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Hierarchies and Fragmentations in Psychoanalysis

The bpf and CPJA are collaborating on an innovative project designed to promote open, ongoing discussions about psychoanalysis and Jungian psychotherapy in the 21st century.

A Collaborative Online Event Series + Conference

The British Psychotherapy Foundation (bpf), UK Council for Psychotherapy and the Council for Psychoanalysis and Jungian Analysis (CPJA) are collaborating on an innovative project designed to promote open, ongoing discussions about psychoanalysis and Jungian psychotherapy in the 21st century. This project focuses on addressing professional and institutional challenges that have previously contributed to hierarchy, rivalry and division within the field.

The project features three online workshops followed by an in-person conference. The online workshops, held prior to the conference, will highlight key debates and set the stage for deeper conversation. Ideas and themes from these workshops will be examined further during the conference.

Each workshop, led by a distinguished academic or expert, is 90 minutes long. The facilitator will introduce the session’s main topic or debate and guide the discussion. A brief talk (30 minutes) opens each session, after which participants break into small groups to discuss practical, clinical and professional implications (30 minutes). Everyone then comes together again to share insights with the larger group (30 minutes).

Recordings of the workshops will be analysed to identify central themes, which will be used to shape the conference’s programme and ensure the continuation of in-depth discussions about how we might resolve divisions and rifts within the profession. Workshop attendees will also be given the opportunity to lead talks at the conference.

The project aims to unite analytic scholars, clinicians, researchers, and organisations. By creating a space where differences are valued and explored, the project seeks to foster curiosity and appreciation for varied professional perspectives.

Who should attend online workshops and conference:

Psychoanalysts, psychoanalytic psychotherapists, psychodynamic counsellors, trainees and educators on analytic trainings, and anyone interested in the evolution of analytic practice.

Events in the series:

Online Workshop 1

Is there a standard analytic model in psychoanalysis and Jungian psychotherapy?

When: Thursday 23rd April 2026

Time: 19.30 – 21.00

Speaker: Leading academics and experts (tbc)

Ticket cost: £25

Maximum attendees: 80

This workshop will explore whether a standard model exists in psychoanalytic practice. Traditional approaches, like the use of the couch and frequent sessions, are often seen as defining features, yet clinicians admit to using more flexible methods. The boundaries between psychoanalysis, psychoanalytic psychotherapy, and psychodynamic counselling are increasingly blurred – are such strict distinctions necessary? The session will consider whether psychoanalysis needs a standard model or would benefit from a more adaptive, pluralistic approach, and how might strict adherence to tradition limit responsiveness to individual client needs, evolving social contexts and diverse client presentations?

Online Workshop 2

Can theoretical divisions in psychoanalysis and Jungian psychotherapy be divorced from institutional hierarchies?

When: Thursday 14th May 2026

Times: 19.30 – 21.00

Speaker: Leading academics and experts (tbc)

Ticket costs: £25

Maximum attendees: 80

This session explores the ways in which competing theoretical frameworks, such as Freudian, Jungian, Kleinian, and other psychoanalytic schools, have profoundly influenced the institutional structure and culture of psychoanalysis. These historical divisions have not only influenced the development of training programmes and professional standards but have also contributed to the formation of distinct professional identifies within the field. The session will consider how these theoretical divisions have shaped the culture of training institutions, often leading to rigid hierarchies, a ‘bunker mentality’, and divisive attitudes that can sometimes hinder collaboration and innovation. How might more partnership and openness be facilitated?

Online Workshop 3

Can psychoanalysis and Jungian psychotherapy evolve to respond to contemporary life?

When: Thursday 2nd July 2026

Times: 19.30 – 21.00

Speakers: Leading academics and experts (tbc)

Ticket costs: £25

Maximum attendees: 80

This workshop examines whether psychoanalysis can adapt to contemporary clinical needs, including issues like gender, neurodiversity, intersectionality, and social change. Participants will reflect on issues of inclusivity, adaptability, and strategies for responding to diverse client needs. The session also considers whether it is possible to integrate other mental health interventions, such as EMDR, hypnosis, and psychedelics, into psychoanalytic practice, weighing their benefits, risks, ethical concerns, and alignment with traditional principles. Discussions will address how psychoanalysis can meet rising mental health demands amidst shifting trends in technology and AI, asking if these developments support or challenge the field’s essential human focus.

In-person conference

Is psychoanalysis and Jungian psychotherapy fit for purpose in the 21st century?

When: Saturday 12th September 2026

Time: 11.00am to 4.00pm

Where: The Blue Hall, Lift Inslington, 45 White Lion Street, Islington, NW1 9PW

Maximum capacity: 100 delegates

Ticket Costs: £65

Speakers: Leading academics and experts (tbc)

The specific details of the conference programme will be confirmed once the themes from the online workshops have been identified. The broad aim of the conference will be to build on the online discussions of how psychoanalysis and Jungian psychotherapy can respond to their own internal fragmentations and divisions, across training models, theoretical schools, clinical approaches and institutional cultures.

The programme will likely explore how psychoanalysis and Jungian psychotherapy can maintain their traditional principles while adapting to modern demands such as technology innovation, evidence-based practice, and cultural sensitivity. Key topics and debates will include the future of training, diversity and inclusion within the field, institutional hierarchies and politics, relationships with other mental health disciplines, the impact of technological innovation, and the pressures of regulation and standardisation. The programme aims to fosters dialogue and facilitate reflection on whether psychoanalysis and Jungian psychotherapy remain ‘fit for purpose’ in contemporary society or are losing their unique identity.

There will be keynote lectures with high profile practitioners and academics setting the stage for a day of critical reflection and creative engagement, as well as discussion groups and audience participation.


New Courses

bpf North:


Upcoming Events:

  • Online Open Day – Intensive Summer School: Foundations of Psychoanalytic & Jungian Psychotherapy Date: 28th February, 2026. Time: 10:00 – 11:30. Venue: Online. Register Here.
  • Hierarchies and Fragmentations in PsychoanalysisDate(s) 23rd April, 14th May, 2nd July & 12th September, 2026. Venue: Online and In Person. Event series + conference, in collaboration with CPJA and UKCP. Find out more.

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