Foundation Programme in Psychoanalysis

Begin your structured study of psychoanalysis.

The Foundation Programme in Psychoanalysis is the entry point to the Iranian Centre for Psychoanalytic Studies (IRCP)’s long-term educational pathway. It is designed to provide a systematic and in-depth introduction to the core concepts, theories, and traditions of psychoanalytic thought.

Participants study the work of Sigmund Freud, Melanie Klein, the British Object Relations tradition, and major contemporary psychoanalytic thinkers. Through close reading of key texts, theoretical teaching, and group discussion, the programme establishes a strong foundation for further specialist education in psychoanalytic psychotherapy.

The programme emphasises the development of analytic thinking and the ability to connect theoretical concepts with clinical understanding.

Why Study the Foundations of Psychoanalysis?

Psychoanalytic education involves more than learning theories. It requires the development of a distinctive way of thinking about the mind, human relationships, emotional experience, and therapeutic processes.

This programme introduces participants to the theoretical foundations, core concepts, and professional language of psychoanalysis before they progress to more specialised programmes.

Educational Approach

The programme combines systematic theoretical study with scientific discussion and clinically informed learning. Its educational components may include:

• Theoretical teaching based on classical and contemporary psychoanalytic texts
• Theory and Practice Seminars (TAPS)
• Group supervision
• Clinical seminars
• Case discussions and analysis of therapeutic processes
• Individual psychoanalytic psychotherapy with an IRCP-approved therapist, where required

Key Areas of Study

Foundations of Psychoanalytic Thought

• Freud’s foundational ideas
• Core psychoanalytic concepts
• British Object Relations theory
• The work of Klein, Winnicott, Bion, Fairbairn, and Balint
• Selected classical and contemporary psychoanalytic perspectives

Applied Psychoanalytic Learning

• The therapeutic frame
• The therapeutic alliance
• Transference and countertransference
• Resistance
• Therapeutic interventions
• Psychoanalytic formulation
• Endings and termination

Clinically Informed Learning

• Clinical seminars
• Case discussions
• Analysis of therapeutic processes

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the programme, participants should have:

• A coherent understanding of foundational psychoanalytic theories
• Familiarity with the British Object Relations tradition
• An introductory understanding of psychoanalytic assessment
• Knowledge of the core principles of psychoanalytic psychotherapy
• A foundation for progression to IRCP’s specialist educational programmes

Further Educational Pathways

Subject to meeting the relevant admission requirements, graduates may apply for further specialist programmes, including:

• Psychodynamic Psychotherapy
• Advanced Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy (APP)
• Child & Adolescent Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy
• Psychoanalytic Couple Therapy
• Psychoanalytic Group Psychotherapy
• Organisational Dynamics

Who Is This Programme For?

• Psychiatry trainees and qualified psychiatrists
• Psychology students and graduates
• Licensed mental health professionals
• Graduates in related disciplines, including philosophy, the arts, and the humanities, who wish to study psychoanalytic theory in depth

Applicants from non-clinical disciplines may enrol in the theoretical component only.

Admission Requirements

This programme is a prerequisite for entry into IRCP’s specialist psychotherapy training pathways.

Participants undertaking the clinically oriented component are expected to begin or continue individual psychoanalytic psychotherapy with an IRCP-approved therapist.

Important: The cost of individual psychoanalytic psychotherapy is not included in the programme tuition and is arranged separately.

Academic Team

Scientific Leads

Dr Mohammad Sanati
Distinguished Fellow of the Royal College of Psychiatrists, United Kingdom
Chair, Iranian Branch of the World Association for Dynamic Psychiatry (WADP)

Dr Mahdieh Moin
Psychiatrist and former faculty member, Tehran University of Medical Sciences
Member of the British Psychoanalytical Society
Former Director of the Psychotherapy Fellowship Programme, Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS)

Programme Coordinator

Dr Afsaneh Mohammadzadeh
Psychiatrist
Psychotherapy Fellow
Psychoanalytic Psychotherapist

This programme is an educational programme of the Iranian Centre for Psychoanalytic Studies (IRCP). Information presented on this website is for educational and programme-information purposes.