Canadian Psychoanalytic Society
The Canadian Psychoanalytic Society (CPS) is a IPA component society founded in 1953 as a study group and achieving full provisional status in 1957.[1][2] Headquartered initially in Montreal, it evolved into a federation of autonomous branch societies promoting the study, practice, and training in psychoanalysis within a classical Freudian orientation. The CPS holds historical significance as the first national psychoanalytic organization in Canada, overcoming resistance from the American Psychoanalytic Association (APsaA) through affiliation with the British Psychoanalytical Society (BPS).[1][2]
| Canadian Psychoanalytic Society | |
|---|---|
| Organization details | |
| Type | National psychoanalytic society |
| Founded | 1953 |
| Founder(s) | Miguel Prados, Noël Mailloux, Jean Chentrier, G.M. MacLeod, E. David Wittkower, John Zavitzianos |
| Key figures | Miguel Prados, Noël Mailloux, Jean-Baptist Boulanger, Clifford Scott |
| Orientation | Freudian |
| Institutional context | |
| Affiliation | International Psychoanalytical Association |
| Relation to IPA | Component society |
| Operations | |
| Headquarters | Montreal, Canada (historical); federated branches |
| Geographic scope | National (Canada) |
| Training function | Training analysis, seminars, supervision at branch institutes |
History
Precursors and Origins
The origins of the CPS trace to informal psychoanalytic meetings in Montreal beginning in 1945, initiated by Spanish refugee Miguel Prados at the Montreal Neurological Institute and French-Canadian priest Noël Mailloux at the Université de Montréal. Four interns from the Allan Memorial Institute of McGill University joined these regular gatherings.[1]
In 1951, with five members already holding IPA membership, the group—led by Prados, Mailloux, Jean Chentrier, G.M. MacLeod, E. David Wittkower, and John Zavitzianos—formed a study group to apply for IPA provisional status at the Amsterdam Congress. Facing APsaA opposition due to concerns over lay analysis and non-physician members like Chentrier, the group affiliated with the BPS in 1952, adopting the name Canadian Society of Psychoanalysts (CSP).[1][2]
Founding (1953)
Late in 1953, the group renamed itself the Canadian Psychoanalytic Society (CPS), withdrew its APsaA application, and reaffirmed BPS ties. The Montreal Psychoanalytic Club dissolved to clarify distinctions. Incorporated federally on April 3, 1957, with 16 IPA-recognized members, the CPS gained independent IPA component society status at the IPA's 20th Congress, sponsored by the BPS.[1][2]
Growth and Federation
Training began in 1954, formalized with the Canadian Institute of Psychoanalysis (CIP) in 1960 under director Jean-Baptist Boulanger, relocating from McGill due to tensions with Ewen Cameron.[1] In 1965, a CPS committee formed for Ontario members, evolving into CPS-Ontario (later Toronto Psychoanalytic Society) in 1966.[3]
By 1967, bylaws changed to create a federation of branch societies, granting autonomy to Montreal's French- and English-speaking groups and Toronto, while retaining central control over training and membership. In 1969, branches formalized: Société psychanalytique de Montréal (SPM, French), CPS-Quebec English, and CPS-Ontario; corresponding institutes followed. Direct CPS membership ended.[1][4][5] Further branches emerged: Ottawa (1972), Western Canada (1978), and Southwestern Ontario (1982).[2]
Key Controversies
Early tensions involved APsaA resistance to lay analysis and Canadian independence. Internally, 1960s cultural-linguistic divides in Montreal led to SPM's formation amid Quebec sovereignty concerns, though agreements dated to 1965.[5][1]
Organizational Structure
The CPS operates as a federation of branch societies with considerable regional autonomy for cultural and geographic reasons, overseen by a central body retaining authority over training standards and IPA compliance.[1]
Governance
Governed by a board or directorate with branch representation; specific details on current structure unavailable in sources. Branches like SPM focus on study, promotion, and training via affiliated institutes.[4]
Membership Categories
Standard IPA categories apply: full members, associate members, and candidates in training. Branches manage local membership.[1]
Training and Formation
Training occurs at branch institutes following IPA standards: personal analysis (typically four sessions weekly), theoretical seminars, and clinical supervision.[1][3]
The original CIP trained 37 candidates from 1959–1967, including French speakers. Post-1969, devolved to branch institutes: Institut psychanalytique de Montréal, CPS-Quebec English Psychoanalytic Institute, and Toronto Psychoanalytic Institute (from 1979).[1] Toronto's first full class began in 1969.[3]
No Lacanian devices like the pass or cartel; adheres to classical IPA model of certification via training completion.[2]
Key Concepts / Theoretical Orientation
The CPS maintains a classical Freudian orientation, emphasizing Freud's foundational metapsychology, transference, and structural theory. British influences via BPS sponsorship shaped early development, resisting APsaA's stricter medical model.[2][1]
Notable Members
- Miguel Prados: Key founder, Montreal Neurological Institute.[1]
- Noël Mailloux: Early collaborator, Université de Montréal.[1]
- Jean Chentrier: First CSP president, resigned amid APsaA negotiations.[1]
- Jean-Baptist Boulanger: First CIP director.[1]
- Clifford Scott: British president supporting CPS IPA bid.[2]
- Alan Parkin: Established Toronto presence post-London training.[2]
See also
References
- ↑ 1.00 1.01 1.02 1.03 1.04 1.05 1.06 1.07 1.08 1.09 1.10 1.11 1.12 1.13 1.14 1.15 1.16 "The History of Psychoanalysis in Canada". Canadian Psychoanalytic Society. Retrieved 2026-01-31.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 2.7 2.8 "Psychoanalysis in Canada". York University. Retrieved 2026-01-31.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 "Toronto Institute of Psychoanalysis". Retrieved 2026-01-31.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 "Société psychanalytique de Montréal". Canadian Psychoanalytic Society. Retrieved 2026-01-31.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 "Société Psychanalytique de Montréal". Encyclopedia.com. Retrieved 2026-01-31.
External links
- https://www.en.psychoanalysis.ca/ Canadian Psychoanalytic Society
- https://torontopsychoanalysis.com/ Toronto Psychoanalytic Society
- https://www.en.psychoanalysis.ca/about-cps/branches/societe-psychanalytique-de-montreal/ Société psychanalytique de Montréal