The Conundrum of Psychoanalytic Education: What are We Trying to Teach? Toward What End? An Introduction to the Section

Abstract

The current crisis confronting psychoanalytic education is described. Essentially, there is little agreement about the definitions of psychoanalysis. Traditionally, the training analyst system has been blamed for all the ills that confront contemporary psychoanalytic education. In contrast, it is suggested that the lack of consensus extends far beyond that one educational standard. The problem involves psychoanalysts’ lack of agreement over virtually anything. The main disagreements are seen in debates about curricula, the goals of psychoanalytic education, and even the definition of a competent psychoanalyst. Various solutions to the problem are suggested.