I specialize in psychoanalysis and psychoanalytic psychotherapy for adults. I am a marriage and family therapist (MFC 40094) licensed in California with six years of experience in the field of psychotherapy for individuals, couples, and families. My required academic preparation is a Master's degree in counseling psychology, which entailed coursework in child abuse, family dynamics, counseling techniques, substance abuse, law and ethics, as well as in the areas of mythology, psychology, and literature. I did this work at the Pacifica Graduate Institute, whose program is approved by the Board of Behavioral Sciences. After my internship, I passed mandatory written and oral examinations that covered crisis intervention, assessment, diagnosis, human diversity, treatment planning, law, and ethics. Moreover, I worked as a group facilitator in the area of domestic violence, for which I completed training in a County-approved curriculum while facilitating groups for men and women victims and perpetrators. Currently I am a candidate in the adult analytic training program at the San Diego Psychoanalytic Society and Institute. In this program I am taking seminars taught by senior analysts in such areas as child, adolescent, and adult development, psychopathology, therapeutic techniques, and theories of psychoanalysis. As another part of this program I work with patients under close supervision.
In addition, I have worked at San Diego State University as a professor in the Department of English and Comparative Literature for over 27 years. I am Director of San Diego State University Press. I hold a doctorate in English from New York University and a Masters in Art from San Diego State University.
Some last notes: I offer therapy in Spanish; I am a member of the American Psychoanalytic Association and practice in conformity with their code of ethics; lastly, I am also a member of the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists. My office is conveniently located in University City area of San Diego, California, close to the 5 and 52 freeways.
Please call for an appointment at 858 395 4440.
Dr. Harry Polkinhorn
3232 Governor Drive | Suite J
San Diego, CA 92122
telephone: (858) 395 4440
