Training – Program

 

Become a Psychoanalyst

The Adelaide Institute of Psychoanalysis offers a comprehensive training program leading to qualification as a Psychoanalyst and membership of the Australian Psychoanalytical Society and the International Psychoanalytical Association (IPA). The training is part-time and is organised, as far as possible, so that candidates can continue working while undertaking the program.

Training at a Glance

– Duration: Typically 5-7 years
– Format: Part-Time (A combination of in-person and online)
– Location: Adelaide or Remote Training options
– Outcome: Membership of the Australian Psychoanalytical Society and Membership of the International Psychoanalytical Association
– Core Components: 

    • Personal Analysis
    • Infant Observation
    • Theoretical Seminars
    • Supervised Psychoanalytic Work (Controlled Cases)
    • Clinical Seminars
    • Interstate Weekends

What is the Aim of the Training?

The aim of psychoanalytic training is to develop psychoanalytic competence and a core psychoanalytic identity. This requires intellectual and emotional openness to understanding the complexity of the human mind and its suffering. It involves scientific curiosity, openness to new observations, and a commitment to developing a comprehensive understanding of psychoanalytic knowledge. A psychoanalytic identity also includes a lasting commitment to continuing study and development as an analyst, including regular consultation with colleagues. The analyst’s identity and work depend upon developing and maintaining high standards of clinical competence, high ethical standards and a commitment to patient care.

The Three Pillars of Training

Psychoanalytic education begins with the selection process and therefore requires much care and thought. Training is based on three complementary learning experiences:
Personal Analysis – Personal psychoanalysis forms the foundation of psychoanalytic education and professional development.
Theoretical and Clinical Seminars – Candidates undertake a structured program of seminars that integrates psychoanalytic theory with clinical practice.
Supervised Psychoanalytic Work – Candidates conduct psychoanalytic work under supervision, gradually developing clinical competence and psychoanalytic technique.

Together, these components provide a comprehensive training experience that prepares candidates to offer psychoanalytic treatment to others.

Selection and Eligibility

A fundamental requirement for psychoanalytic education is a tertiary qualification, preferably but not necessarily, related to patient care. Eligibility is considered on a case-by-case basis. Selection is based on suitability, eligibility, and readiness for training. Applicants are never excluded on the basis of age, sexual orientation, religious affiliation, racial background, or ethnicity.

Qualification

Upon completion of the training program, candidates become Members of the Australian Psychoanalytical Society and Members of the International Psychoanalytical Association, the international body responsible for maintaining standards of psychoanalytic training and practice worldwide and which has over 12,000 members.

Further Information

For detailed information about the training program, including personal analysis, seminars, supervised cases, fees, and application procedures, please refer to the Psychoanalytic Training Prospectus.