International Federation of Psychoanalytic Societies
The International Federation of Psychoanalytic Societies (IFPS) is an international association of psychoanalytic societies founded on 30 July 1962 in Amsterdam, committed to pluralism in psychoanalytic theory and practice as well as interdisciplinary exchange.[1] Distinct from the International Psychoanalytical Association (IPA), the IFPS emerged as a response to perceived bureaucratic constraints within the IPA, promoting open discussion among diverse psychoanalytic orientations.[1] It currently comprises 22 member societies from Europe and the Americas, representing approximately 2,000 psychoanalysts.[1]
| International Federation of Psychoanalytic Societies | |
|---|---|
| Organization details | |
| Type | International federation |
| Founded | 1962 |
| Founder(s) | Erich Fromm, Werner Schwidder, Igor Caruso, Gerard Chrzanowski |
| Key figures | Erich Fromm, Werner Schwidder |
| Orientation | Pluralistic (Freudian, neo-Freudian, independent traditions) |
| Institutional context | |
| Predecessor | Informal international meetings (1960–1962) |
| Affiliation | Independent |
| Relation to IPA | Alternative to IPA |
| Operations | |
| Headquarters | International (rotating) |
| Geographic scope | International |
| Training function | Three years theoretical/clinical instruction, personal analysis, supervision |
| Publications | International Forum of Psychoanalysis |
The IFPS holds international forums every four years and maintains archives for the history of psychoanalysis, emphasizing freedom of theoretical inquiry over doctrinal uniformity.[1]
History
Precursors and Origins
The IFPS originated from post-World War II efforts to reconnect isolated psychoanalytic groups excluded from the IPA. Key precursors included the Deutsche Psychoanalytische Gesellschaft (DPG, founded 1910), which faced schisms after the war due to debates over fidelity to Freudian principles and associations with Nazi-era adaptations under Harald Schultz-Hencke.[1] In 1950, dissidents formed the Deutsche Psychoanalytische Vereinigung (DPV), which gained IPA admission in 1951, while the DPG was rejected.[1]
Erich Fromm, founder of the Sociedad Psicoanalitica Mexicana and formerly excluded from IPA circles, sought a non-bureaucratic alternative, collaborating with DPG leader Werner Schwidder to overcome German psychoanalysis's isolation.[1] Initial international meetings occurred in Amsterdam (1960) and Düsseldorf (1961), fostering dialogue with groups like the William Alanson White Psychoanalytic Society and Wiener Arbeitskreis für Tiefenpsychologie.[1]
Founding (1962)
The IFPS was formally established during the First International Forum of Psychoanalysis in Amsterdam on 30 July 1962, by four founding societies: the DPG, Sociedad Psicoanalitica Mexicana, Wiener Arbeitskreis für Tiefenpsychologie, and William Alanson White Psychoanalytic Society.[1] The founding meeting, attended by Fromm, Schwidder, Igor Caruso, and Gerard Chrzanowski, emphasized "free discussion of psychoanalytic theory and practice."[1] Sándor Radó, representing the American Academy of Psychoanalysis, withdrew due to its medical-only policy.[1] After World War II, the IFPS was the first international psychoanalytic association outside the IPA.[2]
The federation grew to 22 member societies, organizing 18 international meetings (10 fora and 8 conferences) over nearly four decades.[1]
Organizational Structure
The IFPS operates as a federation of autonomous societies, governed by statutes promoting pluralism and interdisciplinary exchange on micro- and macro-social issues.[1] It lacks the hierarchical training accreditation of the IPA, prioritizing open theoretical debate.
Governance
A central body coordinates activities, including quadrennial fora, but respects member societies' independence. Membership requires societies to provide regular training: three years of theoretical and clinical instruction (post-medical or psychological studies), personal analysis (three sessions weekly), and supervision by two analysts.[1]
Training and Formation
Training standards are set at the society level but must meet IFPS minima: three-year curriculum, personal analysis, and supervised cases.[1] Unlike IPA's standardized model, IFPS training accommodates diverse orientations, from classical Freudian to neo-Freudian and culturalist approaches.
Key Concepts / Theoretical Orientation
The IFPS embraces pluralism, rejecting IPA-style orthodoxy to include "all bona fide psychoanalysts, independently from their persuasion."[1] It fosters exchange on present-day trends, influenced by Fromm's humanistic psychoanalysis, Schultz-Hencke's adaptations, and interpersonal theories from the White Society.[1] This orientation shapes its fora as platforms for theoretical freedom over institutional conformity.
Notable Members
- Erich Fromm: Main promoter and founder, advocating non-bureaucratic psychoanalysis.[1]
- Werner Schwidder: DPG leader, key in post-war reconnection.[1]
- Igor Caruso: Co-founder, representing existential-depth psychology.[1]
- Gerard Chrzanowski: White Society representative, interpersonal orientation.[1]