about the foundation series
The Institute of Contemporary Psychoanalysis Foundation Series offers classes in contemporary psychoanalysis to both licensed therapists and pre-licensed mental health professionals. Foundation Series participants receive an extensive introduction to both contemporary and classical psychoanalytic theory. In addition, all courses are taught by ICP members and candidates in a way that promotes active exploration of the application of psychoanalytic concepts in the clinical setting.
program overview
The Foundation Series provides the student with the basic concepts of analytic theory and technique. The program presents a survey of historical models, along with an introduction to contemporary analytic thinking. The classes focus on core psychoanalytic concepts and their basic application to clinical practice. Foundation series classes are taught by notable ICP faculty and are open to students and clinicians at all levels of experience.
The Foundation Series is a stand-alone course of study that can also serve as an educational stepping stone into higher levels of psychoanalytic training in the 4-Year Psychoanalytic Training Program at ICP.
Application Deadline: September 13, 2026
Classes meet on 10 Saturdays from 03:00 p.m. – 05:00 p.m. Pacific Time (PDT or PST)
Single classes are not offered through this program!
Click here to view the course descriptions and learning objectives for 2026/27.
Dates 2026-27:
The dates listed below are current at the time of publication. Although we do not anticipate changes, the Institute reserves the right to revise the schedule if necessary due to unforeseen circumstances. Participants will be notified of any changes as far in advance as possible.
September 26, 2026
October 10, 2026
November 14, 2026
December 19, 2026
January 9, 2027
February 20, 2027
March 20, 2027
April 17, 2027
May 22, 2027
June 26, 2027
Fees
$700 Licensed Mental Health Professionals
$600 Pre-licensed Mental Health Professionals/Academics
$25 Non-Refundable ICP Administrative Fee
The cost is for the entire series – Single classes are not offered through this program.
Foundation Series
Schedule 2026-2027
September 26, 2026
A Historical Overview of Psychoanalysis – Carol Mayhew, PhD
October 10, 2026:
Clinical Implications of Infant Research – Margaret Bezmalinovic, PsyD
November 15, 2026
Freud – Joye Weisel-Barth, PhD
December 19, 2026
Object Relations – Nicole Nelson, PsyD, LMFT, LPCC
January 09, 2027
Self Psychology: Heinz Kohut Theory & Clinical Application – Estelle Shane, PhD
February 20, 2027
Intersubjective Systems Theory: A Phenomenological Contextualism – Darren Haber, PsyD, LMFT
March 20, 2027
Learning the Language of Dreams – Penelope Starr-Karlin, PsyD, LMFT
April 17, 2027
Relational Psychoanalysis – Robyn Sewitz, PsyD, LCSW
May 22, 2027
Intro to Mentalization-Based Treatment – Laurence B. Green, PsyD, LCSW
June 26-2027
Power and Privilege in Psychoanalysis – Lynne Jacobs, PhD, PsyD
Continuing Education
CE certificates are awarded after each class. CEs awarded are based on full attendance of each individual class. The Foundation Series offers 2 CE Credits for each individual class fully attended.
We ask that all participants return the post-program evaluation form emailed to them at the conclusion of the program.
Special Accomodations
Please submit any requests for Special Accommodations to the ICP Office prior to registering or at your earliest convenience to ensure that we are able to assist.
The Institute of Contemporary Psychoanalysis is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. The Institute of Contemporary Psychoanalysis maintains responsibility for the program and its content.
APA is a recognized approval agency of the California Board of Behavioral Sciences and provides continuing education (CE) programs for psychologists and other mental health professionals, including Social Workers and Marriage, and Family Therapists (LCSW, LMFT, ASW, IMF, LEP, LPCC, PCCI).
No one in the planning or presentation of this activity has any relevant financial relationships with a commercial interest to disclose.
