In June 1973, Jean Shinoda Bolen proposed that the analytic training candidates meet in order to support each other and “organize ourselves so that our opinions, feelings and perspectives are heard and considered” by the Institute and the Society of Jungian Analysts. The Candidates’ Organization (now Association) was born out of that first meeting on June 23, electing Dr. Bolen our first president, assisted by John Beebe as Vice President. The organization was welcomed by the Institute and quickly secured representation on the Board of Governors, Curriculum, and Clinic Committees.

Today the Candidates’ Association elects representatives to serve on the Executive Committee, the Board of Governors, and committees for Training, Curriculum, the Jung Journal, the Library, Extended Education, the Clinic, and others. In the Training Coordinating/Candidates Committee we engage in an ongoing open-ended dialogue with analyst members regarding all facets of training and certification. Over the 35 years since we organized as a group, we have developed relationships of trust and respect with the analysts and staff of the Institute, fostering greater creativity and cooperation in envisioning and achieving our common goals at the same time that we serve the needs of the candidates for advocacy, peer community, support, and camaraderie.

We host the Holiday Party and assist with other Institute events throughout the year, such as the Analyst/Candidate retreat and the Ancestors’ Celebration. We celebrate the arrival of new candidates, and the entry of our members into the analytic community at certification. We meet monthly over dinner and traditionally yearly for retreat. Additionally, twice a year we host Candidate’s Night as an opportunity to discuss issues, celebrate the season, or invite presentations on various topics.

We welcome inquiries from candidates at other Institutes about our organization, as our success is part of the healthy functioning of the Institute that we would love to share with others. At the 2008 North American Conference of Jungian Analysts and Candidates (September 18-21), Alex Peer and Susan Calfee, assisted by Dee Stump, presented the history of our Association to and enthusiastic gathering of candidates, many of whom are now forming their own Associations. An outgrowth of that meeting was the inception of the International Jungian Candidate Forum, and an invitation to speak at the International Conference next year.

2008/2009 Officers:

Presidents: Kai Arden and Jeffrey Benevedes
Treasurer: Michal Bala
Secretary: Frances Hatfield

Committee Members:

Executive and Board of Governors: Alex Peer, Patricia Gleeson
TCC-Candidates: Dee Stump, Helen Marlo, Mary Valtierra, Frances Hatfield, Nickie Amerius-Sargeant
Library: Khenu Singh
Extended Education: Lori Goldrich
Connected Works: Patricia Gleeson, Justin Hecht, Chris Cunningham
Clinic: Lori Goldrich
Curriculum: Jeffrey Benevedes, Robin Greenberg
Website: Heather Braley, Frances Hatfield
Jung Journal: Steven Herrmann, Robin Greenberg, Michael Bala, Carolyn Bray, Steven Nouriani
North South Conference: Justin Hecht

^ top