Re-Envisioning Psychoanalytic Content in Social Work Education

While psychoanalysis played an important role in social work practice and education as far back as the 1920's, the period from the 1960s through the 1990s led to its diminishing presence. We believe incorporating psychoanalytic theory into social work education is now necessary to prepare students for contemporary direct practice and should be a priority. In this paper, we frame psychoanalysis within evidence-based practices, trauma-informed care and cultural competency, and offer illustrations for teaching it in accessible non-rhetoric filled ways.