Jungian Psychotherapy Training

The training in Jungian Psychotherapy, based on the work of Jung, the post-Jungians and core psychoanalytic texts, provides a rich and challenging theoretical and clinical programme in which to develop the skills necessary to become a Jungian Psychotherapist.
In order to be able to work with the emotional life of individuals seeking psychotherapy it is essential that trainees undergo their own psychotherapy. Engaging with the unconscious enables trainees to develop the capacity to better understand and reflect on their own states of mind, their shadow aspects, the tension of opposites within, and to deepen their own personal development. This psychotherapy lies at the heart of the training. It necessarily requires a commitment of time and a readiness for deep thoughtfulness.

Training in Jungian psychotherapy involves seeing patients once a week. The regularity of meetings, and the analytic frame, holds patient and therapist together in their joint processing of the patient’s material, at both conscious and unconscious levels.

At BJAA, the once weekly trainees have theoretical seminars alongside trainees following the Jungian analytic route, with separate clinical seminars. There are also regular shared reflective groups.

This once weekly model of working reflects an internationally recognized standard of Jungian work that is also practically manageable in terms of time, money and other demands of contemporary life.

Working in this creative way, underpinned by theory and experience, can provide a meaningful and rewarding experience for both patient and therapist alike.

Theoretical seminars take place on Saturdays, with additional Saturdays per term for special workshops. Supervision occurs weekly on a Tuesday evening throughout the training. A further weekly clinical seminar takes place from Year 2, on an additional weekday evening. Theoretical seminars take place in person on Saturdays, supervision and clinical seminars are primarily delivered online, with an occasional in-person requirement. The length of training is expected to take four years.

The Jungian Psychotherapy Training Programme includes:

• Four years of theoretical seminars covering Jungian, post-Jungian, psychoanalytic and contemporary analytic theory delivered on 9 Saturdays per year. These are taken alongside trainees from the Jungian analytic training.
• ​A two-year infant observation course that focuses on the development of the emerging self from birth until the child’s second birthday (unless this has already been completed beforehand and meets BJAA requirements).
• Weekday evening clinical seminars (primarily online)
• Regular reflective group meetings with trainees from both adult training routes.
• Each trainee will be assigned a training tutor who is there to support them during the training.
• Additional Saturday morning seminars on special interest topics open to trainees from other Jungian analytic trainings.
• Additional creative practice workshops
• Jungian psychotherapy work with two training patients, supervised in small groups from Year 2 on a Tuesday evening.

In order to qualify trainees must complete a two-year infant observation course that focuses on the development of the emerging self from birth until the child’s second birthday. This is not included in the core training content.  If this has not already been completed and approved by the BJAA. It must be done simultaneously. Read here for more information on the bpf’s infant observation course.

A New Approach to Theory

In 2022/3 the British Jungian Analytical Association is launching a new approach to teaching theory that encourages the understanding and constructive critique of the theory and practice of analytical psychology and psychoanalysis as first developed in the early part of the twentieth century, and theory as it continues to evolve and inform contemporary clinical practice. This includes acknowledging and engaging with the colonial, heteronormative and gender biased roots of traditional psychoanalytic and Jungian analytic thinking.

This new approach is consistent with the well established developmental Jungian approach in the BJAA training that puts Jung’s ideas at the heart of theoretical teaching while also drawing on psychoanalytic traditions to inform theory and practice.

The monthly theory seminars (9 Saturdays per year) have been designed so that trainees can engage with core and primary texts as well as current debates and the application of theory to clinical practice. The theory seminars are part of the core requirements for trainees on the new once weekly Jungian Psychotherapy training and are open to Jungian analytic trainees who wish to continue attending theory seminars while completing their fifth and subsequent years. They are also open to trainees on the Jungian pathway of the bpf Child and Adolescent training.

The course opens with introductory seminars giving the historical, philosophical, political and social context to the emergence of psychoanalysis and analytical psychology, as well as a brief introduction to Jung’s model of the psyche. In subsequent seminars over the course of four years theory covers:

Creative practice workshop series

There will be additional creative practice workshops held on Saturdays. Jung placed great importance on the practice of active creativity. These workshops will cover such areas as sandplay, active imagination, dreamwork and sensorimotor processing.

