What is psychoanalysis?
Psychoanalysis is a form of talk therapy that explores how unconscious thoughts and feelings, many of which are informed by early experiences, shape our current behavior. In making these unconscious feelings conscious, patients are able to choose whether to continue to repeat old patterns, or to create new ones. In psychoanalytic therapy, you meet regularly with a therapist to share whatever comes to mind—memories, dreams, worries, or everyday events. Together, you look for patterns and hidden meanings that can reveal the roots of emotional struggles, relationship issues, or persistent habits.
What is the difference between Psychoanalysis and Psychodynamic Therapy?
There is a lot of overlap between psychoanalysis and psychodynamic therapy, as psychodynamic therapy originally developed from psychoanalytic ideas. Psychodynamic therapy is a more flexible, less intensive approach to psychotherapy; patients attend sessions less frequently (1-2x/week vs. 3-4x/week in psychoanalysis), often shorter-term, and can be more pragmatic and focused. Think of psychodynamic therapy as a modern, practical adaptation of psychoanalysis: it keeps the insight-oriented focus while fitting more easily into everyday life.
Can I attend an education event if I am not a member? Where are events located?
Yes, non-members can attend events, please sign up ahead of time under our Continuing Educations tab if possible. Membership allows you a lower rate for both Saturday Morning Seminars and conferences. Our Saturday Morning Seminars are located at the University of Tennessee Medical center, and our Spring and Fall conferences are located at various venues around Knoxville.
I thought psychoanalysis was a thing of the 1800s; are you telling me psychoanalysis is still relevant?
Emphatically, yes! Major ideas from psychoanalytic theory have trickled down and made their way into virtually every contemporary form of therapy that is practiced today. If you practice any sort of evidenced-based psychotherapy modality, chances are, that modality has reframed or borrowed some element of psychoanalytic theory. Attachment theory, “parts work,” the core beliefs and schemas of cognitive behavioral therapy, the “inner critic” of acceptance and commitment therapy - all of these ideas can be traced to psychoanalytic concepts. All this to say, psychoanalysis and psychodynamic therapy are very much alive and well in today’s therapy landscape. Knoxville actually has a robust community of psychoanalytic and psychodynamic practitioners, many of whom are listed in our membership directory. The depth-oriented nature of psychoanalytic and psychodynamic therapy make them excellent modalities for individuals who want to understand and intervene at the root of their symptoms, rather than focusing on simply “getting rid of” the symptom.
How do I learn how to practice psychodynamic therapy?
For one, you can join us. We host continuing education events on a variety of topics, all of which can be found here, and all of which are available for CE credit (Division 39 is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists). Additionally, we host conferences each Fall and Spring. We work to keep costs accessible for attendees; graduate student members are able to attend all Saturday Morning Seminars free of charge. Throughout the year, seasoned APS clinicians host reading groups and study groups so that you may get to know members in a small group setting and take a deeper look at the topics that interest you. We are a welcoming group and happy to see new members attend our events. Our membership consists of professionals and students ranging in age, experience, and specialty area--from graduate students to early career professionals to practitioners with 40+ years of experience.
What are some beginner-friendly resources that could be a good introduction to psychoanalytic and psychodynamic therapy?
Nancy McWilliams has several excellent books that provide practical overviews of psychoanalytic and psychodynamic therapy, including Psychoanalytic Therapy, A Practitioner's Guide, and Psychoanalytic Diagnosis. Alessandra Lemma also offers a useful starter’s guide, Introduction to the Practice of Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy. Jonathan Shedler offers an easy-to-digest overview of contemporary psychodynamic therapy. If podcasts are more your thing, this one can serve as a helpful primer.
I'm having issues with my account (forgot my password, need to change my contact info). What do I do?
Please reach out to the website administrator at apstnweb@gmail.com.
I have questions, suggestions, or comments about Appalachian Psychoanalytic Society. Who can I talk to?
Please direct questions, comments, and suggestions to our 2025-2026 president, Joyce Cartor, PhD at joycecartor@bellsouth.net.
How do I...
Yes, of course! Online is the standard way to register and pay. It's easy, there are two ways:
You can click on the event you want from the Home page or click on the Events tab and then the "Register" button for the event. Once you get there, it will give you prompts, like any other online shopping. You can pay online with a credit card or with a PayPal account.
If you want to pay by check, each event will have the name and address of the person to whom the check should be sent as well as a PDF registration form. Print the registration form and mail with your check to the person indicated. You can also pay with a check at the door, but those who want the early registration discount should be sure to mail in their checks before the date. We encourage online registrations to help us set up adequate seating. [If you bring a check to the conference, we encourage you to write it in advance which will speed your way to the pre-conference refreshments and conversation.]
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Whether you've never signed on before or had a password and can't remember it, follow these steps:
In the upper right corner of any page on this website, you’ll see the word "Login." Use the email address that you used when you applied for membership or registered for a conference. Then click "Forgot password" (even if you've never set a password on our website). The website will send you an email to allow you to set up (or to reset) your password. Click on the link that is in that email. There you will be prompted to type in a password. This password doesn’t need to be very secure, it can be short and simple.
Once you've set a password, go to the top of any page on this website and type in your email address and new password. Next, we HIGHLY recommend checking the box that says "Remember me" so that every time you go to our website your email address and password will be automatically filled in. All you'll need to do from now on is click “Login”, and you will be able to access all the events and information that the website has to offer.
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In order to more fully utilize the features of the APS website, please subscribe to the Professional Forum.
Once subscribed, members can post and reply to messages, including referral requests and other professional topics. Several messages have been posted in the past month.
To subscribe, please visit the APS website at aps-tn.wildapricot.org, log-in, click on the "Forum" page, and click "Subscribe."