Announcement – 03 – 10 – 2026

Dear Masterson Community,

As we reflect on the past few months since the passing of our Emeritus Director, Dr. Judith Pearson, and consider the many developments currently underway, I would like to take this opportunity to update you on recent progress and important changes within our community.

I am pleased to announce that we commenced our 11th three-year training course at the beginning of September. I warmly welcome our new students and wish them a transformative learning experience as they grow as therapists in the years ahead. This is an exciting time for the Institute, marked by both growth and new opportunities.

Under the leadership of JP Theron, the South African branch has organized a series of lectures delivered by senior faculty. We are also in the process of reintegrating alumni who have completed the three-year course, and we are currently establishing affiliates in Romania and Turkey.

At the same time, it is with regret that I must share some difficult news. Two of our members, Mrs. Bankston and Dr. Ayden, have decided to pursue different pathways in their professional and academic growth. They have contributed significantly to the development of the Masterson

approach, and we are grateful for their service. It is with sadness that we announce their decision to distance themselves from the IMI in order to pursue new professional directions.

As a result, the IMI has made the difficult decision to terminate all association with the Masterson Institute in Turkey. We wish them all the best as they move forward with new initiatives. Consequently, the IMI will cease approval of any training or titles allocated through the Masterson Institute Turkey.

We have lost two dear friends and colleagues, and we wish them every success in their future endeavors.

Sincerely,

William Griffith
Director: International Masterson Institute

Passing of Former Director

It is with a profound sense of loss and a heavy heart that I write to share the sad news of the passing of our former Director, Dr. Judith Pearson, this past Monday.

For those of you who knew her, Judith was far more than a Director; she was the heartbeat of this Institute for many years. Her passing leaves a void that will be felt deeply throughout our community.

In this moment of shared grief, I hope we can also find a moment to pause and give thanks for the extraordinary role she played in each of our lives. As academic and Mastersonians we often speak of the therapeutic relationship and the power of being seen. Judith embodied this principle. She saw the potential in every student and every colleague, nurturing our professional growth with wisdom and unwavering belief.

For many of us, she was a mentor who shaped not just our careers, but our sense of selfs. Her legacy is woven into the fabric of this Institute, and her influence will continue to guide the work we do with our patients and students.

Please know that this news is shared with deep compassion for all of you. I understand that this news may bring up a complex mix of emotions.

With heartfelt sympathy,
William

The Masterson Institute – Online

The Masterson Institute evolved from the work of its founder James F. Masterson, M.D. and from the contributions of the Institute faculty, which aimed to promote a developmental, self and object relations approach to the psychotherapy of the personality disorders (disorders of the self), to teach that approach to other mental health professionals, and to foster further research in the field. Over the years, the Institute’s teachings have expanded to include intensive study of all psychodynamic models beginning with the work of Freud, and continuing up to contemporary psychoanalytic models.
We invite all prospective students and professionals interested in learning more about this approach to get involved in the study programme offered by the International Masterson Institute.

To apply for the study programme you first have to apply for registration on the website. We will send you and invitation and if you wish, you can enrol in the Three Year Study Programme.