Bridging Psychoanalysis and Community: An Interview with Audrey Dunn, LCSW, Access Institute’s Spectrum 2025 Community Service Awardee

By Bart Magee, Ph.D

For over three decades, Audrey Dunn, LCSW, has worked at the intersection of psychoanalytic thinking and community mental health. From her early training in adolescent day treatment centers to her long-standing work in public schools, Dunn has remained committed to integrating deep psychological understanding with the real-world needs of marginalized children and families. Audrey has been a member of Access Institute's volunteer faculty since the training program's inception in 2004. She has served as teacher, supervisor, school program consultant and advisor.
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There are few individuals who embody the commitment to training, deep thinking and community work than Audrey. We are pleased to honor her on March 20th 2025 at Access Institute’s Spectrum Gala.

I recently sat down with Audrey to get to a better understanding of the nuances of her work and to reflect on our shared values. In this interview, Audrey reflects on her professional journey, the challenges of working within public systems, and the enduring value of psychoanalytic thought in schools. 

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