Statement of Purpose

In light of the extraordinary changes occurring in the education and credentialing of psychoanalysts, the goal of this conference is to provide an ecumenical forum, bringing together representatives of the major psychoanalytic associations to discuss the current and emergent status of psychoanalytic education. General questions framing the conference are: What is psychoanalysis today? Who will be educated? What is the education? And what do the candidates and recent graduates feel and think about their education? This conference is the second in a series of conferences that encourages dialogue among the representatives from many existing groups, offering a variety of perspectives in consideration of these complex issues. Thinking and learning together will facilitate and give direction to the ongoing transitions in psychoanalysis and mend some of the fragmentation in the field. The aim is to recapture the validity and vitality this profession deserves.

The vision is to include all the psychoanalytic associations in a respectful dialogue, to cull out and to continue thinking through the similar and different perspectives on how to educate psychoanalysts in today’s world by creating an ecumenical platform for open, thoughtful discussions.

During these uncertain times for the field of psychoanalysis, members of the organizing committee feel that we need to join together to continue considering the complex issues facing us. In this way we can take a more active role together in monitoring and influencing the developments occurring in psychoanalytic education, credentialing and licensing.