B3a2 Becoming A Psychoanalyst

Question 1

Skills required to be a psychoanalyst

Answer 1

Being able to listen carefully and observe, be interested in people.
Has to be patient and build strong relationship with client.
Have to be able to work with emotional people and be non-judgmental.
Have to not get so involved with client that detachment is hard.

Question 2

Qualifications required and accreditation status to become a psychoanalyst

Answer 2

Need to have undertaken training approved by the international psychoanalytic association. There are only 2 providers of training in UK: institute of psychoanalysis and British psychoanalytical association. A degree or an equivalent is needed beforehand.

Question 3

How would you get accepted on a psychoanalytical training course?

Answer 3

You need to go through more than one interview. Most applying are psychiatrists or other professionals in the field of mental health.

Question 4

Training to be a psychoanalyst

Answer 4

Training lasts 4 years and is part time. The trainee must also undergo psychoanalysis themselves. There are seminars and theory sessions: for the 1st year they are focused on Freud and general theory. A psychoanalysis of a patient is done in the second year of training, and lasts 2 years. A second client is seen in the third year and this lasts a year.

Question 5

Continuing professional development

Answer 5

A requirement of psychologists, that every year they must submit a log to the British psychological society that shows they are furthering their own training and working suitably

Question 6

Who a psychoanalyst might work for

Answer 6

Most work for themselves in private practice (not employed by NHS). There are 300 qualified psychoanalysts in the UK. Some specialize in therapy for children or adolescence, some don’t. Many also undergo other training, such as family therapy, psychodrama or hypnotherapy, and don’t focus solely on psychoanalysis.