by Tanisha Stewart, Psy.D.

I was recently in a community of seasoned psychotherapists and analysts, each holding leadership positions in various psychoanalytic organizations. Almost all began chiming in about fond early-career memories of committee membership or their experiences on the Board of Directors at NCSPP. As I was discussing the current state of NCSPP and its future direction, someone posed the question, “How many of you got your start in NCSPP?”

When I first joined NCSPP as a graduate student, entering the analytic community was daunting. I hesitantly attended events at the urging of my supervisor and mostly remained silent. I presumed that I had nothing substantive to add to discussions, and speaking up would only reveal my ignorance. It took repeated invitations to join the theoretical conversation before finding a voice.

I have taken on several roles on my journey to the presidency, and I initially declined each ascending position of leadership. Imposter syndrome and a fear of overcommitment deterred my acceptance. However, I am grateful that I stepped up to the task because with NCSPP, I have gained mentorship, in-vivo leadership training, genuine friendships, and a theoretical home. It is no wonder that those within the organization occupy leadership positions in other analytic institutions.

I often hear the sentiment that NCSPP does not feel like a welcoming environment. We are simultaneously perceived as too radical and political, ostracizing established clinicians, or so ossified and steeped in institutional oppression that NCSPP is unwelcoming to marginalized peoples and closed off to new theoretical interpretations. Like the analytic community at large, NCSPP needs seasoned clinicians —fountains of experience, training, and the holders of institutional knowledge— and newer cohorts to challenge tightly held beliefs and push the boundaries of analysis.

NCSPP is in a time of transition and ripe for the opportunity to propose new courses, join committees, and take on leadership positions. To those who have felt pushed out of the organization, or never felt invited in the first place, now is the time to find your voice and shape the conversation.