The training of psychoanalysts and the analyst's sense of responsibility

Abstract

In his closing address to the IFPS Conference on the theme “Psychoanalysis between conformity and opposition”, held in Munich in 1992, the author emphasizes the importance of the psychoanalytical training system in promoting a sense of responsibility on the part of the psychoanalyst. He bases his discussion on Winnicott's concept of the capacity for concern, and concludes that the current training system runs counter to the goal of encouraging a sense of responsibility in psychoanalysts. In this, the author confirms criticism currently being expressed in Germany whereby this situation is a consequence of the incorporation of personal development processes, including the training analysis, within the educational programme used by the training institutions. He sees the reason for the failure to implement changes in the training system as an unconscious need on the part of analysts in training for intimacy, a need which coincides with the need of the institutions involved to maintain their power.