Search New Center for Psychoanalysis

- Paulene Popek, PhD

Everyone is asking– What are you doing to the building?  Well, let’s go through the changes so you know where your money is going and how it has been allocated.

Air Conditioning & Heating:  We have had a problem with the air conditioning for quite a while, causing much discomfort in our classrooms and a lack of ventilation, especially in the office areas. We are getting new air and heating units, a revised system that will allow each classroom to adjust its own heat and air temperature controls. It should also make the reception area cooler. This is a big expense that most won’t see but will certainly FEEL. It will also help with air circulation - an important health consideration moving forward.

IT/AV System:  We do not have a reliable, safe or unified IT system for Zoom, presentations, conferences, etc. We have hired the person who set up an entire system at the Idyllwild Arts Foundation school. He is going to rewire and create a control center. It will include microphones in the ceiling, electrified screen and shades in the auditorium, and TVs in the classrooms. It will be a state-of-the-art system. The expense is also big but we feel that this addition will provide us with a very desirable Center for programs and conferences.

Kitchen:  We have been complaining about the kitchen for years. Not enough light, not enough electricity, and certainly not inviting. The kitchen will be gutted, and we will have new cabinets, new dishwasher, new coffee area, and lots of adequate storage. The little patio off the kitchen has already had a facelift. The two ficus trees in the area have been removed, a cement floor was added, and now there is a table and chairs (with umbrella) that will provide a space for people to go and have a coffee break. 

Executive Director’s Office:  Cecilia’s office consists of old furniture, old file cabinets, lots of mixed & matched furniture, and thousands of cables. That office will get new furniture, new carpet, new paint, and perhaps a couple new chairs. 

Reception area:  The current reception area has formica tops, mismatched and disorganized office equipment. The new modular unit that is going in its place will look sleek, modern, and with a back wall that is interesting and dramatic.

Greenson Room:  Currently a mess with too many papers, computer, printer, and boxes.  The desk and computer will be removed, boxes moved downstairs, and the remaining books will be neatly arranged on the shelves, which will also include very old versions from our collection. Down lighting on the shelves will convert the room into an extra flow classroom or meeting room. The Archivist will share space with the Psychotherapy Clinic Director in another room.

Floors, Lighting, and Paint:  These current items are extremely old and outdated and will be replaced with a new carpet, more contemporary LED lighting, and a fresh coat of paint throughout the Center.  Our designer, Amalia Gal, helped us choose color schemes and carpet so the building has a unified and fresh look.

Garden:  In much need of a facelift. No major changes but trees trimmed, new plantings, and a new tree to provide a barrier to the apartment building in the back. A new ramp will be installed (current ramp out of code). There is a garden behind each of the classrooms which will also be made into a more attractive space to look out onto.

What is all this going to cost?  When will it be ready?  We are currently working to get all the figures in but do not have firm numbers as of yet. We begin the demo work May 1 with the hope that it will be completed by Labor Day. All this information will come to you when we know more. 

Will there be a party?  Oh yes. Keep tuned.