Training In Psychoanalysis
Founded in 1986 (as the Centre for Psychoanalytic Research) the Australian Centre for Psychoanalysis (ACP) is devoted to the teaching of psychoanalysis, the training of analysts and research in the psychoanalytic field within the Lacanian orientation.
The ACP offers the possibility of undertaking a comprehensive program of training comprising the three components of psychoanalytic formation; personal analysis,clinical supervision and a rigorous course of clinical and theoretical studies, along with ongoing study and production of work through the various seminars of the ACP. The training of psychoanalysts is the condition of possibility for psychoanalysis. The questions regarding the training for psychoanalysts always evokes the definition of psychoanalysis and vice versa. There can be no standardisation of the practice of psychoanalysis. Similarly, there can be no standardisation of the training of analysts. Each analyst develops his or her own practice by undergoing the experience of psychoanalysis and drawing on a coherent body of theory derived by Sigmund Freud. The ACP follows the specific orientation given to this work by Jacques Lacan.
The nature of the knowledge acquired in the psychoanalytic experience is particular. It is not a permanent knowledge which can be captured or accumulated. Therefore, training cannot be gained by an acquisition of a qualification but includes an encounter with unconscious knowledge. The fundamental principle of the Lacanian orientation is that a psychoanalyst is defined by his or her desire. The psychoanalyst’s desire is an ‘experienced’ and analysed desire which is at the heart of an analyst’s pursuit of psychoanalysis.
Criteria For Candidates
Applications for candidature for Training can be made at any time by ACP members actively participating in the program of studies and activities of the Centre. Candidates will be fully engaged in the activities of the ACP and are expected to regularly present their theoretical and clinical work before peers. These obligations are set out in more detail in the ACP Training Document which outlines the procedures for training and requirements regarding personal analysis, supervision of clinical work and theoretical study.
Whilst each application will be considered by the Training Committee on its merit, candidates are generally expected to have recognised qualifications in the fields of psychiatry, social work, psychology, counselling or nursing and be established in a legally operating clinical practice.
Registration as a Practising Analyst
The ACP, in the structure of its processes of recognition, maintains a separation between the process of training/formation of an analyst and the moment when an analyst might put themselves forward to become a registered practicing analyst of the ACP. Although there is considerable overlap between these processes they are maintained and administered separately. Members of the Register authorise themselves as practicing analysts and are confident to practice in accord with this authorisation. Their psychoanalytic competence will be recognised by the ACP through their having fulfilled the components of training and by assessment at an annual review of their activity. The process of application to the Register is outlined in the Register Document. All members interested in applying should first contact and discuss the process with the current convenor of the Register Committee, listed below.
Registered Practising Analysts (RA) is a list of members who are recognised by the ACP as competent practitioners of psychoanalysis. Members of the Register authorise themselves as Practising Analysts and are confident to practice in accordance with this authorisation, in the direction of treatments, the presentation of cases and involvement in case discussions. Their psychoanalytic competence has been recognised by the ACP through their having fulfilled the components of a training; personal analysis, clinical supervision, presentation of two “training cases”, a course of theoretical studies equivalent to our four year program of clinical and theoretical studies, and through having given an account of their work to their peers, over many years. The ACP offers a public guarantee that the applicant has undergone training and is able to practice as a psychoanalyst.
For further details about the process of training or the register, please contact the relevant Convenors below.
Convenor of Training Committee: Dr Carmelo Scuderi – carmelo.scuderi@
Convenor of Register Committee: Silvia Rodriguez – silvia.rodriguez@psychoanalysis.org.au