Joint seminars with trainees from other UK Jungian training institutions

There will be 2 or 3 additional Saturday morning seminars per year. One of the following four topics will be covered each year – Ethics, Assessment, Psychiatry or Research. The other two workshop topics in each year will address contemporary debate. Held jointly with trainees from the Society of Analytical Psychology and the Association of Jungian Analysts, these seminars provide an opportunity to work alongside other London BPC Jungian trainees, in a creative learning environment.

Clinical seminars

Clinical Seminars take place on Tuesday evenings between 6.30-8.00pm. Led by a senior member of the BJAA, trainees present work to colleagues and participate in clinical discussions that develop and deepen competence. There is a strong focus on analytic attitude and clinical technique. These seminars enable trainees to share ideas and approaches and to develop the resources necessary for practising as a psychotherapist.

Infant observation seminars

If trainees have not already undertaken aBJAA recognised two-year Infant Observation, they will be required to attend Infant Observation Seminars. This involves observing a baby within the family home for an hour every week. Detailed written observations are then presented for discussion in weekly seminars run by a BJAA approved specialist in Infant Observation. These seminars take place throughout the academic year and the day and time of the seminars will be determined by which group the trainee joins.

Observing a baby intensively provides trainees with the first analytical experience of their training: It brings the observer into contact with early states and raw emotions, requiring the use of one’s self and feelings in understanding the complexities and nuances of what seems to be occurring – within the baby, in the baby’s relationships and in the intimate dynamic between the observer and the observed.

Where a trainee has previously completed an Infant Observation, the Training & Postgraduate Committee will need to assess whether the previous observation meets the requirements of the current training. If it does, then the trainee need not complete a second observation. If the previous observation is not deemed transferable, then another observation of a suggested length of time, or a further written piece of reflection may be required.

Trainees must have started their infant observation before commencing work with a training patient.

Training patients

Trainees become immersed in psychotherapy work, seeing two training patients at a frequency of one session per week, in accordance with the BPC Code of Ethics. One training patient is seen for a minimum of eighteen months and one for a minimum of twelve months. Both patients will be assessed for suitability and referred by the bpf Low Fee Scheme.

Every six months trainees write a 2,000 word report about the work with each training patient describing the progress of the work. Report writing seminars are provided throughout the training to help with the development of writing skills where required.

Supervision

Training patients will be supervised in two small groups, one for each training patient. Supervision begins in Year 2, and continues until qualification; this is a central component of the training. Every six months an in-depth written assessment is completed between a trainee and each supervisor so that both strengths and also areas needing further development can be identified and discussed.

The bpf is committed to diversity and inclusivity in all the work we deliver. We are fully dedicated to promoting, maintaining and supporting equality of opportunity in all aspects of our organisation and, as such, the bpfwelcomes applications from all sections of society.

Personal analysis

Personal therapy with a BJAA Approved Therapist for Training Analyst is required for the duration of the training at a frequency of at least once weekly until qualified. 

Training Tutor

Each trainee is assigned a Training Tutor whose role is to support the trainee throughout the training.

Reflective group meetings

Trainees from both routes of the BJAA adult trainings meet together regularly to reflect upon their experience of the training. These meetings are facilitated by a Group Analyst.

Assessment during training

Each trainee’s development is supported and assessed by the Training & Post-Graduate Committee, as well as the trainees themselves. The membership competencies serve as guidelines for determining the qualities and capabilities expected in order to qualify.

The following written work is required. Writing workshops and seminars are available to support trainees where helpful

• Essay assignment – At the end of year one trainees complete a 2,500 word essay assignment where they demonstrate their ability to integrate theoretical concepts with clinical application. Satisfactory completion of this assignment is one of the training elements used to assess readiness to embark on the clinical component of the training.
• Final Infant Observation paper – At the end of the observation a final 7,000 word paper is completed
• Six month clinical reports – Trainees complete 2,000 word six monthly reports until they have fulfilled the requirements for the clinical component of the training and they are ready to write the final paper
• Final clinical paper – Once trainees have fulfilled all of the above requirements they complete a final 6/7,000 word clinical paper based on the work with one of their Training Patients. The paper should demonstrate a high level of integration of theory with clinical work, and report on the work of one training case The paper is considered by two readers/assessors who meet with the trainee to discuss it, conduct a viva, and who subsequently make a recommendation regarding qualification to the BJAA Training & Post-Graduate Committee.

