about capp

The Chicago Association for Psychoanalytic Psychology is a local chapter of Division 39 of the American Psychological Association

CAPP is an organization composed primarily of mental health professionals – psychologists, social workers, and psychiatrists devoted to keeping psychoanalytic and psychodynamic theories and practice thriving in the Chicago metropolitan area. CAPP provides all professionals with an interest and motivation to expand their experiences with psychoanalytic/psychodynamic thinking and techniques a place to interact with other like-minded individuals.  We hope you consider becoming a member and participating in our organization as a committee member, and/or attending any of the fine programs and events we sponsor each year.

The organization was founded by psychologists seeking to obtain psychoanalytic training, but who were, at the time, excluded from formal training at the established analytic institutes whose policies admitted only physicians.  But our current mission is more expansive. CAPP seeks to engage students, post-docs, and professionals at any level of interest in psychodynamic thought. We invite those who are not familiar with contemporary theory and practice to participate in our activities and learn more about the exciting developments in psychoanalytic thought over the past 110 years.

Each year the organization sponsors a conference featuring a nationally recognized figure in the field.  Many CAPP programs concern the psychoanalysis and psychotherapy of personality disorders, neurosis, and psychosis. However, we are also committed to organizing programs that explore the interface of psychoanalytic thought and philosophy, literature, theatre, movies, the visual arts, music, education, politics, social problems, anthropology, neuroscience, dynamic systems theory, and other sciences. Past speakers have included:  Frank Summers, Irwin Hoffman, Joanne Greenberg, Muriel Dimen, Alan Schore, Stephan Seligman, and Estelle Shane, Steven Knoblauch, Peter Shabad, Joyce Slochower, John Cacioppo, and many more. In addition to its major conferences, there are post- graduate courses, free continuing education programs, and social events for members.

As part of its services, CAPP sponsors a referral service available to the general public. Full members are eligible to join the referral service at a low cost with a valid license to practice in the state of Illinois.