Psychoanalysis: Key Concepts and a Contemporary Perspective

This series of lectures introduces fundamental psychoanalytic ideas and explores a range of topics in greater depth. Delivered by BPA Psychoanalysts, presentations are followed by a group discussion.

The series is organised so as to build up a systematic knowledge of the field over two academic terms or self contained lectures that can be attended individually.

Whether you already have some understanding of psychoanalysis or are simply curious, we hope that these lectures convey a sense of contemporary psychoanalytic thinking as well as what it is like to practice as an Analyst in 2026.

Online on Zoom

Wednesday evenings, 8-9.30pm UK time

January – July 2026

*Booking now open!*

The lectures will be held on Zoom.
Chair: Dr Catherine McKisack and Mr Giovanni Ferrari.

Course content

Term 1 / Jan – Mar 2026

  1. What is Psychoanalysis? | Liam Bierschenk (14/01/26)
  2. Freud’s Models of the Mind | Sara Macgregor (21/01/26)
  3. An Introduction to Kleinian Thought | Louise Hayman (28/01/26)
  4. An Introduction to Winnicott and Independent Thinking | Jayne Hankinson (04/02/26)
  5. An Introduction to Bion | Sarah Miller (11/02/26)

Half Term

  1. Transference and Counter-Transference | Tricia Coleman (25/02/26)
  2. The Oedipus Complex | Rodrigo Sanchez-Escandon (04/03/26)
  3. Psychoanalytic Perspectives on Narcissism | Brett Morris (11/03/26)
  4. Dreams and the Unconscious | David Polak (18/03/26)
  5. The Analytic Attitude | Claudia Kramer (25/03/26)

Term 2 / Apr – July 2026

  1. A Psychoanalytic Understanding of Anxiety | Diane Glover (22/04/26)
  2. Depression: A Psychoanalytic Approach | Stefania Bonaccorso (29/04/26)
  3. Borderline and Psychotic States of Mind | David Morgan (06/05/26)
  4. Eating Disorders: A Psychoanalytic Perspective | Joan Thompson (13/05/26)
  5. Gender, Sexuality & Misogyny  | Marcella Fok (20/05/26)

Half Term

  1. Attachment Theory | Anouschka Buettner (10/06/26)
  2. Working psychoanalytically with young people who have experienced a depressive breakdown | Stephen Bradley (17/06/26)
  3. Trauma: A Psychoanalytic Perspective | Lisa Vaughan (24/06/26)
  4. How do we think about Racism? | Philip Roys & Baffour Ababio (01/07/26)
  5. Psychoanalysis and Creativity | Rye Dag Holmboe (08/07/26)

Structure & dates

Seminars run on Wednesdays from 8 – 9.30pm online (zoom).

The course runs annually, in 2026 the term dates are from January to July.

2026 dates:

Term 1

  • 14/1/26
  • 21/1/26
  • 28/1/26
  • 4/2/26
  • 11/2/26

Half Term

  • 25/2/26
  • 4/3/26
  • 11/3/26
  • 18/3/26
  • 25/3/26

Term 2

  • 22/4/26
  • 29/4/26
  • 6/5/26
  • 13/5/26
  • 20/5/26

Half Term

  • 10/6/26
  • 17/6/26
  • 14/6/26
  • 01/7/26
  • 08/7/26

Eligibility

This course is open to all.

No prior knowledge or experience of psychoanalysis is required.

Fees:

It is possible to attend a half term only, one full term, both terms or on an individual lecture basis.

Set of 5 lectures (one half term): £160 (£110 with discounted rate)

One complete term (10 lectures): £300 (£240 with discounted rate)

Both terms (20 lectures): £550 (£420 with discounted rate)

Individual Lectures: £35 (£25 with discounted rate)

Discounted rates available.

To get the discount code, please send a copy of your student ID, training number, NHS ID or entitlement letter to Joyce Samuel-Ouadjo on training@psychoanalysis-bpa.org.

Contact us

If you have any questions about this course, please contact Joyce Samuel-Ouadjo, the Training Co-ordinator, on +44 (0)7552 917114 or email us at training@psychoanalysis-bpa.org

To apply, please click on the relevant link below – 1 term, both terms, a half term or individual lectures.  If you are a student, NHS worker, trainee or unemployed, please contact training@psychoanalysis-bpa.org to receive a discount code:

Please note refunds can be given for purchased individual lectures if you let us know beforehand.  Terms can only be refunded before the start of a term, individual lectures in a group booked term are not eligible for refunds.