ASSOCIATION OF JUNGIAN ANALYSTS
Introduction
The Association of Jungian Analysts is offering a training programme for qualified and experienced psychotherapists. This specialized training will enable the transition from psychotherapist to Jungian analyst. The principal aim of the programme is to build on the candidates’ previous training and current clinical work. The training is offered to registrants of the United Kingdom Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP) and/or the British Psychoanalytic Council (BPC). The first intake started in January 2008; the second intake will commence in January 2009. Applicants will have had Jungian analysis and supervision with IAAP members, have taken Jungian seminars, and wish to train to become a Jungian analyst.
Entry criteria are detailed below. The training cannot be completed in less than two and a half years. Successful applicants will already have had a UKCP or BPC approved training of not less than four years duration. Hence applicants will enter the programme at a more advanced level than is required for those entering AJA’s traditional training. Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) will be applied and is detailed below.
This programme is in line with current best practice in terms of modes of delivery and the highest standards of professional training. Qualification leads to membership of AJA and membership of the International Association for Analytical Psychology (IAAP).
The Association of Jungian Analysts
Founded in 1977, the Association's approach to Analytical Psychology aims to hold the tension between, and explore the points of similarity of, all the main approaches to Jungian analysis in the classical, developmental and archetypal schools. The prospective aspects of the personal and collective unconscious are considered alongside aetiological and historical perspectives. In clinical and theoretical work, it is understood that there is a process of healing through symbolic transformation. This has to be balanced with careful attention paid to diagnosis and prognosis. Central to the AJA philosophy is a deep respect for the numinous, acknowledging the vital importance of a spiritual perspective.
Design of the Training
The training is designed to foster each Candidate’s individuation process and professional development. The training is envisaged as an alchemical container allowing each Candidate maximum opportunity for further personal growth and development. The learning programme is carefully structured to this end, and includes an experiential group element and time with an individual tutor.
The three essential parts of the training are personal analysis, supervised analytic work and a programme of academic seminars.
This training is based on AJA’s previous traditional training. It incorporates Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) in the six areas detailed below.
Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL)
APL is the term used for awarding credit on the basis of previous demonstrated learning. This is in line with United Kingdom government policy on Higher Education. Credit is awarded for learning which can be demonstrated by certification (APCL) and for uncertificated learning gained from experience (APEL).
AJA’s previous traditional training is the point of reference for the application of APL in this instance. Successful students will, via the aggregation of their accredited prior learning with what they undertake on this new training, attain a standard of proficiency at least equal to that obtained by successful students on AJA’s previous traditional training. Overall professional standards, both clinical and academic, will be maintained and possibly increased. For example, all UKCP and BPC recognised trainings must last for a minimum of four years. Hence, a successful student on this new training will have completed a period of at least six and a half years training in total.
For this training credit is awarded in the following six areas of previous demonstrated learning:
Applicants are required to provide a detailed description of all their prior learning in the areas referred to above, with relevant certificates and references.
Personal Analysis
Personal analysis will be three times weekly with an AJA Professional Member and will continue throughout the training up to qualification. By the end of the training successful Candidates must demonstrate that they have had at least four years of three-times weekly analysis at the point of applying for membership. Consideration will be given to applicants continuing an established analysis with an IAAP analyst who is not a member of AJA, provided the analyst is qualified to analyse candidates in their own organisation. For applicants who have already had a significant amount (at least five years) of three (or more) times weekly analysis, analysis twice-weekly may be appropriate during training.
Supervision and Clinical Work
The Candidate will have weekly supervision with an AJA Supervisor throughout the training up to qualification. The Candidate will see one patient three-times-weekly for a minimum of two years. If the applicant has had insufficient experience of analysing patients at depth prior to training, a second three-times-weekly case may need to be taken, for a minimum of one year, with a second Supervisor.
Academic Seminar Programme
The seminar programme is of two years duration, and is made up of monthly weekend modules, which run from Friday evening to Sunday lunchtime. Each module includes a group meeting, two Jung Studies seminars, a clinical seminar, and four themed seminars based on contemporary Jungian thought. Details of the curriculum are provided in a separate document. The intention is to immerse candidates in Jungian and post-Jungian theory and practice by creating a stimulating and engaging learning environment.
