Classical Freudian Theory
Classical Freudian Theory takes you on a journey following the evolution of Freud’s thinking, how his understanding developed, and where he met his own resistance. You will read original texts in translation that are carefully chosen from Freud’s vast body of writing to give you a firm understanding of foundational theory.
Freud’s ideas will be contextualised and you will be introduced to their more contemporary forms in psychoanalysis today, as it is practised in the British clinical tradition of Klein, the Independents and the modern ‘London’ Freudians.
The emphasis of the course is on understanding psychoanalytic theory as a means of organising and making sense of clinical observations and experiences, and to arrive at a fuller understanding of psychoanalytic theory through an examination of its clinical implications.
Course facts
Delivery: 90-minute seminar each week (Thursday evening 17:00 – 18:30) across three 10-week terms
Cost: £1,700 (includes £200 deposit, payable upon acceptance of offer of a place). Installment plans available.
Who is it for?
For those working towards Psychoanalytic or Psychodynamic clinical training, or anyone wishing to explore the foundations of psychotherapy.
Anyone with a personal or professional interest in psychoanalytic theory
Anyone considering undertaking our clinical training as this course is a pre-requisite module
Any mental health practitioners, counsellors, psychotherapists or trainees from another modality
How does it work?
Course structure: 90 minute seminars each week across 3 x 10 week terms
Assessment: The reading list contains compulsory and suggested reading for each seminar, during which students may present the paper for discussion.There is no written work or formal assessment, but the seminar leader will produce reports which will be considered if you apply to join clinical training with SIP.
Certification: You will be issued with a certificate of completion (45 hours CPD)
Where could this course take you?
Classical Freudian Theory is a prerequisite for application to join our BPC accredited Psychodynamic and Psychoanalytic Clinical Trainings. It may also meet the entry requirements for other BPC accredited trainings.
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.
More in the Fundamentals Programme
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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.