IRPP
The Institute for Relational Psychoanalysis of Philadelphia
Eligibility for Four Year Psychoanalytic Training Program
To be eligible for any of our certificate programs, including the four year psychoanalytic training program, applicants must hold a clinical degree in psychology, social work, medicine, and currently hold a license issued by the appropriate state governing board for independent practice of psychotherapy. Applicants should be engaged in the practice of psychotherapy at the time of their application.
While not a formal requirement, our preference is that applicants have at least one year post-licensure experience in the provision of psychotherapy. We also recommend applicants have received some form of psychoanalytically-oriented supervision prior to applying for the psychoanalytic training program. We may ask applicants to complete additional hours of clinical work and/or supervision prior to beginning training if necessary to be adequately prepared for the program.
Admissions Process
Applications are reviewed by our admissions committee. Applicants will be invited for two interviews with admissions committee member and/or currently faculty and supervisors.
To apply for the incoming psychoanalytic training cohort to begin in Fall of 2026, please submit your application by May 31, 2026. There is a $100 application fee.
For questions about admissions, please contact Denise Lensky, Ph.D., our current chair of admissions at denise.lensky@gmail.com.
BIPOC Scholarship
For too long, psychoanalysis has remained an overwhelmingly White space – an exclusion that has diminished the field itself and limited access for prospective candidates who identify as Black, Indigenous, or People of Color. This scholarship is intended to help redress that history by fostering a sense of welcome, recognition, and belonging for BIPOC trainees, with the hope that they will be drawn to our programs and supported in thriving as members of our community.
The scholarship is meant to help defray the costs of psychoanalytic training by contributing 50% of the cost of tuition throughout the four years. In addition, the scholarship contributes 50% for the cost of supervision for years 2, 3, and 4.