Although trained as a classical analyst, Dr. Ackerman broke with this approach after World War II when he began to experiment with seeing patients and their families in a group.
In 1960, a group of families treated by Dr. Ackerman established a non-profit institute to allow him to expand his training activities.
[5] Students enrolled in the clinical externship record their counseling sessions with families, then use the documentation to discuss their techniques with faculty members and classmates.
The Ackerman Institute maintains its Clinic, which is licensed by the New York State Office of Mental Health.
Therapists who have taught, or currently teach at the Institute include: Nathan Ackerman, Lois Braverman, Donald Bloch, Martha Edwards, Virginia Goldner, Judy Grossman, Lynn Hoffman, Evan Imber-Black, Laurie Kaplan, Elana Katz, Kitty LaPerriere, Catherine Lewis, Jean Malpas, Peggy Papp, Peggy Penn, Constance Scharf, Michele Scheinkman, Marcia Sheinberg, Susan Shimmerlik, Olga Silverstein, Sippio Small, Peter Steinglass, Marcia Stern, Judy Stern-Peck, Fiona True, Gillian Walker, thandiwe Dee Watt-Jones, and Hinda Winawer.