Background 

Since we live in a rapidly evolving world, besides pondering clinical practice in light of social and cultural changes, we need to foster a psychoanalysis that can intervene in new scenarios – in the consulting room, yes, but also outside of it. The broad goal of the “IPA in the Community” committees is to expand the scope of psychoanalysis, so that we can make the most of psychoanalysis’ potential.

The IPA in Education Committee will focus on surveying psychoanalysis’ relationship with the field of education at all levels, and will work on enhancing and increasing links with educational communities.

Psychoanalysis has been a great influence in education and is well-placed to engage in interdisciplinary collaborations with specialists, teachers, educational workers, etc, to face the various problems that the learning process can present to both the student and the educator.

Contact with the educational field allows psychoanalysts to intervene directly when young people at early stages of development present their first symptoms. In addition, psychoanalysts can help educators to prepare to use psychoanalytic tools in their work with young people.

Mandate

The IPA in Education Committee is mandated to:

1. Collect data from around the world regarding work being done by IPA members in the field of education.
2. Promote the organisation of interdisciplinary events focused on psychoanalysis and education.
3. Develop bridges between the IPA and education practitioners, to enhance the interchange of experiences, the development of theories, etc.
4. Explore the possibility of using prizes to encourage new/highlight existing high-quality work at the intersection of psychoanalysis and education.

Sub-committees

It is envisaged that this committee may eventually develop various sub-committees to focus work on specific educational levels, including:

• Early Childhood (0-2 years)
• Pre-school (2-5 years)
• Elementary School (5-12 years)
• High School (13-17 years)
• University (18+ years)

Ways of working and reporting

The IPA in Education Committee will be expected to do most of its work electronically, using GoToMeeting, or other free-to-use communication systems. The Committee, like all IPA committees, will be expected to be self-supporting for secretarial and other purposes. It will have access to the web and email support services offered by the IPA.

Any face-to-face meetings should take place, so far as possible, adjacent to IPA or regional congresses. The Committee will provide a written report to the Board at least annually.

Composition of the committee

The IPA in Education Committee will be composed of a Chair and six members (two from each region).

The Committee may request the appointment of Consultants to advise on specific issues as needed (Consultants will not be funded to attend in-person meetings).

Budget

The Committee will propose a budget during the annual IPA budget cycle.

Approved by the Board December 2017