The People Behind NAAP
The People Behind NAAP
In my early years as a psychoanalyst, I had no ambition to lead professional organizations or legislative campaigns. I simply wanted to do the work I loved. Yet I always felt compelled to challenge unfair practices and advocate for those whose voices were not being heard. Over time, that impulse drew me into efforts to protect and advance psychoanalysis as an independent profession. I came to realize that when barriers are placed in the way of practice, it is not only analysts who are affected, but also the patients, families, and communities they serve. That journey eventually brought me to NAAP, where I found a community of professionals equally committed to advancing and protecting our field.
What follows is not a comprehensive report, but rather a glimpse into some of the work being carried out routinely by the people who help NAAP thrive. Much of this effort is invisible to the membership, yet it touches every aspect of our professional community. I thought it might be helpful to introduce you to some of those folks whose dedication and accomplishments help sustain and strengthen NAAP every day.
Bringing Psychoanalysis to the Wider World: Gradiva Awards
Created in 1995 by NAAP, the Gradiva® Award annually recognizes works that promote psychoanalysis in editorial, artistic, or academic fields. The award includes books, articles, documentaries, plays, blogs, podcasts, exhibitions, and other public productions related to psychoanalysis or psychotherapy.
What started as a vibrant but small niche recognition process has blossomed in the past few years into a renowned, coveted prize sought after by publishing houses, psychoanalytic professionals, artists, and filmmakers. Through the yeoman efforts of Board member Nunzio Gubitosa, along with Emily Horvath and the Gradiva Committee, more than 150 submissions—including books, articles, films, works of art, podcasts, and other creative works—are reviewed each year in just a few short months to arrive at the final awards list.
Looking at that final list, you would never imagine the dedication, discussion, and careful review that make the process possible. I have spoken with winners who said being a recipient was one of the most important moments in their life. Publishers report the NAAP Gradiva is a top award they hope for with their authors.
Ensuring a Seat at the Table: Legislative Activities
Jennifer Harper, NAAP’s Legislative Representative, is a constant figure in the regulatory community representing NAAP’s interests. Together with our remarkable lobbying consultants, Pitta Bishop & Del Giorno, with Theresa Cosgrove as the point person, Jennifer has most recently helped NAAP stay in the forefront of effective campaigning for the “Diagnose and Treat” privilege in New York State. Her instinctive political savvy and grasp of legislative nuances, combined with years of dedicated service, keep NAAP in the loop with anything occurring in that realm. She tirelessly recruits colleagues to assist in these efforts, bringing together individuals who can effectively represent NAAP’s interests, standards, and ethical positions. Thanks to those efforts, NAAP continues to have a place at the table when important legislative issues are being discussed.
Maintaining Professional Standards: ABAP Partnership
NAAP and ABAP, the American Board for Accreditation in Psychoanalysis, have worked closely together for decades to maintain the professional standards that distinguish independent psychoanalytic training. A formal psychoanalytic institute accreditation process began within NAAP in the late 1970s. In response to regulatory changes, ABAP was established in 1996 from that original accreditation committee and became an independent organization.
Today, the partnership between NAAP and ABAP remains vital to our profession. While most members see only the end result, countless volunteer hours go into accreditation, review, and oversight that help ensure psychoanalysis continues to be recognized as a respected profession and academic discipline.
Welcoming New Colleagues: Membership Committee
Do you remember trying to pull together your NAAP application materials? If yes, you probably spoke with Jessica Mitchell, along with Emily Horvath from NAAP’s main office, who shepherd the process. Membership approval is much more complex than one might think. NAAP is responsible for verifying each applicant’s training meets our stated standards, and that we have full records of it. If you became a NAAP member in recent years it is because Jessica made sure your application moved smoothly to the welcoming finish line.
The Voice of the Main Office: Administrative Resource
Another virtually invisible NAAP resource is the continued availability of the Main Office, with Emily Horvath as Office Administrator, available to answer an endless variety of questions from the membership and other professionals from across the country about matters crucial to them. She collaborates closely with Stacey Pritchett and the Board on issues of finance, membership, community communications, publications, promotions, and the coordination of online and in-person events.
Emily is a problem solver.
If she does not have an answer she will pursue it with our Executive Committee, outside professionals, or legal, insurance or accounting contacts. So many of you know Emily’s warm, supportive voice over emails or phone conversations, and rely on her to persist in finding answers.
Emily is the backbone of NAAP’s day-to-day, seamless functioning.
One particularly valuable service NAAP provides to member institutes is CE co-sponsorship. As an approved continuing education provider, NAAP enables institutes to offer CE credits through their programs without having to undertake the costly and time-consuming process of becoming approved providers themselves. Maintaining that approval requires extensive documentation, reporting, evaluations, certificates, and ongoing communication with state regulators.
Emily shepherds this process from beginning to end. Her careful attention to detail helps ensure that member institutes can focus on delivering high-quality educational programs while benefiting from a streamlined pathway to offering CE credits. It is one of the many ways NAAP supports its member institutes and the broader psychoanalytic community.
Keeping Our Community Connected: Communications
Stacey Pritchett, our webmaster, social media consultant, and publications/marketing expert has been with NAAP for 10 years. Much of her work, too, happens outside of view. Through her guidance we have a robust set of public communication outlets curating NAAP’s visibility for our internal community and the world at large.
Every time you see a social media post, an E-Bulletin or newsletter, an innovation on the website or an eblast announcement it has been created and implemented by Stacey. Along with Emily Horvath, she has built the E-Bulletin into a valuable resource for providing individual and institute news, as well as important announcements. Her energy has helped morph it into a viable profit center for NAAP. Today, many organizations look to promote their events through our well-read publications.
Stewarding NAAP’s Future: Executive Committee and Board of Trustees
The Board continues to oversee the organization’s finances, membership, legislative advocacy, communications, accreditation partnerships, and professional programs. While much of this work occurs quietly, it ensures that NAAP remains financially strong, organizationally stable, and well-positioned for the future.
This group deserves special thanks. Like volunteer leaders throughout the nonprofit world, they faced extraordinary demands over the past several years. Their resilience, commitment, and countless hours of service help guarantee NAAP not only endures but continues to grow.
Looking Forward
What these brief snapshots have in common is a remarkable combination of volunteers, professional staff, committee members, and engaged colleagues who generously contribute their time and expertise on behalf of your profession.
As we look toward the future, we are welcoming new leadership, fresh ideas, and expanded opportunities for member participation. Planning is underway for a special event in late Fall 2026, which will include a general membership meeting and election of the next slate of Trustees and Officers.
Most importantly, none of this happens in isolation. NAAP’s strength has always come from its members—the analysts, educators, supervisors, institute leaders, and students who bring the profession to life every day. Your participation, ideas, and support are what make this community possible.
Many thanks for being part of NAAP, and I hope to see you in late Fall.
Warm regards,
Patricia Harte Bratt, PhD
NAAP President
P.S. If you’d like to become more involved in NAAP, serve on a committee, or share ideas about future programs and initiatives, we’d love to hear from you.
