Existential Psychoanalytic Institute & Society
The Existential Psychoanalytic Institute & Society (EPIS) is a contemporary psychoanalytic society and research institute dedicated to the exploration and treatment of the human condition through a synthesis of classical, existential, and contemporary psychoanalysis, phenomenology, and critical theory.[1] Headquartered with a significant presence in Southern California, EPIS functions as both an educational forum and a research organization committed to rigorous but welcoming inquiry into psychoanalytic theory and practice.
| Existential Psychoanalytic Institute & Society | |
|---|---|
| Organization details | |
| Type | Psychoanalytic Society and Research Institute |
| Founded | 2001–2 |
| Founder(s) | [Not specified in available sources] |
| Key figures | [Not specified in available sources] |
| Orientation | Existential-Phenomenological, Contemporary Psychoanalytic |
| Institutional context | |
| Affiliation | Independent |
| Operations | |
| Headquarters | Southern California (primary location documented) |
| Geographic scope | International |
| Training function | Diploma programs, seminars, clinical supervision |
| Publications | EPIS Journal: Psychoanalysis, Phenomenology & Critical Theory |
| Website | episworldwide.com |
History
Founding
EPIS was established in 2001–2 to provide innovative, forward-thinking psychoanalytic seminars, research, and discussion integrated with discourses in phenomenology, critical theory, and philosophy.[2] The organization emerged from a recognition that contemporary psychoanalysis required expanded engagement with philosophical traditions and critical theoretical frameworks beyond classical psychoanalytic training.
Organizational Structure
EPIS operates as a contemporary psychoanalytic society and research institute with a decentralized structure. The organization emphasizes a receptive rather than dogmatic approach to psychoanalytic inquiry, seeking truth with an open mind and attitude of wonder rather than fitting human experience into pre-established categories and interpretations.[1]
Formation of Analysts
Training Programs
EPIS offers a 2-year diploma program in existential psychoanalysis and phenomenology designed for M.A./Ph.D. students or graduates in psychology, counseling, and related fields.[3] The curriculum combines lecture, discussion, dialectic engagement, and the drafting and review of theoretical and clinical essays.
Students may submit articles for publication in the EPIS Journal after the first year of study. In the second year, students undertake a well-researched thesis, which they orally defend before an EPIS committee. Completed theses are published by EPIS Publishing Co. to enhance professional and academic opportunities for graduates.[3]
Key Concepts and Theoretical Orientation
EPIS integrates multiple theoretical traditions:
- Existential-Phenomenological Approaches: Drawing on the philosophical traditions of Edmund Husserl, Martin Heidegger, and Maurice Merleau-Ponty
- Contemporary Psychoanalysis: Engagement with classical Freudian theory and modern psychoanalytic developments
- Critical Theory and Philosophy: Incorporation of perspectives from Ludwig Wittgenstein, Jacques Derrida, Emmanuel Levinas, and Michel Foucault
The organization is committed to exploring the human condition through a synthesis that avoids rigid theoretical orthodoxy.[1]
Publications
EPIS publishes the EPIS Journal: Psychoanalysis, Phenomenology & Critical Theory, a peer-reviewed scholarly journal established in 2012 (originally titled Presencing EPIS).[4] The journal covers theoretical and clinical issues emerging from existential psychoanalysis, phenomenology, traditional psychoanalysis, cultural studies, critical theory, post-structuralism, deconstruction, and fictional literature. Articles address theory, method, clinical case studies, and research, with dedicated sections for book reviews and critical commentary.[4]
EPIS also maintains a radio program, Radio for the Thinking Person, and has published several volumes from archived transcripts on topics including trans-humanism, design, and violence.[1] The organization accepts book manuscripts from both established academics and new authors on significant themes and questions.
See Also
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 Existential Psychoanalytic Institute & Society. "Welcome to EPIS Worldwide." episworldwide.com.
- ↑ EPIS – Southern California. "EPIS – Southern California." episjournal.com.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 Existential Psychoanalysis & Phenomenology – EPIS education. "Existential Psychoanalysis & Phenomenology." episeducation.com.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 EPIS Journal – Existential Psychoanalytic Institute & Society. "Epis Journal." episworldwide.com.