The PANY Bulletin

Psychoanalytic Association of New York
Volume 43, #3 Fall 2005

“The Candidate” at the Spring Meeting of the American

by Leslie Cummins, CSW

In June, three members of NYUPI presented the nascent journal “The Candidate” at the meeting of the American Psychoanalytic Association in Seattle. Donald Moss, Tanya Weisman, and Leslie Cummins discussed the genesis and current state of the once-imagined journal to the committee, chaired by Stephen Bernstein. Although the audience was small, there was much active participation and enthusiastic response.

Donald Moss opened the discussion with a description of the NYUPI writing program which begins with critical reading, placing candidates as the editorial board of an imaginary journal. “The Candidate” is a natural outgrowth of the program. Dr. Moss emphasized the idea that candidates have a unique perspective on psychoanalysis from which we can all learn. Implicit in the program is that writing is not antithetical to analysis; rather, it can implement and foster our growth as analysts. As the journal becomes realized, or as Dr. Moss put it, “goes from being Pinocchio to a real boy,” many questions have emerged. Tanya Weisman and Leslie Cummins discussed their experiences as candidates in the class, issues that have arisen in the realization of the journal, the topic of the first journal, and some thoughts about future editions. What began as a presentation became a dynamic discussion of ways to accomplish our goals and what those goals could be.

Dr. Weisman and Ms. Cummins reported that the first subject of the journal will be “Beginnings,” paralleling the introduction of the journal with the candidate's introduction to training. In response to Dr Moss' question, “What would you like to hear?,” several interesting comments were made. The topics included how we develop an analytic identity, balancing the simultaneous roles of patient and provider and integrating disparate supervisory voices. One member suggested we not narrow the journal's focus to training. Other questions concerned what makes people want to undertake psychoanalytic training and how best to reach an audience of prospective candidates.

Logistical issues were also discussed. Steven Bernstein wondered where we would get our material. Various ideas included writing contests, sending out announcements to all affiliates, members of IPSO and the candidates of the International. Melvin Bornstein, the editor of Psychoanalytic Inquiry, suggested we include a statement that the journal is for all candidates, American-affiliated and not, but brought to publication by candidates at NYUPI. Dr. Bernstein suggested a charter be drawn to maintain the journal as a publication of NYUPI. Should the journal be published solely electronically, or will we have a print version as well? How would we maintain the confidentiality of clinical material on the internet? Another challenge is having the journal's structure withstand a changing cast of candidates. Drs. Bernstein and Bornstein suggested an “advisory council” of faculty members. How to balance faculty participation with the stated intent of the journal being solely a candidate publication is another consideration.

Although originally envisioned as a journal “by candidates, for candidates,” the participants agreed that analysts at different stages of their careers would find “The Candidate” enlightening. As teachers, curriculum designers, administrators and advisors, graduates could benefit from seeing the current candidate's singular perspective. Judging from the engaged and lively response of the audience in Seattle,, “The Candidate” will be an anticipated and welcome addition to the current literature.