In addition to the seminar modules, candidates will attend the AJA monthly meetings and a Summer School once in the two-year programme.
Criteria for Eligibility to Apply to the Training
Applications are invited from psychotherapists registered with UKCP or BPC, who meet the following criteria.
To be eligible to apply for the training you will:
Admissions Policy
The Association of Jungian Analysts is committed to a policy of equal opportunity and non-discrimination in relation to admission to the training programme by psychotherapists who meet the above criteria.
How to Apply
Application forms for the training are available from:
The Secretary
Association of Jungian Analysts
7 Eton Avenue
London NW3 3EL
telephone/fax: 020 7794 8711
email: aja@dircon.co.uk
Selection Procedure
The date for the next intake of Candidates is January 2009.
Applications are invited, and will be processed from 1st June 2008, with a final closing date of 30th September 2008.
The Training Committee will screen your application to ensure you have met the basic requirements. There is a non-refundable fee of £150 payable on application.
Interviews will take place as soon as possible after your application is received, from 1st June onwards. You will be invited to contact two senior members of AJA for two separate interviews. The interview fee is £75 per interview, payable to each interviewer. Each interviewer will write a report to the Training Committee. References will be taken up.
A Selection Panel, made up of your interviewers and members of the Training Committee, will discuss your application.
The Training Committee will let you know the outcome of your application in writing. An applicant who is offered a place and accepts it becomes a Candidate.
AJA reserves the right to process applications without explaining the reasons for decisions.
On Becoming a Candidate
During your training you will be embarking on an experience of learning together with others in a group. Whilst you follow your own individual route through the training, there will be opportunities for discussion in seminars and experiential support among Candidates. The nature of the group and its members is an important part of the training and you will find mutual support and value in shared discussion.
Curriculum
The curriculum is designed as a two-year rolling programme. Candidates starting in 2009 will join existing Candidates who are in their second year. The 2009 intake of Candidates will then complete the seminar programme in 2010, joined by a new intake of Candidates who will commence in January 2010.
The curriculum has four main parts, described below as A, B, C and D. Full details are found in a separate curriculum document available on request.
A. Jung Studies: 1 The Structure and Dynamics of the Psyche
These seminars will focus on reading selections from the Collected Works of C.G. Jung. Each reading is linked to the theme of a weekend.
B. Jung Studies: 2 Clinical Applications of Key Concepts in Analytical Psychology
These units will build on the readings from the Collected Works as an entrypoint to the theoretical foundations of analytical psychology, leading into exploration of how these concepts are applied clinically. Candidates will be encouraged to bring theoretical insights from their previous trainings, and to use cases from their clinical practice to amplify the material. This is an alchemical process as much as an academic one.
C. Clinical Seminars
Candidates will attend a clinical seminar on every weekend module, led by a clinical seminar leader from AJA, who is an experienced Supervisor. Clinical discussion will be linked to the theme of the weekend. At the clinical seminars Candidates will have the opportunity todiscuss aspects of their clinical work with their peers.
Topics at clinical seminars will include:
The use of dream material, active imagination and guided imagery is as
important as a clear understanding of the archetypal and developmental
forces in play.
Candidates will be encouraged to see this as an opportunity to further each
other’s development from skilled psychotherapists into practising analytical
psychologists.
These seminars will help in the writing of the final paper.
D. Contemporary Themes in Analytical Psychology
Each weekend areas of theoretical and clinical relevance will be explored from a contemporary perspective, linking traditional Jungian concepts to post-Jungian and post-modern ideas. For example, reading about the concept of the shadow would lead to discussion on how ‘shadow’ patients are managed. In the clinical seminars Candidates would look at how their own shadow appears in the work. Themes will be developed around the shadow in myth, fairytale and dream; then developed into the shadow in society and the political implications of working with ‘shadow’. In addition to providing didactic teaching, the aim throughout the course is for concept and practice to be linked to the Candidate’s individuation process.
Summer School
A residential Summer School takes place once every two years. The next Summer School will be from 23rd - 26th July 2009, when the theme will be ‘Mysterium Coniunctionis’. The summer school will be open to all Members and Candidates of AJA.
