Analytical Psychology originated in the work of the Swiss psychiatrist Carl Gustav Jung (1875-1961). Offering a comprehensive model of the human psyche, analytical psychology includes a psychotherapeutic approach for improving mental health and facilitating maturation of the personality as well as a theoretical body of knowledge with wide applicability to social and cultural issues.

The International Association for Analytical Psychology (IAAP) was founded in 1955 and is the accrediting and regulatory organization for all professional analytical psychologists’ groups. Today the IAAP recognizes 69 Group Members (societies) throughout the world, and around 3500 analysts trained in accordance with standards established by the Association. The main objectives of the IAAP are to advance the understanding and utility of analytical psychology worldwide, and to ensure that the highest professional, scientific and ethical standards are maintained in the training and practice of analytical psychologists among its Member Groups. Since the late 1990’s the IAAP has been engaged in providing training possibilities for people who live in places where no registered training to become a Jungian Analyst with membership of the IAAP is available. The result of this is that the IAAP now has training facilities and qualified Jungian Analysts in all continents.

The IAAP addresses these objectives, in part, by organizing a regular triennial international congress and offering assistance to various regional and professional meetings. In addition to overseeing and financing the publication of the Congress Proceedings, the IAAP supports relevant research projects, and promotes the translation and dissemination of important contributions to the Jungian literature. As part of its mission to promote analytical psychology worldwide, the IAAP actively encourages the formation of Developing Groups in countries and regions without existing IAAP Groups and furthers their progress by organizing local courses and conferences, by supporting the growth of their libraries, and by assisting in ways that foster their integration into the larger community.

As an international body, the IAAP promotes communication among its member groups and coordinates their activities. This is done by publishing an on-line Newsheet twice a year and a hard copy Newsletter once per administration, sending a President’s letter to the membership in the spring, following the meeting of the Executive Committee, maintaining a website (www.iaap.org), publishing information on forthcoming conferences and congresses and administering on-line discussion groups for issues of importance to the membership.

Overall, the IAAP endeavours to facilitate the growth of local initiatives while remaining respectful of the autonomy of its member groups.