CLINICAL COLLEGE OF PSYCHOANALYSIS
AOTEAROA NEW ZEALAND
Foundations in Psychoanalysis
One-Semester Course
August – Nov 2026
Clinical Training in Psychoanalysis
3 Year Training Programme
Aug 2026 – Nov 2029
The Centre for Lacanian Analysis from its inception has included clinicians in the field and indeed, from other fields. From 2016 desire for a clinical training in psychoanalysis in the Lacanian field increased and in 2019 the CLA responding to this desire began a clinical training in clinical psychoanalysis programme.
The Clinical College of Psychoanalysis was established and the training continues to evolve and thrive. As with all psychoanalytic training, the programme comprises the three foundational components of psychoanalytic formation: personal analysis, clinical supervision (both with an analyst in the Lacanian field), and theoretical and clinical studies.
FAQ
Foundations in Psychoanalysis
Who is the Foundations Course designed for?
The course is designed for anyone with an interest in psychoanalysis, whether they are exploring the field for the first time, seeking to complement academic study, wishing to deepen their own psychoanalytic experience, or considering future clinical training.
What will I learn in the Foundations Course?
The course introduces the core concepts of psychoanalysis in the Freudian field and Lacanian orientation, including the unconscious, the drive, sexuality, discourse, repetition, and transference, as well as their clinical applications.
What are the Clinical Thinking Workshops?
Clinical Thinking Workshops provide an opportunity to engage with clinical material, discuss psychoanalytic concepts in practice, and explore clinical vignettes drawn from published texts and the experience of practicing psychoanalysts.
Who teaches the course?
The course is led by experienced psychoanalysts with expertise in psychoanalytic theory and clinical practice.
Do I need prior experience to join the Foundations Course?
No. Prior experience is not required, although an interest in psychoanalysis and a willingness to engage with the course material are essential. While experience in fields such as mental health, philosophy, education, social work, or the humanities may enrich your studies, it is by no means necessary.
What is the difference between the Foundations Course and the Clinical Training Programme?
The Foundations Course offers an introduction to the theory and practice of psychoanalysis and is designed for those beginning their engagement with the field. The Clinical Training in Psychoanalysis Programme is a more advanced, three-year course of study and clinical formation. Completion of the Foundations Course is required before applying to the Clinical Training Programme.
How much does the Foundations Course cost?
The fee for the Foundations Course is NZ$1,750. If you require a payment plan, this can be arranged following a discussion with our secretary.
Is the course offered in person, online, or both?
The Foundations Course is offered in a hybrid format. Participants may attend in person in Auckland, New Zealand, or online via Zoom. This allows those who are unable to attend in person to participate fully in the course. Seminar times are held according to New Zealand time (NZST/NZDT).
Can the Foundations Course be taken as a standalone course?
Yes. Many participants undertake the Foundations Course as a standalone programme to deepen their understanding of psychoanalysis without intending to pursue clinical training.
Will I receive a certificate on completion?
Yes. Participants who attend the course and meet the attendance requirements will receive a Certificate of Completion from the Centre for Lacanian Analysis.
What kind of readings are included in the course?
Participants engage with selected texts by Freud, Lacan, and other psychoanalytic authors. Readings are chosen to support both newcomers to psychoanalysis and those with previous experience.
How much time should I expect to commit to the course?
Participants should expect to attend fortnightly seminars and workshops and dedicate additional time to reading and reflection between sessions. Most participants find that approximately 3 to 5 hours per week is sufficient.
Are places limited?
Yes. To maintain a high quality learning environment and allow meaningful discussion, places are limited and early application is recommended.
How do I apply?
Applications should be submitted to secretary@lacan.org.nz and must be accompanied by the non-refundable application fee.
Can I arrange a payment plan?
Yes. Payment plans may be arranged by contacting the secretary to discuss available options.
Clinical Training in Psychoanalysis
What is the Clinical Training in Psychoanalysis Programme?
The Clinical Training in Psychoanalysis Programme is a three-year course of study dedicated to the theory and clinical practice of psychoanalysis in the Lacanian orientation. The programme combines theoretical study, clinical workshops, supervision, personal psychoanalysis, and ethical reflection.
Who is the programme designed for?
The programme is designed for those wishing to undertake sustained training in psychoanalysis and develop their clinical practice within the Freudian field of psychoanalysis and the Lacanian orientation.
What are the entry requirements?
Applicants are normally expected to hold an undergraduate degree, have completed the Foundations in Psychoanalysis Course (or an approved equivalent), be engaged in ongoing personal psychoanalysis, and successfully complete the application and interview process.
Do I need to complete the Foundations Course before applying?
Yes. Applicants are expected to have successfully completed the Foundations in Psychoanalysis Course or demonstrate an equivalent background in psychoanalytic psychotherapy.
Do I need to be in personal psychoanalysis?
Yes. Applicants must be engaged in ongoing personal psychoanalysis with a psychoanalyst of the Lacanian orientation recognised by the Clinical College. This must continue throughout the duration of the training.
How long is the programme?
The Clinical Training in Psychoanalysis Programme is a three-year course of study.
How is the programme structured?
Each semester combines theoretical seminars and clinical workshops. Across the three years, trainees engage with twelve modules covering psychoanalytic theory, psychopathology, ethics, sexuality, transference, research, clinical practice, and professional development.
What topics are covered during the training?
Areas of study include psychopathology, the unconscious, psychoanalytic work with children and families, sexuality, transference, ethics, clinical practice, psychoanalytic writing and research, and establishing a clinical practice.
Will I be required to complete written assignments?
Yes. Written work forms an important part of the programme. Trainees complete written assignments throughout the training and undertake a substantial final case study and clinical portfolio.
Will I receive supervision during the programme?
Clinical supervision is required once trainees begin clinical work as Psychoanalysts-in-Training. Supervision must be undertaken with an approved supervisor and continue throughout clinical practice.
What is a Psychoanalyst-in-Training?
After completing the first year, trainees may apply to become a Psychoanalyst-in-Training and begin clinical work under the guidance and auspices of the Clinical College, subject to approval by the Training Council.
How many hours per week should I expect to commit to the programme?
The Clinical Training in Psychoanalysis Programme requires a substantial commitment of time and study. In Year 1, trainees should expect to dedicate approximately 35 hours per week to seminars, workshops, personal psychoanalysis, reading groups, private study, and CLA events. In Years 2 and 3, this increases to approximately 36 hours per week, including clinical work and supervision.
Can I work full-time while undertaking the training?
Many applicants ask this question because the programme involves a significant commitment of time and energy. While individual circumstances vary, prospective trainees should carefully consider the programme’s substantial requirements, including seminars, workshops, personal psychoanalysis, reading, writing, supervision, and clinical work. We encourage applicants to discuss their circumstances with the Training Council before applying if they have questions about balancing the programme alongside existing professional commitments.
How much does the programme cost?
Tuition fees are NZ$3,750 annually. A non-refundable application fee of NZ$200 applies. Additional costs include personal psychoanalysis, supervision, CLA membership, and the Final Assessment fee.
Can I arrange a payment plan?
Yes. Payment plans may be arranged by contacting the secretary to discuss available options.
Are places limited?
Yes. Places in the programme are limited and applications are considered on a case-by-case basis.
How do I apply?
Applications should be submitted to secretary@lacan.org.nz and must be accompanied by the non-refundable application fee.