Barry Dauphin, PhD, ABPP
It is an honor to serve as President of the American Board and Academy of Psychoanalytic and Psychodynamic Psychology (ABAPPP) at this important moment for our field. With the formal recognition of our specialty, we have a meaningful opportunity to strengthen its presence, accessibility, and impact within professional psychology.
This progress reflects the vision and dedication of many. I extend my sincere gratitude to my predecessor, Dr. Theodore Ellenhorn, whose leadership helped advance our specialty through both the APA CRSSPP and the American Board of Professional Psychology. I also thank Dr. John Watkins for his continued service and steady leadership during a critical transition.
The July 2025 Working Conference at Austen Riggs marked a turning point, bringing together colleagues committed to advancing education, training, and certification in psychoanalytic and psychodynamic psychology. The energy and collaboration at that meeting underscored a shared commitment to building a more accessible and sustainable future for our specialty.
As we move forward, our focus is clear:
- Expanding access to board certification and reducing barriers
- Supporting diverse pathways into psychoanalytic practice
- Engaging and mentoring students and early-career professionals
- Strengthening collaboration across organizations and training communities
- Enhancing access to resources through new, centralized tools
Psychoanalytic and psychodynamic approaches offer a depth of understanding that remains essential to addressing human suffering. Our responsibility is to ensure that those practicing this work are recognized for their specialized competence and supported in their professional development.
I invite you to be part of this effort—through certification, mentorship, or engagement with our initiatives.