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What’s Unique

What’s Unique about ICPS

It’s not just and education … it’s a transformative experience.
The integration of theoretical learning with emotional learning is the hallmark of the ICPS classroom experience. This learning is exciting and innovative in its approach. It is based on the idea that understanding unconscious resistances can be applied, as it is in psychoanalysis when working with patients, to the teaching and learning of mental health concepts. When students are able to connect their emotional experiences with theoretical concepts, gains are made towards personal growth, making possible a new level of academic excellence.

It’s not just an education … it’s early integrated clinical placements.
The reputation of ICPS’ program draws students from a wide variety of backgrounds. The programs also attract people who are looking to fill a gap in their understanding of human nature and motivation. Training begins with theoretical understanding and proceeds to early integrated clinical placements in a practicum and fieldwork experience, with an ICPS approved, certified psychoanalyst as a mentor.

“The work here at ICPS (formerly BGSP-NJ)/ACAP perfectly blends the academic interests that I’ve always had with a vital social aspect – an exploration into helping people find their best selves and deal with the defenses that might be preventing them from doing just that.”

Assenka Oksiloff
Pursuing a Master’s of Mental Health Counseling degree, 2020

ICPS’ students begin the fieldwork externship by sitting with and studying psychotic patients. During this time students not only learn about the nature of primitive mental functioning, but also come to understand how they struggle with this early state in themselves.

The externship experience, combined with relevant courses, case management seminars, ongoing supervision, and a training analysis, provide a foundation for coherent and rewarding clinical work. ICPS students graduate with the knowledge, skills and experience that can be applied in a variety of settings and careers.

It’s not just an education … it’s a community.
ICPS’ diverse student population sets the stage for a vibrant, cohesive and supportive student community. The students are drawn together by their passion for study and their interest in learning from the faculty and from each other.

Our programs can be fully virtual or in-person — uniquely fitting your needs. Virtual classes are synchronous a/v so you are always part of the group in real time.

Many people, attracted to the manageable size of the school, develop close relationships with fellow students and faculty. As one student puts it, “There is a family feeling here, a real aliveness.”