Psychoanalysis

Psychoanalysis is both a theory of the mind and a therapeutic practice. It was founded by Sigmund Freud between 1885 and 1939 and continues to be developed by psychoanalysts all over the world. Click on the tiles below to find out more. Discover everything you need to know about psychoanalysis, its major uses, contributions to our understanding of the mind, and training to become an analyst.

What is Psychoanalysis?

This webpage demystifies the intriguing world of psychoanalysis, an insightful therapeutic approach founded by Sigmund Freud.

Research

Find information about published psychoanalytical research, funding for researchers, and ways of contributing to future research projects.

Child and Adolescent Psychoanalysis

This space is devoted to work with infants, children, adolescents and young adults. The material is drawn from various sources in our organization, and we will continue to expand the topics covered to include culturally relevant material about families and programs around the world.

Becoming an IPA Analyst

Ever thought about becoming a psychoanalyst? Find out what it takes to become an analyst and your nearest training provider here.

German-Chinese Translation of the Freud Lectures

A German-Chinese translation of Sigmund Freud's (1917) Introductory Lectures on Psycho-Analysis and his New Introductory Lectures On Psycho-Analysis (1933).

Couch. Freud Museum London

Psychoanalysis around the World

The IPA has members in different countries, bringing diverse cultures, experiences, and perspectives that have shaped psychoanalysis into a truly global science.

Geographies of Psychoanalysis


This project aims to explore whether psychoanalytic concepts are universal and its methods effective globally, promoting research and reflection on these complex issues.

Inter-Regional Encyclopedic Dictionary (IRED)

An ever-expanding dictionary of psychoanalytic terms and theories, with entries currently available in 14 languages.

Thesaurus of Psychoanalytic Terms

The Thesaurus currently offers over 2000 terms listed alphabetically in one of six languages with its correspondent equivalent in the other five (Chinese, English, French, German, Spanish, Pin Yin).