The Pre-Foundation Course offers an introduction to contemporary psychoanalytic theory and the opportunity to explore how this applies in the consulting room and to everyday life.
The Pre-FC is aimed at those interested in an introduction to psychoanalysis. No previous knowledge or clinical experience is necessary although people from the mental health professions do also attend. This course works well alongside the theory and discussion provided by the Introductory Lecture Series.
Online via Zoom
Monday evenings 8-9.30pm UK time
January – July 2027
*Applications for the Pre-Foundation course are now open.*
Testimonial
Received from an applicant, November 2024:
“I also wanted to thank you for being considerate and paying attention to my request. After I’ve done some thinking I came to a conclusion that I would really like to do the pre-foundation at BPA.
I have been to an open day at BPA and I have to say that you have a really warm environment there.
Thanks again for your letter and I’m looking forward to attending the course!”
Course content
Participants will be introduced to core concepts and how these may be expressed in the consulting room or in the ways we relate to each other. Reading will be provided and participants will take it in turns to present material and encouraged to contribute to the discussions.
This course is made up of a series of 20 online seminars over two academic terms and will include a combination of theoretical and clinical discussion for which participants will be asked to complete readings and to bring clinical vignettes, or a scenario from their workplace, to discuss in the light of psychoanalytic ideas. Each seminar will be led by a pair of experienced BPA analysts and 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.
Some of the subjects we will explore include what Psychoanalysis is and how it differs from other forms of psychotherapy; we will think about the psychoanalytic setting, conscious vs unconscious communication and how we listen for unconscious communication; we will think about what transference is, how this is experienced and why it is important; we will consider how early experience impacts later patterns of relating, what ego defences are and how they manifest as well as exploring the Oedipus Complex from a contemporary standpoint.
Reading will be provided and 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 discussions will not be recorded.
An attendance certificate will be provided (min. 75% attendance required)
Structure & dates
Monday evenings 8-9.30pm UK time on Zoom
January – July 2027
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 suited to those who are interested in psychoanalytic thinking, may have some relevant clinical experience and who may have had some therapy or analysis of their own. People may like to attend the Introductory Lectures before, or alongside, the Pre-Foundation Course.
Working in a clinical situation currently is not required.
Being in personal therapy currently is not required.
Fees
£650 per person; £550 with concessions.
Contact us
For enquiries about concessions, please contact: Joyce Samuel-Ouadjo, Training Co-ordinator at training@psychoanalysis-bpa.org
For enquiries about the course content, please contact the Course Lead, Sarah Miller at sarah@sarahmillerconsulting.com