The AAP Scholars Program reflects the American Academy of Psychotherapists’ commitment to developing the “person of the therapist” through personal, relational, and communal experiences. Understanding the ways in which we bring our own complexities into our therapeutic interactions is at the core of the Academy’s mission. We explore these issues by focusing on process, interpersonal feedback, and experiential learning. In addition to participating in conferences, AAP members also gather in long-term peer groups that support personal exploration and the sharing of different psychotherapeutic approaches. There are many paths to therapeutic efficacy, all rooted in the person of the therapist. AAP offers a professional home for new and seasoned clinicians alike.

Each year, AAP awards 20 scholars, each receiving $1,500, to two groups of applicants: early-career and mid-career psychotherapists. Scholars will participate in an intensive, distinctive daily three-hour process group facilitated by two AAP leaders and will be able to attend other workshops, plenaries, and activities. These one-time scholar awardees are offered to non-AAP members to defray the cost of attending the annual Institute and Conference (I&C), including registration, hotel, meals, and travel. Following the conference, both early-career and mid-career scholars are invited to participate in a virtual post-I&C engagement group with their entire scholar cohort to integrate personal-professional experiential insights, sustain connections beyond the conference, and deepen their understanding of AAP’s distinctive approach.

June 1, 2026, is the deadline for applications to become a scholar for this fall’s Institute and Conference in Charleston, October 7—11, 2026: Moving Into Stillness: Trauma and Addiction Explored.

    1. Please complete and submit the online application form by the June 1st deadline. Note that current AAP members are ineligible to apply to become a Scholar.
    2. Ask TWO professionals who know your work to complete the reference form. If you know a member of AAP, we especially value hearing from them. References will be asked to answer the following prompt:
      The AAP Scholars Program emphasizes experiential learning, group process, and the ongoing development of the “person of the therapist.” From your perspective, how does this applicant engage with feedback, interpersonal challenge, and professional growth? Please include brief examples where possible and any thoughts on why this person may be particularly well-suited to an intensive, experiential training program. (200–300 words)

Recipients will be notified of their award by July 15th. If you are selected as a Scholar, the primary requirement is that you commit to attending the daily three-hour process group at the I&C conference.

Please email any questions to the AAP Scholarship Co-Chairs at Hayden Dawes, hayden@hcdawes.com, and Laurie Michaels, lfmichaels@gmail.com