Psychoanalytical Psychotherapy Training

The Training of Psychoanalytical Psychotherapists

The aim of the course is to equip trainees to conduct psychoanalytic psychotherapy at a specialist level, forming the basis for a senior post in psychotherapy in the NHS, the voluntary sector, or for working as a psychotherapist in private practice.

The training consists of four main elements:

1. Personal Analysis
Trainees begin personal analysis at least one year before the seminar course begins. This consists of a minimum of four sessions weekly with a member of the Training Committee and continues at least until the trainee has qualified.

2. A four term course of seminars in Infant Observation
This begins in the year preceding the main course and culminates in a written paper. Seminars are normally held in Edinburgh on a Tuesday evening.

3. Four year theoretical and clinical main seminar course
Two seminars are currently held each Tuesday evening during term time at the Scottish Institute of Human Relations, Edinburgh. They consist of:
* Theory: the theoretical orientation is that of modern British Psychoanalysis.
* Clinical practice: including confidential discussion of trainees’ cases.
This course culminates in a written paper.

4. Supervised Clinical Work
During the training the trainee is required to see two patients individually, one female and one male, each for three times weekly psychoanalytic psychotherapy. The first case will be seen for a minimum of two years and the second for a minimum of 18 months. Each case is supervised in a weekly session with a member of the Training Committee.

Adult Psychoanalytical Psychotherapy Training Committee
Chair: Mrs Jill Prentice
Hon. Secretary: Frances M Clark
Curriculum Co-ordinator: Mrs Jill Prentice

For further information and a prospectus, applicants should write to / contact the Hon. Secretary of the Adult Psychoanalytical Psychotherapy Training Committee, SIHR Edinburgh. Click here for details.