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psychoanalytic formation

Mark Rothko, No. 1 (ROYAL RED AND BLUE)

The Lacan School of Psychoanalysis provides formation for those who wish to become an Analyst or Scholar 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 pathway you take is left open to your desire. 

 

Formation begins with submitting your resume and a letter of intent to the School along with interviews with Analysts of the School, after which you will be notified if you have been approved for admission. Other milestones of formation can include but are not limited to a palimpsest, a certain number of years of study with the School, a passage, a personal analysis, and control analysis.

Throughout and after formation, members of LSP are encouraged to teach or facilitate courses through the School. Read through LSP's Statement on Teaching for more information on the importance of teaching in one's formation.  Any 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 an analysis 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.  

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Louise Bourgeois, The Tapestry of my Childhood

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Analyst Formation

These guidelines are provided for individuals who hold or are working towards an advanced degree in psychology, psychiatry, counseling, or social work, and are licensed, working towards licensure, or are training in a mental health profession and desire to become a Lacanian analyst. They are also applicable to individuals who have a terminal graduate degree and desire to divide their professional career between research and the private practice of Lacanian psychoanalysis. A research analyst is not currently required to hold a license as a mental health professional in California, but their practice is limited to California residents. Residents of other countries may enter this track, provided that they can practice legally in their jurisdiction under the name of "psychoanalyst" without a previous clinical degree. Click below for a more detailed description of the guidelines currently used to complete Analytic Formation.


Analyst Formation Guidelines (PDF)

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Scholar Formation

These guidelines are meant for individuals who do not plan on becoming a clinician or practicing psychoanalysis, 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. 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

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