Our History

The Global Journey of Psychoanalysis: A Century of the IPA
The International Psychoanalytical Association (IPA) has navigated a century of profound influence and transformation within the global psychoanalytic community. Founded in 1910, the IPA was born to create an international network that would unify and promote the burgeoning field of psychoanalysis, initiated by Sigmund Freud and a small group of dedicated followers.


Early Beginnings: Laying the Foundations
The roots of the IPA can be traced back to the early 20th century when Sigmund Freud began to gather a small group of like-minded individuals in Vienna after years of solitary work. The Psychological Wednesday Society, founded in 1902, was the precursor to the Vienna Psychoanalytical Society, established in 1908. During this period, psychoanalysis emerged as a distinct field of study, attracting international interest.

In 1908, at the suggestion of Ernest Jones, the first informal International Psychoanalytical Congress was held in Salzburg. This meeting laid the groundwork for the IPA, officially founded in 1910 during the Nuremberg Congress. Carl Jung, a prominent figure in the field at the time, was elected as the first President, symbolising the international aspirations of the association.


Growth and Challenges: The Interwar Years
The IPA's early years were marked by rapid growth and internal strife. The departure of key figures such as Alfred Adler and Carl Jung highlighted the inherent tensions within the psychoanalytic movement. Despite these challenges, the IPA continued to expand, establishing itself as a central body for regulating and promoting psychoanalytic practice and education worldwide.

The IPA was crucial in formalising psychoanalytic training standards during the interwar period. The establishment of the International Training Commission (ITC) in 1925, led by Max Eitingon, was a significant milestone, setting the foundation for the rigorous training and ethical standards that continue to define the profession.


War and Reconstruction: The Post-War Era
World War II posed significant challenges to the IPA, particularly with the Nazi annexation of Austria and the dissolution of the Vienna Psychoanalytical Society. Many European psychoanalysts fled to the United States and other safer regions, leading to a shift in the centre of gravity for psychoanalysis from Europe to America.

In the aftermath of the war, the IPA was instrumental in rebuilding the international psychoanalytic community. The 1949 Congress in Zürich marked a new beginning, with the IPA adopting a more structured approach to governance and expanding its activities across the Atlantic. The post-war years also saw the rise of American psychoanalysis as a dominant force within the IPA, with the Presidency alternating between Europe and America, reflecting the growing transatlantic collaboration.


Expansion and Inclusion: The Second Half of the 20th Century
In the latter half of the 20th century, we witnessed the IPA's expansion into new regions, particularly Latin America, which became the third administrative region in the 1980s. The first Congress in South America, held in Buenos Aires in 1991, was a landmark event, symbolising the IPA's commitment to genuinely global representation.

During this period, the IPA also began to engage more actively with broader social and political issues. The creation of the IPA Committee on the United Nations in 1997, followed by its Consultative Status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council in 1998, highlighted the association's evolving role as a global advocate for mental health and psychoanalytic perspectives on international issues.


Entering the 21st Century: A New Era of Globalisation
The 21st century has brought new challenges and opportunities for the IPA. The organisation has continued to grow, with membership surpassing 11,500  by 2024, with an additional 6,000 analysts in training spanning 67 countries. The IPA has become increasingly involved in supporting the development of psychoanalytic societies in regions such as the Asia-Pacific region and Africa, where interest in psychoanalysis is burgeoning.

One of the most significant developments in has been the IPA's engagement with China. The first IPA Conference in China, held in 2010, was a milestone event, reflecting the growing interest in psychoanalysis within Asian contexts. This marked the beginning of a deeper exploration of how psychoanalytic concepts can be integrated into diverse cultural frameworks, a theme that continues to be a focus for the IPA.


Looking Ahead: The Future of the IPA
As the IPA looks toward the future, it remains committed to its founding principles of fostering international collaboration, advancing psychoanalytic education, and promoting the application of psychoanalytic knowledge to address contemporary global challenges. The organisation continues to evolve, embracing new methodologies to support its mission in an increasingly interconnected world.

By 2025, the IPA has not only solidified its position as the leading international body for psychoanalysis but has also expanded its influence into new territories, fostering a truly global psychoanalytic community. The ongoing dialogue between different cultures, traditions, and schools of thought within the IPA ensures that psychoanalysis remains a dynamic and evolving field capable of addressing the complexities of the modern world.