 for WSPP members; $375 for non-members. Non-members are invited to join WSPP for $140.00 and save on registration.

Note: This course earns 8 CE’s

Registration: To reserve your space, please email Lynn Hamerling quickly as this seminar could to fill up. WSPP members (and non-members who attended the presenter’s original Dec 3, 2021 Friday seminar), will have priority registration through March 10. After March 10th, registration will be opened up to the larger community. Once we’ve confirmed your space, we will let you know how you can send your registration payment.

The Way You Do The Things You Do

Achieving and Sustaining Psychotherapy Effectiveness

May 12, 2023 11:30am – 2:30pm EST
Molyn Leszcz, MD

Our History

The Washington Society for Psychology was formed in 1981, at a time when psychoanalytic education was almost exclusively the domain of the medical profession in Washington, DC. The only option for psychologists seeking education in the psychoanalytic tradition was to joihn medical institutes which were only open to psychologiest in a very limited fashion. In 1988, WSPP became an official location of Division 39 of the American Psychological Association, the APA division interested in psychoanalysis. WSPP has always welcomed all practicing psychotherapists to its courses and seminars, and makes no distinction in membership between psychologists and psychotherapists with other credentials.

Continuing Education

Our Five Friday seminars, when attended in entirety, earn 15 CE credits, which are free for members and included in the registration fee for non-members. 

WSPP is a local chapter of the Division of Psychoanalysis (Division 39) and Division 39 is approved by the APA to sponsor continuing education for psychologists.  Division 39 maintains responsibility for this program and its content. 

Most state social work licensing Boards accept CE’s from APA approved sponsors; please confirm that your local licensing Board accepts APA approved CE’s. 

For more information, contact our CE coordinator, Laurie Levin, MSW at CE@WSPP-DC.org.