Statement from the President on the Referendum to all members, candidates and staff of the BPaS, EPF

I am speaking on behalf of the Executive and Board of the British Psychoanalytical Society consequent to the result of the referendum vote for the United Kingdom to leave the European Union which has sent shockwaves rippling across Europe and indeed internationally.  Psychoanalysis was born in Europe and nurtured from its inception by colleagues of many nationalities, initially in Europe and the UK and very soon after in the United States and internationally.  That growth has similarly been supported internationally in adjacent disciplines sympathetic to psychoanalytic ideas.

From the earliest days psychoanalysis in the UK has relied upon the creativity and support of European and other colleagues.  Our membership and candidates from the beginning have been drawn from an international pool and patients attending the London Clinic of Psychoanalysis come from many countries.  Similarly, our small staff team has an international profile. 

Here in the UK we value and need these links as bridges in a troubled world and will continue to welcome and offer support to prospective members, candidates and staff according to talent and regardless of country of origin.  We are part of the European Psychoanalytic Federation and the International Psychoanalytic Association and we intend to continue working with them both.

As far as we understand the present situation immigration and visa status for those studying, working and receiving treatment here will remain unchanged and that is likely to be the case for some time.  We will of course continue to monitor the situation and advise all accordingly.

 

President
British Psychoanalytical Society