Founding and Early Years

The Newport Center for Psychoanalytic Studies (NCPS) was founded in 1975 by psychologist-psychoanalyst Lawrence Hedges, Ph.D., Psy.D., ABPP, in Newport Beach, California. Initially, four weekly study groups met to discuss challenging cases and read psychoanalytic literature. By 1982, the number of groups had grown to 15.

Key Milestones and Developments

  • 1975: NCPS was established as an extension of Dr. Hedges’ private practice.

  • First Book Discussion: Heinz Kohut’s “The Analysis of the Self.”
  • Subsequent Readings: Works from Margaret Mahler and John Bowlby.
  • 1980: Introduction of monthly Friday night lectures featuring Dr. Hedges and other notable figures like Otto Kernberg and Harold Searles.

Expansion and Formalization

  • 1983: NCPS was chartered as a California non-profit by Lawrence Hedges, William Erwin, and Ray Calabrese. The Newport Psychoanalytic Institute (NPI) was established as a division.

  • The first class of 12 therapists began with Freud and Transference reading groups led by Dr. Erwin.

  • Pluralistic Approach: Embraced theoretical and clinical pluralism, honoring all schools of psychoanalysis.

Leadership and Growth

  • Early classes and supervision were provided by medical analysts and psychoanalytically trained individuals from surrounding counties.
  • Board of Trustees: As the institute grew, a Board of Trustees was elected, and the founding director, Dr. Hedges, transitioned leadership to Drs. John and Judy Van Dixhorn and Dr. Michael Russell.
  • Key Founders: Lawrence Hedges, William Erwin, Ray Calabrese, Christopher Bollas, Avedis Panajian, and Michael Russell.

Community and Mission

Over the years NPI has developed into a vibrant psychoanalytic community dedicated to the study and practice of psychoanalysis and psychodynamic psychotherapy. Our endeavor is to inspire candidates, faculty, and members to grow in their clinical expertise and to provide a supportive community for psychoanalytic activities throughout their professional life.

Training and Educational Opportunities

NPI offers innovative and compelling opportunities to experience psychoanalytic thinking and application through training, ongoing continuing education, consultation groups, special seminars, and conferences. We offer classes and events in the greater South Orange County.

Application and Courses

NPI welcomes applications for psychoanalytic training from licensed Mental Health Professionals and Interns, including Clinical Psychologists, LCSWs, MFTs, Research Psychoanalysts, MDs, and Nurses. In the ambiance of small classes, candidates hone and deepen their clinical skills.

Expert Faculty

All courses are taught by knowledgeable faculty experienced in the field of psychoanalysis. NPI draws faculty from other training institutes in Southern California. The collegial environment of senior analysts from various analytic persuasions working closely with training candidates provides a psychoanalytic community embracing the foundations of psychoanalytic thought from Freud’s theory to the latest technical and neuroscientific advances.