IPA/IPSO Relations Committee
Background
The origins of the collaboration between the International Psychoanalytical Association (IPA) and the International Psychoanalytical Students' Organisation (IPSO) can be traced back to the 1971 International Conference of Candidates in Psychoanalytic Training held in Vienna. This early engagement set the stage for a more formal relationship.
In 2003, the first official IPA-IPSO Task Force was established, led by Lee Jaffe, then IPSO President, and Robert Tyson, Secretary of the IPA, with support from Otto Kernberg, the IPA President. Prior to this, IPSO functioned largely independently from the IPA. Recognizing the need for a closer relationship, the Task Force held its inaugural meeting at the IPA Congress in New Orleans that same year. This collaboration proved successful and eventually evolved into what we now know as the IPA-IPSO Relations Committee.
Mission and Vision
The primary mission of the IPA-IPSO Relations Committee is to cultivate a transparent, collaborative partnership between the IPA and IPSO. This relationship aims to benefit both organizations by enhancing psychoanalytic training excellence and fostering productive interactions among candidates and members.
The vision of the Committee is one of mutual growth and support, where both institutions work together to create opportunities for development, learning, and engagement within the psychoanalytic community.
Mandate
The Committee’s mandate includes:
- Continuously exploring avenues for improved collaboration and mutual benefit between the IPA and IPSO;
- Monitoring existing arrangements and agreements, including addressing any legal matters that may arise;
- Assisting in the appointment of IPSO members to IPA committees, with the appointment process managed directly by the Presidents of both organisations; and,
- Facilitating the dissemination of IPSO activities across all IPA Institutes, alongside managing the necessary related administrative tasks.
Ways of Working
The IPA-IPSO Relations Committee primarily operates electronically, utilizing platforms like Zoom and GoToMeeting for meetings. While the Committee is expected to be self-supporting for administrative needs, it can access web and email support from IPA staff. Whenever possible, in-person meetings will align with IPA or regional congresses.
The Co-Chairs will provide an annual written report to the Board, summarizing the Committee's actions and achievements. Decisions within the Committee will be made by consensus, reflecting the collaborative spirit between the IPA and IPSO.
Terms
The IPA-IPSO Relations Committee is a permanent entity. The IPA members are appointed through the standard process by the IPA President, with the Board of Representatives’ consent.
Composition
The Committee comprises:
- Four IPA members: one Co-Chair and one representative from each of the IPA’s regions.
- Four IPSO Executive Committee officers: the IPSO President, who serves as Co-Chair of the Committee, the President-Elect, and two additional Executive Committee officers.
This structured collaboration aims to enhance the synergy between the IPA and IPSO, ultimately enriching the psychoanalytic training experience for all involved.
Current members of the committee include:
(left to right) Jhuma Basak, Amelia Casas, Robin Deutsch (Co-Chair), Erika Lepiavka, (IPSO President and Committee Co-Chair), Carmela Perez, Paola Solano (IPSO Vice-President Elect), Konstantinos Taliouridis (IPSO Vice-President Elect), Chrissy Wallace (IPSO President Elect).
