Psychoanalysis Globally Networked: The Origins of the International Federation of Psychoanalytic Societies

The International Federation of Psychoanalytic Societies (IFPS) was founded in 1962 by psychoanalytic societies in Germany, Mexico, and Austria, and welcomed psychoanalysts less suited to the more orthodox International Psychoanalytical Association (IPA). The IFPS emphasizes interdisciplinarity, the interpersonal aspect of the relationship between psychoanalysts and patients, object relations, the social context of the ailing subject, and testing new methods for different types of illnesses. Member societies and institutes are regarded as autonomous entities over which the IFPS exerts no influence. This volume documents the foundation and development of the IFPS throughout its first twenty years, revealing a rich source of psychoanalytic history.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 260 pages
Publication date: 09 November 2023
Publisher: Karnac Books

The psychoanalytic movement has been characterized by strong group dynamics since its inception with Sigmund Freud. Throughout its history, it has witnessed hierarchies, tensions between subgroups, splits, and exclusions. On July 30, 1962, representatives from psychoanalytic societies in Germany, Mexico, and Austria signed the foundation agreement of the International Federation of Psychoanalytic Societies (IFPS) in Amsterdam. One year later, the New York William Alanson White Institute joined, and more societies followed suit. The IFPS welcomed psychoanalysts who were less suited to the more orthodox International Psychoanalytical Association (IPA).

Member societies and institutes of the IFPS are regarded as autonomous entities, and the IFPS itself refrains from being an authority or an object of identification for its members. While not belonging to the IPA was the initial common bond among the IFPS founders, they also shared similar views on doctrinal content and therapeutic approach. Many of them did not consider the libido theory, the Oedipus complex, the death drive theory, and the metapsychology of Freudian teaching as significant as most IPA psychoanalysts did. Instead, they placed greater emphasis on interdisciplinarity with the humanities, social sciences, and biology, on the interpersonal aspect of the relationship between psychoanalysts and patients, on object relations, on the social context of the ailing subject, and on testing new methods for different types of illnesses. Political and social references were also important to many of them.

The IFPS has played a significant role in promoting psychoanalytic knowledge and practice worldwide. It has organized conferences, workshops, and training programs that bring together psychoanalysts from different regions and backgrounds. The federation has also worked to establish standards for psychoanalytic training and practice and to promote research in the field.

In conclusion, the International Federation of Psychoanalytic Societies has been a vital force in the development and dissemination of psychoanalytic knowledge and practice. Its history reflects the dynamic nature of the psychoanalytic movement and its commitment to promoting interdisciplinarity, autonomy, and innovation in the field.

Weight: 436g
Dimension: 152 x 228 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781800132269