A representative of IPSO is a bridge between IPSO and the candidates of an Institute.  IPSO provides the connection between  candidates with the IPA.

The representative (rep) has the same rights as other members. The idea is that he/she can communicate directly with the IPSO Executive Committee, which we call the Ex-Com, where there are representatives of all regions of the IPA, and communicate to other candidates of his/her Institute.

The representative is responsible for collecting the annual membership fees and sending to the IPSO Treasurer, and also to attend to new members, introducing them to IPSO and its programs. The Rep must stay updated about the national and international events of IPSO in order to inform the members of his Institute. That can be done through the website or through contact with the VP of his/her region.  The VPs will send information to the Reps in his/her region.

The rep should inform members about IPSO programs and opportunities (VCP, PepWeb, committees of the IPA, etc) and also participate, whenever possible, in the IPSO events of his region. His focus  will be on helping candidates with subscriptions, information, or in obtaining accommodation, as in the case of the VCP.

The rep must write a short report about the activity he took part in as organizer or attendant, informing the members of the scientific and social events of IPSO. Speaking English is important but, in our experience, fluency is proportionate to the desire to communicate.

For Vice-Presidents of a region, the contact with the rep is essential in order to be aware of the interests and concerns of the candidates and to seek international support and inform them of the IPA.

The representative has our support to promote activities that offer opportunities for learning and for exchange among candidates and he /she also acts on behalf of IPSO.  We believe this is how the spirit of diversity and cultural interchange is spread.

You can propose your own ideas for the activities, for example: an academic activity, a supervision among peers, or to invite a senior analyst  for a supervision, or a day of activity and presentation for candidates about IPSO. All of these activities add to and promotes psychoanalysis within different “cultures”.  The idea is that analysts in training benefit greatly when exposed to diversity.

In the words of Luca Nicoli and Laura Ravaioli, who have been IPSO reps in Italy, SPI, for many years:

“To be (an) IPSO Rep is not a work or a duty, but more an occasion.” More than thinking about what we should do, we asked ourselves what we would organize, knowing that we are supported by an institution and by friends, who are able to sustain our ideas and our projects…

“…we hope to have shared with the Italian and foreign colleagues, in all these years, a bit of our enthusiasm.”

IPSO is for passionate people. For those who like people, ideas and knowledge, entwined by our world of Psychoanalysis. Come share our enthusiasm and be part of our Organization.