Institute for Psychoanalytic Training and Research (IPTAR)

The Institute for Psychoanalytic Training and Research (IPTAR) was founded in 1958 as a membership society for non-medical analysts sharing an interest in Freud's theory and technique. It provided a congenial setting for the exchange of ideas and the discussion of cases and theory. In 1960, the Membership Society established the IPTAR Training Institute to offer what was as yet unavailable in this country: rigorous and thorough training in psychoanalytic theory and technique for serious, qualified students from a variety of academic and professional backgrounds. Although IPTAR still maintains a strong Freudian emphasis, the Institute offers a wide range of courses from several different theoretical perspectives.

In 1989, IPTAR became a provisional component society of the International Psychoanalytical Association and a full component society in 1991. IPTAR has the distinction of being one of the first non-medical societies in the United States to become affiliated with the international psychoanalytic community.

IPTAR is both a Membership Society and Training Institute. It is a community committed to the lifelong study of psychoanalysis. IPTAR offers its membership a rich variety of programs and opportunities for study, discussion, and the continuing interchange of ideas. As a Training Institute, it offers a carefully planned curriculum governed by a contemporary Freudian perspective. Rooted in the original Freudian text, it also includes important elaboration and transformations of the original concepts that have led to today's expanded understanding of psychopathology, development, technique, and application. Teaching is done in the context of clinical illustration, making theoretical learning relevant to actual practice.

There are three separate Boards of Directors at IPTAR. The Society Board of Directors bears the ultimate responsibility for all activities at IPTAR and appoints the other two Boards of Directors. The Board of Administrators of the Institute carries out all training functions for the candidates in adult psychoanalysis. This is the main training function that our Society provides. The IPTAR Clinical Center Board of Directors functions to provide the community affordable mental health services. Both Candidates and Members work in the Clinical Center. Other educational groups report directly to the Society Board but often work in cooperation with the Institute and Clinical Center. Each Board has representatives on the other Boards to facilitate communication between the Boards.

IPTAR has its own headquarters on the Upper East Side of Manhattan, which houses the Edward Frankel Memorial Library, a conference room, and facilities for IPTAR Clinical Center practice as well as for private practice.

For more information, visit their website at: www.iptar.org