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. 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 online workshop, led by a distinguished academic or expert, will be 2 hours long. The structure of each online workshop will be as follows:

• 19:30 - 19.40: Dr Frances Gillies (bpf CEO) and Gwion Jones (Chair of CPJA) welcome attendees, provide background on project and its aims, and welcome the speaker.
• 19:40 - 20:30: Speaker outlines workshop themes.
• 20:30 - 21:00: Breakout groups.
• 21:00 - 21:30: Group discussion.

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.