by Tanisha Stewart, Psy.D.

"Equality is leaving the door open for anyone who has the means to approach it; equity is ensuring there is a pathway to that door for those who need it." - Caroline Belden

I step into the role of President after a year of reflection. Each year our esteemed board members and dedicated collection of volunteers set out on a path to steer the field of psychoanalysis towards a more open and inclusive society. While psychoanalytic institutes restrict the study of analysis to those who already possess an advanced degree in mental health, NCSPP remains committed to its core tenet of providing access and promoting analytic theory to all. We have made significant strides towards these values. We have increased representation of BIPOC at both the leadership and committee member levels. Additionally, before approving any programming, we ask each of our instructors and lecturers to view their course material through the lens of anti-oppression. 

Despite, and at times, due to our earnest efforts to increase racial inclusion, our successes have been marred by misplaced exuberance, malignant neglect, and glaring silence. Last year NCSPP placed a hiatus on programming to reflect on the culture of our organization and explore the practices and policies that contributed to creating exclusionary environments and maintaining multiple barriers to entry. There is much work to be done. As we gear up to resume programming and educational courses, I encourage our members to continue holding us accountable when we inevitably falter.

In the spirit of diversity, equity, inclusion, and social justice, I announce this year's winners of the NCSPP Community Service Award as Francisco Gonzalez, M.D. and Rachael Peltz, Ph.D. We honor their work creating the Community Psychoanalysis Track (CPT) within the Psychoanalytic Institute of Northern California (PINC). In 2019, PINC became the first accredited institute in the US to approve such a training track. Dr. Gonzalez and Dr. Peltz conceived this groundbreaking educational program, which challenges the institutional definition and scope of psychoanalysis. We applaud their dedication to bringing psychoanalysis into the community and broadening access to treatment and education.

NCSPP sadly says farewell to outgoing board members Molly Russo and Stephanie King. Molly has taken on several roles in the organization, including OML Chair, CE Director, Division 39 rep, and one of the members of the collective presidency. Stephanie King became an NCSPP institution in her own right. During her five years on the board, Stephanie was the Community Events Co-Chair, President-Elect, Past President, and Past (Past) President. I warmly extend a welcome to our new board members, Emily Overstreet, Programming Chair, and Cassidy Smith, Secretary. NCSPP's incoming Executive Committee: Willow Banks, President-Elect; Todd Rising, Past-President; Robert Deady, Program Division Chair; Candice Turner, Outreach Membership Liaison Chair; Cassidy Smith, Secretary, and Michele McGuinness, Administrator. I extend a special thanks to Todd Rising, outgoing President, whose steady hand was at the helm guiding us through a very rocky year.