American Board of Psychoanalysis

LAURA A. WESTEN, PhD, FABP

It is my perspective that now, more than ever, as the field of psychoanalysis is evolving, it is essential that the certification process remain viable (and vital), accessible, and informed by the latest work on core competencies. The idea that analysts' clinical work be reviewed by others who are independent from

1) members of institutes where they trained and

2) where they may presently have faculty appointments seems particularly important.

The Board's role in shaping and promoting today's standards of the practice of psychoanalysis is of paramount importance.

Professional Positions

Board Member, American Board of Psychoanalysis (2023-present)
Training and Supervising Analyst ( 2019-present)
Private Practice, Outpatient psychotherapy and psychoanalysis (1998-present)

Academic Appointments

Faculty Member, Emory University Psychoanalytic Institute, Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences (2013-present)
Adjunct Assistant Faculty Member, Emory University, Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Science (2004-present)
Adjunct Assistant Faculty Member, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts (2000-2002)
Clinical Instructor, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Department of Psychiatry, Eating Disorders Consultation Team (1999-2001)
Instructor, Harvard Extension School, Boston, Massachusetts (1999-2000)
Instructor, Wheelock College, Boston, Massachusetts (1999-2000)

Professional Memberships

Emory University Psychoanalytic Institute
Emory University Psychoanalytic Society
American Psychological Association
Georgia Psychological Association

Honors & Awards

Recipient of The Salley S. Jessee, MD Exemplary Service Award, Emory University Psychoanalytic Institute (2023)

Certification

2017: Certified in Adult Psychoanalysis. The American Board of Psychoanalysis

Organizational Appointments

American Board of Psychoanalysis

Board Member (2023-present)
Certification Committee Member (2021-present); Vice Chair (2023-present)

Emory University Psychoanalytic Institute

Chair, Training Analyst Committee (2020-present)
Member, Candidate Selection Committee (2020-present)
Faculty Development Committee (2018)
Chair, Mid-Phase Colloquium Committee (2013-present)
Member, Curriculum Committee (2013-2016)

Publications & Presentations

Publications

Westen, D., & Arkowitz-Westen, L. Limitations of Axis II in diagnosing personality pathology in clinical practice. American Journal of Psychiatry, 1998; 155: 1767-1771

Presentations / Panels

2009; "HBO's 'In Treatment': An Integrative Approach to Self-disclosure"; presentation for the Society for the Exploration of Psychotherapy Integration (SEPI); Seattle, WA.
2008; American Psychoanalytic Society and Association; two-day intensive psychotherapy case conference presentation; Atlanta, GA.
2008 “Relational Psychotherapy: What Therapists can Learn from Contemporary Psychodynamic Approaches”; workshop co-presented with Dr. Ephi Betan at Georgia State Psychological Association; Jekyll Island, GA.
2007; Workshop: “Eating Disorders: An Opportunity for Integration”; Emory University, Psychological Services Center. Presentation to faculty, staff, and trainees.
2006; “Family Matters”; presentation, Renaissance Weekend, Charleston, South Carolina.
2002; Principles of Integration in the Treatment of Personality Among Eating Disorder Patients; Society for the Exploration of Psychotherapy Integration (SEPI), San Francisco, CA.
2001 and 2002; “Integrative Treatment of Eating Disorder Patients”; University of Massachusetts, Boston Counseling Center. Presentation to faculty, staff, and trainees.

Contact Us:
501 S. Cherry Street, #1100, Denver, CO 80246
Phone: (303) 676-8008 | Email: info@abpsa.org

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The American Board of Psychoanalysis is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to serving the public interest and promoting the profession of psychoanalysis through certification and maintenance of certification.