Reading Bion – Reading Group

This reading group is intended for:

• psychoanalysts and psychotherapists
• trainees and candidates
• professionals in mental health and related disciplines
• those with a serious interest in Bion’s work

Participants should be willing to engage closely with primary texts over an extended period.

Year 1: Early writings

(Commencing January 2027)

This first year offers a sustained engagement with Bion’s early work. Through close reading, participants will follow the emergence of his distinctive approach to psychoanalytic thinking and clinical practice. There are 8 sessions in each term. The course takes place across three terms:

• Spring Term (January 2027)
• Summer Term (April 2027)
• Autumn Term (October 2027)

Year 2: Later writings

(Commencing January 2028)

The group will meet online on a weekday evening for 8 weeks during each term, and will be conducted in a spirit of The group will meet online on a weekday evening for 8 weeks during each term, and will be conducted in a spirit of enquiry and without judgement, facilitated by an experienced psychoanalytic psychotherapist.

• Duration: One academic year. Participants will need to commit to the full year.
• Structure: Three terms (Spring, Summer, Autumn; no meetings during academic holidays)
• Frequency: Three seminars per month during term-time
• Mode: Online
• Time: Weekday Evening
• Format: Close reading and discussion

The seminar is conducted as a reading group, with emphasis on careful engagement with Bion’s texts and their clinical and theoretical implications.

The group is open to applicants with a serious interest in closely reading Bion’s works. The programme is delivered at a postgraduate level.

Applications will be assessed on the basis of a written personal statement (max. 500 words), where applicants are encouraged to outline their interest in the subject, their commitment to attendance, and what they hope to gain from the course. 

Attendance & Participation

Applications from those who can commit to attending the full academic year.

Those attending this reading group online will commit to upholding the bpf’s policies and statues outlined here: Policies & Procedures – The British Psychotherapy Foundation.   

We are unable to accept applications from candidates who anticipate being unable to attend at least 80% of the sessions – this is to ensure all participants are given the opportunity to engage in lively discussion, allowing for a cross-fertilisation of ideas, experiences and contributions. 

A certificate of completion will be issued at the end of the academic year. The reading lists will be available before the start of each term.

View Course Fees

Please note that fees will be subject to annual increases in line with inflation in the UK.

On offer of a place, you will be invited to register and pay via debit card through a secured payment page.

Please note the fees outlined are non-refundable in the event of withdrawal. Those who accept a place on this reading group will be required to pay the fee in full. 

Concessions are available to those wishing to attend the whole year (3 Terms), to current members and trainees, and to bpf alumni.

• Annual fee – £1170
• Concession for bpf members, trainees and alumni (3 terms) – £1000

Applications for this reading group open in July 2026. In the meantime, please register your interest for the reading group below.

Application deadlines for 2026/27:

To join in January 2027 (Year 1 of cycle), the application deadline is October 15th, 2026.