psychoanalytic formation
Mark Rothko, No. 1 (ROYAL RED AND BLUE)
The Lacanian School of Psychoanalysis (LSP) provides formation for those who wish to become an Analyst or $cholar within the School. Read through the summaries and guidelines below to learn more about what a formation entails. While the guidelines require symbolic milestones throughout one’s formation, the particular pathway you take is left open to your pace and your desire.
BEFORE APPLYING: If you are considering applying to the School, you should carefully reflect on the commitment you are about to make financially (payment of tuition, $2,000 annually for 4 years, as well as separate payments for a personal analysis, and a minimum of 6 years paying for control analyses, or 4 years of dialog with an analyst). The School takes financial hardship into consideration, but these fees should be considered in light of your interest and readiness to work toward becoming an Analyst or a Scholar.
Entry into a process of analytic formation fundamentally concerns a consideration of your readiness and your commitment to undertake a rigorous trajectory. The Analysts of the School strongly encourage anyone who wishes to begin formation to:
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Attend a year or two of seminars at the school. Most of the seminars offered by LSP are open to the public. This way you can see for yourself if the LSP community fits you.
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To have begun one’s own Lacanian analysis before applying, so that you have some idea of what a personal analysis entails before entering a formation with a Lacanian school of psychoanalysis.
In summary, entering a formation begins with a reflection on one’s desire to become an Analyst or a Scholar. During the admission process you will submit your resume and a letter of intent to the School, and you will be interviewed by Analysts of the School, after which you will be notified if you have been approved for admission. Other milestones of formation include but are not limited to a palimpsest, through which you become a candidate, at least four years of study with the School, a personal analysis, and control analyses, and a passage or traverse at the end of your formation.
Throughout and after formation, members of LSP are encouraged to teach or facilitate courses through the School. Read through LSP's Statement of Teaching for more information on the importance of teaching in one's formation. Any school member, pre-candidate, candidate, or Analyst of the School, can submit a seminar or event proposal to the Program Committee for consideration for the following year's program.
Interested in working with a member of LSP? Fill out the survey on the Find an Analyst page and LSP's referral coordinator will be in touch with you soon.
Louise Bourgeois, The Tapestry of my Childhood
Analyst Formation
These guidelines are provided for individuals who desire to become a Lacanian psychoanalyst. They concern those with a clinical background who hold or are working towards an advanced degree in psychology, psychiatry, counseling, or social work, and are licensed, working towards licensure, training or practicing in a mental health profession, or eligible to practice psychoanalysis in accordance with their state or country laws. These Analyst Formation guidelines are also applicable to individuals with an academic background who are engaged in or hold a terminal graduate degree in their field of study and are eligible to practice psychoanalysis in accordance with their state or country laws. Click below for a more detailed description of the guidelines currently used to complete an Analyst Formation.
Scholar Formation
These guidelines are meant for individuals who do not plan on becoming psychoanalysts, but desire to study and contribute to Lacanian thought in a systematic and committed manner by undertaking a formation in psychoanalysis. Individuals becoming Scholars are not required to be a mental health professional or student, nor do they need to hold a PhD in a field applicable to psychoanalysis. In order to apply, they need to have been in a Lacanian analysis for at least a year, and to be able to demonstrate an interest in Freudian and Lacanian psychoanalysis. Click through for a more detailed description of the guidelines currently used to complete a Scholar Formation.
Scholar Formation Guidelines (PDF)
Credits: Paintings by Jackson Pollock
Number 28, Number 18