While the word psychoanalysis may bring vague recollections from a Psychology 101 class or the image of Sigmund Freud smoking his cigar, psychoanalytic theory has in fact influenced the social sciences, including social work, to this day.
The Sue Fairbanks Psychoanalytic Academy is a new initiative that weaves together psychoanalytic theory, social work values, and clinical practice. Made possible by a generous endowment from alumna Sue Fairbanks (MSSW ’81), the academy is housed within the Texas Institute for Child & Family Wellbeing and directed by professor Tina Adkins.
The academy will offer educational outreach based on psychoanalytic theory as seen through a social work lens, with a focus on the health and wellbeing of children and families. Another goal of the Academy is to become a hub of support for community members and professional social workers who want to incorporate psychoanalytic theory and techniques into their practice.