Stage I


Stage I candidates are referred to as Training Candidates. The major focus of Stage I consists of an extensive study of hermeneutics, or the art of interpreting and understanding the significance of the symbolic material found in myth, dreams, and fairy tales. Also during Stage I, cultural and archetypal material drawn from anthropology and the history of religion is explored. This is to ensure that the broadest possible content is provided as a backdrop for candidates to gain an understanding of such matters as personal development, creative expression, trauma, psychopathology, and all forms of psychological, emotional, and spiritual suffering. 

  • Stage I candidates are required to complete 600 hours of a clinical practicum in a mental health facility that includes a population suffering from diverse and severe disorders, under weekly supervision with a licensed mental health clinician. Candidates who are licensed mental health professionals may be given credit for previously completed practica.
  • Candidates are required to attend all seminars. Since it is not expected that seminars will cover all necessary materials, candidates are responsible for self-directed study based on suggestions from their Training Committees, and are also encouraged to explore and utilize other educational institutions in the Greater Boston area.
  • During Stage I, candidates must submit for approval two original papers dealing with symbolic and theoretical materials.
  • While a satisfactory personal analysis of no less than 350 hours is required for graduation, at least 200 of these hours must be completed in Stage I. It is expected that candidates will work with more than one analyst, preferably one male and one female, before the end of training.
  • Upon completion of Stage I requirements and with the approval of the Training Committee, a candidate is permitted to take Stage I exams, which include a two-day written and oral qualifying exam. The purpose of the exam is to explore how the candidate has personally integrated this material. The exam will cover the following areas of required knowledge:

Analytical Psychology
Theories of Depth Psychology
Theory of Dreams
Practice of Analysis
Psychopathology
Comparative Religion
Mythology, Legends, Folktales, and Fairy Tales
Anthropology and Archetypal Patterns in Culture