Ah makes me so happy to hear you want to go to a psychoanalytic type of program. For PhD, most places that are psychodynamic are found on the coasts. New York City area has several psychodynamic programs--some with CBT also offered. NYC is the best place to be if you are serious about becoming a psychoanalyst, as there are many externships and future internships that are tailored in that specific orientation. Same is true for California, though I am less familiar. One thing to keep in mind is that these programs are typically scholar-practioner model (rather than scientist-practioner) and therefore are often only partially funded due to the lack of grants that come from pumping out empirical research constantly. Regardless, it is truly a delight to work within that orientation.

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I did not have much psychodynamic research coming in, but had a lot of research in general. I feel my research did not matter much of the content, but rather it showed I am able to be a researcher. I would say what is most important is how you come off in the interview. Are you able to show your reflective functioning? Are you able to mentalize yourself in context of others? Have that reflect in your personal statement. It is much different that behavioral programs--they want to know YOU as a person as your own defense and conflicts come out in therapy through the countertransference and it is key that you are aware! GOOD LUCK! :-)