Fundamentals of Psychoanalytic Thought and Practice
Our Fundamentals programme offers a number of standalone, but related courses that explore different aspects of psychoanalytic thought and practice and consider how the reality of these concepts can be seen in our life and work. Classical Freudian Theory, Work Discussion Group and Infant Observation are pre-requisites for our clinical training.
This programme is scheduled to enable students to study more than one course, however it is important to be realistic about the time commitment required, and how this fits into your overall training journey when deciding which courses to take.
These courses will be of interest to anyone wishing to extend their understanding of the basis of psychoanalytic thinking and its application. They may offer useful CPD learning to psychotherapists, psychiatrists, social workers, teachers or medical staff or be used to complement training in other therapeutic modalities.
Looking to start clinical training? You’ll need to have completed our Classical Freudian Theory, Work Discussion, and sometimes Infant Observation courses, or their close equivalent first.
More about clinical trainingAvailable courses
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Classical Freudian Theory
This course takes you on a journey following the evolution of Freud’s thinking, and looks at how it informs contemporary practice. You will read a carefully curated selection of Freud’s original writing (in translation), and attend weekly seminars over 3 x 10 week terms.
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Work Discussion Group
This course supports the development of the analytic stance by considering 1:1 interaction in our working lives, and what insights we can gain by applying psychoanalytic thought to these.
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Infant Observation
During this 2 year course you will visit an infant and their primary carer in their own home to simply observe their everyday life and interaction. You will be supported by weekly seminars with an experienced child psychotherapist.
Welsh Bursary
This initiative is to promote the application of psychoanalytic ideas and techniques for a range of educational, health and welfare services in Wales. It also offers to provide financial support to trainees who would otherwise be unable to pursue their interest, study, and training in psychotherapy with SIP.
The Welsh Bursary Fund may assist with, for example, running or attending a workshop, or subsidising travel costs, supervision or academic resources for SIP students or trainees, up to a maximum sum of £3,000
The deadline for applications for Welsh Bursary Fund support for the academic year 1st September 2026 – 31st August 2027 is 31st August 2026.
Iris Tute Bursary
This is a small fund open to anyone applying to join this course who would otherwise be prevented from pursuing their interest in psychotherapy. Subject to funds, we can offers a limited number of £200 bursaries from this fund to help students with course fees.
The fund is named in remembrance of the work and generosity of Iris Tute, a former member of SIP who wanted psychotherapy and training in psychotherapy to be as accessible as possible.
Why train with SIP?
- You will learn in small groups where you will be valued and supported.
- You will be taught by experienced, practicing psychotherapists, many of whom trained with us.
- Each seminar series is led by someone with expertise in that area, an understanding that comes from the application of theory in practice, and a desire to share their learning and the richness of the material.
- Access to a personal tutor and PEP-Web subscription are included in your fees