About Us

In 1989 several therapists in Oklahoma City came together to form a community with the purpose of educating themselves and others about psychoanalysis.

Over the years, that small group of dedicated therapists nurtured OSPS into the vibrant organization it is today. With more than 110 members and always growing, OSPS is dedicated to providing high quality education about psychoanalysis to anyone interested. Our members include clinicians, professors, administrators, and other professionals. They work in private practice settings, clinics, hospitals, universities, and in public service. We are constantly amazed at the devotion they demonstrate in incorporating psychoanalysis into their work.

OSPS has the great benefit of being a chapter of the Division of Psychoanalysis (39) of the American Psychological Association. Over the years this affiliation has offered us support and resources necessary to grow and thrive. Many of our members travel to attend or present material at Division 39 meetings and this has enriched our community. It has also helped us find speakers from outside our community to enliven our learning.

Our primary objective is teaching and learning. To that end, we have three ways in which we bring education to our community. First, we have monthly seminars on a variety of interesting subjects. Seminars are typically on Saturday mornings, though historically we have also had presentations on other days as well. Over the years we have been able to bring in notable experts from all over the country. These events usually have a fee and members receive a discount.

Second, we offer a nine month course titled Foundations of Psychoanalytic Thought. This survey course covers three of the many schools of psychoanalytic thought: Freud and Contemporary Compromise Formation Theory, Object Relations Theory, and Relational Theory. The course is offered on Fridays from 1-4pm from September to May with the first 90 minutes devoted to didactic teaching/learning and the last 90 minutes comprising case presentations. This is a great introduction to modern psychoanalytic thinking and practice.

Third, OSPS occasionally offers study groups on a variety of subjects. Study groups sometimes precede a speaker we bring in from out of state to provide a seminar for OSPS and thus we study the work of that presenter prior to their seminar. Study groups are also sometimes offered because an OSPS member has a subject they would like to teach. And, study groups are also formed when someone has an interest in a subject and requests that we start a group on that subject. Typically study groups are low cost and meet weekly for 60 to 90 minutes often for 6 to 12 weeks. This is a great way to learn about a particular subject in depth.

While teaching/learning about Psychoanalysis is our passion, we are so grateful for the community that develops when we share ideas. Becoming a member of OSPS creates opportunities to gather together both in person and in virtual space with our social network. We hope that you will make OSPS your professional home and join us in enriching our professional community with psychoanalytic ideas.