Fundamentals of Psychoanalysis

We live in an atmosphere of enormous social and scientific development, demanding us to rethink some of our theoretical proposals, our practice, convictions and ideologies. In our psychoanalytic communities, it is more crucial than ever to create links that can bring us together to share our principles and psychoanalytic aims for ourselves and for our patients. Here, we encourage you to create links with other members and to share your knowledge and experience of the important issues raised during the webinar.

If you missed the live broadcast of the webinar, you can watch a recording of the full session by clicking here (you will need to log in as a member to the website).

Whilst the IPA is predominantly a scientific organisation, that encourages free and open debate amongst its members, it is also a humanist organisation that is strongly opposed to discrimination in all its forms. During a webinar facilitated by the IPA on Sunday 18th March 2018, several important issues related to gender and sexual orientation were raised during the discussion.

Scientific debate is vital for the advancement of our field, but it must be conducted without preconceptions, perceptions, misperceptions and prejudices. It must also recognise and be considerate of, diversity and inclusivity, recognising that beliefs are not necessarily facts. Psychoanalysis, by its very nature, is controversial; we seek to understand the intricacies and complexities of the human psyche, and often, we will need to debate difficult and sensitive issues.

To this end, the IPA’s Committee on Sexual and Gender Diversity Studies seeks to understand what we know, and what we believe, about the origins, development and expression of sexuality, gender and sexual object choice, in both human development and the clinical situation. The committee has the full support of our Administration to create a place within organised psychoanalysis in which the many questions and complexities that surround sexual and gender diversity can be studied and considered.

Our Administration is committed to ensuring that the IPA remains a forum for scientific exchange, but one with a policy of equality on all grounds, including age, disability, gender or gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, race, religion or belief, and sexual orientation.

We welcome the opportunity webinars bring  to encourage members to openly engage in debate. We want to promote a culture where we can speak freely about issues - even if they are difficult - and to encourage strong exchange, but in a way that is respectful and constructive, leading to new and better understanding. Respectful and rich dialogue is essential for the continued progression of both psychoanalysis and the IPA.

Virginia Ungar, President
Sergio Nick, Vice-President
Andrew Brook, Treasurer