Qualification and membership

On qualification, a newly qualified member will:

• Become a member of the British Jungian Analytic Association of the bpf
• Registration with the British Psychoanalytic Council (BPC) as a Jungian Psychotherapist.
• Become a member of the International Association of Analytical Psychologists (IAAP)
• Have access to post-graduate seminars, scientific meetings and courses run by the bpf
• Have the opportunity for professional advancement and continual development within the BJAA and bpf.

All qualified members are expected to continue with a programme of continuing professional development (CPD) in accordance with BPC guidelines.

Training as a Jungian Psychotherapist is a stimulating and rewarding experience. Being ready to apply is an individual process with which we can offer help and advice once you have read the rest of the information on the website.

In order to apply you will need a first degree or equivalent, and/or relevant professional experience. While aptitude for this work is essential, we actively welcome applicants from a wide range of professions and life experiences

Advice and support is available for potential applicants who would like to consider how to prepare to meet the following requirements:

1. Academic Qualification: You should be able to demonstrate some academic experience and ability such as a degree, MA, MSc or equivalent.
2. Relevant Experience: Experience of work in a mental health setting is an advantage but we welcome applications from a variety of backgrounds. You will need to demonstrate an interest in Jung and Jungian writing. Attendance of events and courses such as bpf’s ‘Psychotherapy Today’, CASC (Clinical Analytic Skills Course), the bpf Jung reading group, or other relevant public lectures and courses will be an advantage.
3. Clinical Experience: Experience of working therapeutically one-to-one and face to face with adults in a paid, honorary or other capacity is preferred. This can be discussed with the selection coordinator who can advise.
4. Personal Analysis: Applicants would usually be expected to have been in therapy 1 x weekly for at least one year before commencing the training. On commencement of the course the therapist must be Jungian, BPC registered and approved by the BJAA. Further information can be obtained from the selection coordinator. Personal therapy continues until qualification.
5. Aptitude: You will need to show an aptitude to think and work psychodynamically, creatively and in depth.
6. Finance: You will need to have a way of financing your training. See also the section on costs of training.
7. Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) Enhanced Check (previously known as CRB): This is essential for working with vulnerable people

An administrative fee of £170 is payable on making an application for the training.

Currently, the annual fee for the BJAA training is £3,850 p.a. for the first four years of training. In the event that the clinical component has not been completed in this time the fees are reduced to £1,809 p.a. until completion.

The trainee’s fees for their own personal therapy are negotiated with the training therapist on an individual basis. Similarly, when beginning to see training patients the cost of supervision will be discussed with each training supervisor. Trainees will need to provide an appropriate setting to see training patients and this may involve room rental costs.

The bpf run Infant Observation Seminars in-house. This will require a separate application followed by two interviews. This would be at a cost of £1,500 p.a, plus £170 to cover the interview fees. Trainees already accepted on the Jungian Psychotherapy Training would require a single interview only. https://www.britishpsychotherapyfoundation.org.uk/education/pre-training-introductory-courses/Infant-Observation

A trainee can also elect to complete the Infant Observation component of the course with an external course provider the fee for which would be negotiated separately.

Trainee membership of the bpf is currently £135 per annum. This includes a subscription to PepWEB and eligibility to attend all bpf scientific events, including the monthly events put on by the Jung Forum

We aim to keep fees as low as possible.

Jungian Terms Explained – Helen Morgan and Christopher McKenna’s clear glossary of some Jungian terms

Jung’s Influences – Ann Casement’s article explores the philosophical, religious and scientific influences in Jung’s psychology

Pre-course reading list

The building has limited access – please call us on 020 8452 9823 to discuss your needs.

We recommend a conversation with the Selection Coordinator in the first instance:

Barbara Guenther
Email: bjaapsychotherapyselection@bpf-psychotherapy.org.uk.

When you are ready to apply, please download (using the button below) and submit your completed application form to the BJAA Training Co-ordinator at: bjaatraining@bpf-psychotherapy.org.uk. The closing date for applications is April 21st 2023 (this may be extended in some instances).

After submitting you application, please click here to pay your application fee (£170).

If you meet our entry requirements, you will be invited to come to two separate one-to-one interviews with senior BJAA analysts, after which the BJAA Selection Committee will make a decision.