Individual Tutor
During the training you will have an individual tutor whose role is to guide, advise and help in the management of your training. You will choose your Tutor from the AJA Tutor list.
Training Administrator
The training administrator will be available for consultation on administrative aspects of the training.
Review Process
Each Candidate will have a Review Panel composed of three Members of AJA, one to be a member the Training Committee, and at least one to be a Professional Member of AJA. The Tutor is not part of the Review Panel but may attend as your advocate.
1. Six-monthly Reports
You will write reports every six months on each Training Patient, which form a core component of the Review Process. These six-monthly reports are shared with other Candidates on the training, and are discussed on a regular basis in the clinical seminars.
2. Year One Review Panel
After one year of training you will meet with your Review Panel. You will write a Self Review for discussion with members of the Panel. Six-Monthly Reports will be considered in conjunction with reports from seminar leaders and the Supervisor(s).
In the first part of the meeting your Supervisor will be present to help clarify aspects of your clinical work. The second part of the meeting will take the form of a discussion on aspects of Jung’s Collected Works which particularly engaged you over the year. You will be asked to supply the Panel with three topics in advance, and you will be required to discuss any or all of them.
Finally, the Panel meets separately (without you, your Supervisor or Tutor) to recommend one of three options to the Training Committee: a) to proceed; b) to wait longer; c) to discuss possible discontinuation of the training.
3. Year Two Review Panel
You will meet the Review Panel again at the end of the second year of training to consider your readiness to write the Final Paper. Your Supervisor(s)’ report(s), seminar leaders’ reports, and a topic related to post-Jungian thinking will form the basis of the discussion. You will be asked to give the Panel three topics in advance, and you will be required to discuss any or all of them. The Panel will recommend whether you are ready to write your Final Paper.
4. Final Paper
The Final Paper, of 8,000 -12,000 words, will be based on your clinical case and will incorporate your understanding of Jungian and post-Jungian theory as it relates to the case.
You will discuss the Final Paper with the Review Panel and an External Assessor which, together with the reports and discussions summarised above, will form the basis of the Review leading to qualification.
Summary of written material required:
5. Qualification
The Review Panel will report to the Training Committee. The Training Committee will vote on your readiness to qualify. If the Training Committee considers you ready to qualify it will recommend to Council that you be offered Membership of AJA. You will then be asked to read the paper to an AJA monthly meeting.
AJA reserves the right to discontinue your training at any time.
Appeals Procedure
Details of AJA’s Appeals Procedure form part of the AJA Handbook, and are available to Candidates on request from the AJA office.
Fees will be payable in advance. Details of fees are available on request from the AJA office.
“The psyche creates reality every day. The only expression I can use for this activity is fantasy. Fantasy is just as much feeling as thinking; as much intuition as sensation. There is no psychic function that, through fantasy, is not inextricably bound up with the other psychic functions. Sometimes it appears in primordial form, sometimes it is the ultimate and boldest product of all our faculties combined. Fantasy, therefore, seems to me the clearest expression of the specific activity of the psyche. It is, pre-eminently, the creative activity from which the answers to all answerable questions come; it is the mother of all possibilities, where, like all psychological opposites, the inner and outer worlds are joined together in living union. Fantasy it was and ever is which fashions the bridge between the irreconcilable claims of subject and object, introversion and extraversion. In fantasy alone both mechanisms are united.”
Jung, C.G. (1920) Psychological Types. Collected Works, Vol 6, para 78.
"Cure in the conventional sense is never the aim of analysis ... the true aim ... is the maturation of the individual. ... In my experience, maturation is always bound up with one particular question: the question of the meaning of life, of life in general, and of individual life. ... To put it briefly: Cure in the specific sense of analysis is the discovery of meaning. In the realization of the self, of this "wholeness" which is the ideal achievement of analysis, lies the specific aim of analytical psychology."
Adler, G. (1967) ‘Methods of Treatment in Analytical Psychology’. In Psychological Techniques, ed. Wolman, B. New York: Basic Books, pp. 374-5.
(June 2008)