← All Executive Director Updates

Hello and Happy Fall to All:

We’re excited to kick off the academic year with more in-person classes. Orientations are complete, classes are underway, patients are being assigned, supervision sessions have started, and our hallways are livelier than last year. It’s a great start to what promises to be a fantastic year of learning, collaboration, and support for one another as we pursue our mission.

1. Johanna Dobrich Joins as Co-Director: I’m thrilled to announce that Johanna Dobrich, LCSW, is joining Paul Teixeira, LP, as Co-Director of the Psychoanalytic Program. A graduate of our program, Johanna has served on the curriculum and training committees and brings extensive teaching, supervision, and writing experience. She recently received the 2023 Sandor Ferenczi Award for her book, Working with Survivor Siblings in Psychoanalysis. Johanna has transitioned from her board role to a non-voting advisory position to focus on the program and work alongside Paul and the Training Committee.
2. DEI Statement: We are proud to have released our long-awaited DEI statement, reflecting our shared vision for a more inclusive ICP. If you haven’t already, I encourage you to read it on our fully redesigned website. https://icpnyc.org/about-icp/#DEI Special thanks to Monroe France for his invaluable guidance and to everyone in our community who contributed to this thoughtful, living document.
3. Code of Professional Ethics and Grievance Process: Our new Code of Professional Ethics and Conduct, Grievance Process, and Quick Guide have been shared with the community. These policies, developed with input from the community, were led by Rosemary Masters and Shea Smith. Please take time to review these foundational guidelines that were recently sent to the community, and will be accessible on our website shortly. Please provide any feedback on these documents to feedback@icpnyc.org.
4. Board News: Our board, led by Chair Ben Maddox, is focused on ensuring ICP’s growth and financial stability. A financial task force has been established to review revenue and expenses, and board member Anna Suh has stepped into the role of Development Chair, focusing on grants and donor base development. We are also forming a board advisory committee with experts in areas crucial to our future. Additionally, Ben and I will be hosting a Town Hall meeting for the entire community this fall to discuss these important initiatives, answer any questions, and gather your input. We’ll be sharing the date with the community soon.
5. Upcoming Continuing Education: We have a full slate of continuing education programming this fall, with something for everyone. Each division will also offer DEI-related programming. Notably, we’re forming an advanced trauma group facilitated by Lana Epstein and launching a trauma-focused book club led by Rose Latino. More details are available here: https://icpnyc.org/events/.
6. Save the Date – February 15th Fundraiser: Mark your calendars for our February 15th fundraising event, featuring a panel moderated by Paul Teixeira and Johanna Dobrich. Esteemed panelists Dr. Nina Cerfolio, Dr. Gerard Fromm, and Dr. Billie Pivnick will discuss Moving From Grievance to Hope: Psychoanalytic Applications Transforming Destructive Aggression Toward Post-Traumatic Growth in the Social Milieu.
7. SICP Alumni Lecture Series: Our alumni organization is kicking off its lecture series with Robert Grossmark, Ph.D., presenting Enactment: Its Provocation by the Analyst on October 18th. We look forward to strengthening connections with alumni across all divisions through this and future events. Wine, soft drinks, and snacks will make it a social and educational evening.
8. Staff Updates: We bid farewell to Rina Sofer, who left to pursue her second year of graduate school, and to Berd Vaval, our long-standing receptionist, who is off to explore new adventures. We warmly welcome Belle Pace, administrative assistant, who transitioned to Rina’s role, and Daniella Ortiz, our new Program Coordinator for the Two-Year Psychodynamic Psychotherapy Training Program and FACTS. Both have quickly stepped into their new roles, making for a seamless transition.
9. Clinic Referrals: Our treatment clinic is open for referrals to all of our treatment divisions. This time of year offers the most availability as our candidates’ caseloads begin to fill up as the academic year progresses. We’ve also introduced a new self-scheduler for initials calls with an intake coordinator, making the process smoother for prospective patients. You can access it here: https://icpnyc.org/treatment/treatment-request/.
10. Donations Welcome: ICP operates on tuition, patient fees, and private donations. We do not receive government funding for our services. We ask our loyal community to consider donating and attending our events to support our mission of providing accessible, high-quality treatment and training. Every contribution helps! Donate here:https://icpnyc.org/donate/.

Wishing you a fulfilling and enriching year ahead. May it be filled with peace and hope for our world.

Warmly,

Andrea