PPA Reading Group

The reading group is open to those with an interest in developing their knowledge of psychoanalytic theory.

The group is open to applicants with no prior knowledge of psychoanalytic texts, however an interest and some familiarity with the broader field of applied psychoanalysis and/or psychotherapy is considered as particularly relevant. The content is taught at a postgraduate level.

Each term, the reading group is centered around a specific psychoanalytic theme, such as: Narcissism, The Oedipus Complex, Drive Theory etc. The readings will examine various psychoanalytic perspectives on modern life, including social, political, and environmental issues. We will also consider how these issues might manifest in clinical practice.

This course can be taken as general CPD, or as preparation for a subsequent application for clinical training.

For those wishing to apply to our PPA training in Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy, this would be a good place to build from and attendance would contribute positively towards an application.

The group will meet online on Thursdays, from 6:30 until 8pm, for 8 weeks during each term, and will be conducted in a spirit of enquiry and without judgement, facilitated by an experienced psychoanalytic psychotherapist. 

Preliminary 2026 Term Dates: 

Spring Term 2026 

• January  – Thursdays 22, 29 
• February – Thursdays 5, 2, 19, 26 
• March – Thursdays 5, 12 

Summer Term 2026 

• April – Thursdays 23, 30 
• May – Thursdays 7, 14, 21 
• June – Thursdays 4, 11, 18 

Autumn Term 2026 

• October – Thursdays 1, 8, 15 
• November – Thursdays 5, 12, 19, 26 
• December – Thursday 3 

The group is open to applicants with no prior knowledge of psychoanalytic texts, however an interest and some familiarity with the broader field of applied psychoanalysis and/or psychotherapy is considered as particularly relevant. The course is taught at a postgraduate level.

For those wishing to apply to our PPA training in Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy, this would be a good place to build from. 

Please note that attendance at the PPA Reading Group does not constitute a pre-requisite to further training with the PPA or any other bpf course, although it will contribute positively towards an application. 

There are no entry requirements for joining the PPA Reading Group, except for an interest in the subject and an ability to engage with complex reading material.  Applications will be assessed on the basis of a written personal statement (max. 500 words), where we encourage applicants to outline their interest in the subject, their commitment to attendance, and what they hope to learn from their experience.  

Attendance & Participation

Applications from those who can commit to attending 8 weekly sessions for the duration of each term will be prioritised. 

Those attending our PPA 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 the 8 weekly 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. 

Upon completion, a certificate of attendance will be issued at the end of each term to those who have attended a minimum of 80% of the sessions in the respective term.  

The reading lists will be available before the start of each term. Reading material will be provided where applicable. 

The application deadline for the Spring Term 2026 is Monday, 1 December 2025. 

There is a non-refundable £25 application fee for the PPA Reading Group to cover administrative costs. 

The fees for each term are £400. Fees are payable on offer of a place. 

For those applying to attend a full academic year (3 terms), the total fee will be reduced to £1100. To be offered the discounted fee, successful applicants are required to pay the fee in full before the beginning of the first term. 

Concessionary rates: 

Current bpf trainees: 

• Termly £300 
• Annual fee (3 Terms) £850  

bpf alumni: 

• Termly £350 
• Annual fee (3 Terms) £1000 

Please note the fees outlined above are non-refundable in the event of withdrawal. Those who accept a place on the PPA Reading Group will be required to pay the fee in full. 

The building has limited access – please call us on 020 8452 9823 to discuss your needs.

To apply for this course, starting in Spring 2026, please complete the application form below.

The application deadline for the Spring Term 2026 is Monday, 1 December 2025. 

If you have any queries regarding this course, please email the PPA Training Manager here.