Theory and Institutes: Hierarchies & Fragmentation
Book ticketsOrganised by:
British Psychotherapy Foundation
Description
The bpf and CPJA are collaborating on an innovative project, Hierarchies and Fragmentations in Psychoanalysis, designed to promote open, ongoing discussions about psychoanalysis and Jungian psychotherapy in the 21st century.
Online Workshop 2: Can theoretical divisions in psychoanalysis and Jungian psychotherapy be divorced from institutional hierarchies?
When: Thursday 14th May 2026
Time: 19.30 – 21.00
Facilitator: Associate Professor Jean Knox
Ticket costs: £25 (Standard); £15 (Concession for students and retired individuals)
Maximum attendees: 80
Workshop content:
This session explores the ways in which competing theoretical frameworks, such as Freudian, Jungian, Kleinian, and other psychoanalytic schools, have profoundly influenced the institutional structure and culture of psychoanalysis. These historical divisions have not only influenced the development of training programmes and professional standards but have also contributed to the formation of distinct professional identifies within the field. The session will consider how these theoretical divisions have shaped the culture of training institutions, often leading to rigid hierarchies, a ‘bunker mentality’, and divisive attitudes that can sometimes hinder collaboration and innovation. How might more partnership and openness be facilitated?
Facilitator Bio:
Jean Knox is Associate Professor at the University of Exeter and Academic Director for the Doctorate of Clinical Practice (Research), Doctorate of Psychoanalytic and Psychodynamic Psychotherapy Clinical Practice, and Professional Qualifying Training in Psychodynamic and Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy.
She is Chair of the Trustees of the British Psychotherapy Foundation and the bpf representative on the British Psychoanalytic Council. She has been Editor-in -Chief of the Journal of Analytical Psychology.
She has been a training therapist and supervisor for the Society of Analytical Psychology, the British Psychotherapy Foundation, Severnside, West Midlands Institute and AGIP trainings and a member and supervisor for BAPPS (British Association for psychoanalytic and psychodynamic supervision). She is an honorary member of the International Attachment Network
She has taught and lectured for numerous national and international psychoanalytic and Jungian training institutes, as well as the Tavistock Trauma Centre, the Bowlby Centre, the International Attachment Network, Confer and others. She has researched, written and taught extensively on the relevance of research in attachment theory and developmental neuroscience to psychotherapy theory and practice.
Hierarchies and Fragmentations in Psychoanalysis:
The bpf and CPJA are collaborating on an innovative project designed to promote open, ongoing discussions about psychoanalysis and Jungian psychotherapy in the 21st century. This project focuses on addressing professional and institutional challenges that have previously contributed to hierarchy, rivalry and division within the field.
The project features three online workshops followed by an in-person conference. The online workshops, held prior to the conference, will highlight key debates and set the stage for deeper conversation. Ideas and themes from these workshops will be examined further during the conference.
Each online workshop, led by a distinguished academic or expert, will be 2 hours long. The structure of each online workshop will be as follows:
19:30 – 19.40: Dr Frances Gillies (bpf CEO) and Gwion Jones (Chair of CPJA) welcome attendees, provide background on project and its aims, and welcome the speaker.
19:40 – 20:30: Speaker outlines workshop themes.
20:30 – 21:00: Breakout groups.
21:00 – 21:30: Group discussion.
Recordings of the workshops will be analysed to identify central themes, which will be used to shape the conference’s programme and ensure the continuation of in-depth discussions about how we might resolve divisions and rifts within the profession. Workshop attendees will also be given the opportunity to lead talks at the conference.
The project aims to unite analytic scholars, clinicians, researchers, and organisations. By creating a space where differences are valued and explored, the project seeks to foster curiosity and appreciation for varied professional perspectives.
