The Foundation Course offers the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of psychoanalytic theory and clinical practice during a series of 20 online seminars. We will be reading key papers from the field and discussing clinical material so previous knowledge of psychoanalytic ideas, relevant clinical experience and having had some personal therapy is required.
Online via Zoom
Monday evenings 8-9.30pm UK time
January – July 2027
*Applications for the Foundation course are now open.*
Course Content
Participants may have attended the Introductory Lecture Series or the Pre-Foundation Course or may have previous knowledge of psychoanalytic thinking from other sources. The course is open to people from the mental health professions as well as others with clinical experience.
This series of 20 online seminars will include a combination of theory and clinical discussions for which participants will be asked to complete readings and to bring clinical vignettes to discuss in the light of psychoanalytic ideas. Each seminar will be led by a pair of experienced BPA analysts with the aim of exploring key concepts as illustrated by case material thereby linking theory with practice, deepening our understanding. Each set of 5 seminars will be led by a different pair of BPA analysts introducing the participants to a variety of approaches and styles.
The FC is more challenging than the Pre-FC so familiarity with psychoanalytic thinking, relevant clinical work and experience of personal psychotherapy is required. The readings will include key psychoanalytic papers and the clinical discussions will be more advanced, set at a deeper level that those of the Pre-FC. We will be exploring the ideas of different psychoanalytic paradigms as well as core concepts including the psychoanalytic frame, transference and countertransference, free association, defences, enactment, sexuality, narcissistic relating, Oedipal issues, symbolic vs concrete thinking and working through.
Reading will be required.
Participants will be required to take a turn at presenting.
Participants will be required to abide by the rules of confidentiality.
Participants will be required to have their screen cameras on.
These seminars will not be recorded.
An attendance certificate will be provided (min. 75% attendance).
Structure & dates
20 online group seminars held over two academic terms. Each term will have a half term break.
To enable group discussion and to ensure confidentiality regular attendance is required and participants will be required to have their screens on. Each set of 5 seminars will be led by a different pair of BPA analysts.
These sessions will not be recorded.
Dates:
Term 1: January 11 – March 22
Half Term: February 15
Term 2: April 19 – July 12
Half Term: May 31, June 7
Full dates:
Term 1:
January 11, 18, 25, February 1, 8
Half Term: February 15
February 22, March 1, 8, 15, 22
Easter Break: March 29 – April 12
Term 2
April 19, 26, May 10, 17, 24
Half Term: May 31, June 7
June 14, 21, 28, July 5, 12
(NB. May 3, Bank Holiday)
Eligibility
This course is suitable for those who already have some knowledge of psychoanalytic thinking, relevant clinical experience and who are in, or have experience of, their own personal therapy or analysis. People may come from the mental health professions but is not limited to those. People who have attended the Introductory Lecture Series or the Pre-Foundation Course may like to continue their learning with the FC.
Required:
Relevant clinical experience
Personal therapy or analysis
Fees
£800 per person | £700 with concessions.
Please contact Joyce Samuel-Ouadjo on training@psychoanalysis-bpa.org for more information.
Contact us
For enquiries about payments or concessions, please contact: Joyce Samuel-Ouadjo, Training Co-ordinator at training@psychoanalysis-bpa.org
For enquiries about the course please contact the Course Lead: Sarah Miller at sarah@sarahmillerconsulting.com