The Boston Graduate School of Psychoanalysis

Date: Jul 07 2014
Major: Other (This Major's Salary over time)
I approached BGSP in 2009 hoping to join the Psychoanalysis and Culture program. I moved across the country to attend this school. In the first semester, I felt very overwhelmed by the move and the school in general and tried to drop out. With guidance from my academic adviser, I was able to stay and attend classes on a part-time basis (an example of the school's flexibility). Once I was in the school for a while, I took some additional clinical courses and decided to switch to the counseling program, as working with patients was what I realized I wanted to do.

Something to keep in mind about this school is that it is small. This allows for faculty to be able to listen directly to your issues/complaints if you bring them to their attention in a professional manner. With this school, it is safe to say that you get out what you put in. Many students are not ready for that kind of responsibility when it comes to their education. But if you are willing, it is a great experience with which you'll learn a lot.

Yes, it has it's frustrations, but what school doesn't? If you are pretty sure you want to study mental health counseling and find psychoanalytic technique interesting or are curious about it, give it a shot.

Another thing to keep in mind is that this is a mental-health profession and understanding yourself is important when assisting others to do the same. Many students aren't ready to do it and that is where, in my opinion, a lot of the negativity about the school comes from. For me, it has been an outstanding education. One where you learn just as much about yourself as you do counseling. I was just accepted to the doctorate program and will start that in September.