About Us
The VAPP
The Victorian Association of Psychoanalytic Psychotherapists (VAPP) is an organisation whose members are trained and qualified psychotherapists from a variety of different backgrounds who work according to psychoanalytic principles. The Association is a member organisation of the national body, The Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy Association of Australasia (PPAA), and is incorporated under the Victorian Associations' Incorporation Act.
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Statement of Primary Purpose
The primary purpose of the VAPP is to foster and encourage the clinical practice of Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy that takes place within the broad conceptual framework of psychoanalytic theory. Members of the Association accept that the effects of unconscious processes can be understood and modified; that the development and utilization of transference in the therapy relationship is central to insight and change; and that counter-transference is an inevitable component of the therapeutic relationship which can be understood and productively utilised only by virtue of the therapist's own self understanding. The VAPP is committed to continuing the development of this knowledge and understanding in the service of quality patient care.
The VAPP admits to membership those from a range of professions who have acquired further approved specialised post graduate training and experience in psychoanalytic psychotherapy and who are deemed to be practising psychoanalytic psychotherapy at the standard set by the Association. It seeks to provide a forum for competent ethical practice, professional development activities and supportive functions for its members. There is a code of ethics which members must observe in their work with patients and colleagues
The Association conducts its own systematic and comprehensive Training Programme in psychoanalytic psychotherapy with adults. This is an extended post graduate training that includes intensive theoretical input from all major psychoanalytic theorists, supervised casework and the trainee’s own psychoanalytic psychotherapy. Additionally the VAPP provides educational forums for interested professionals on aspects of psychoanalytical psychotherapy theory and practice. Research in these areas is encouraged.
The Association values and maintains links with other psychoanalytic groups, some of which may specialize in a particular way of working or theoretical orientation, and aims to encourage a mutually respectful exchange of ideas.
The VAPP is a non-profit Association with an elected Council. Representatives of the various Committees, Working Parties and the Glen Nevis Clinic (for Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy) are answerable to the Council which manages the affairs of the Association.
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Referral Service
The VAPP runs a telephone based information and referral service for those wanting to find a suitable therapist for individual, couple, adolescent or group work. The Service also assists health professionals referring clients for psychotherapy or locating a clinical supervisor or reading group.
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Membership
This Association is comprised of members from a variety of relevant professions who have acquired further specialised training and experience in psychoanalytic psychotherapy. Members are admitted on the basis of their qualifications and personal suitability for the complicated task of being a psychotherapist. If you are a prospective member, and would like to read the Association's Membership Guidelines, click here.
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Training
The Association conducts its own systematic and comprehensive training programme in psychoanalytic psychotherapy with adults. This is an extended postgraduate training which includes intensive theoretical input from all major psychoanalytical theorists, supervised casework, and the trainee's own personal psychotherapy or psychoanalysis. Upon successful completion of the programme, the graduate is eligible to apply for membership of the Association.
The VAPP also conducts an annual introduction to psychoanalytic psychotherapy programme entitled: 'What is my client really trying to tell me?'. Early bird applications generally close in mid-February each year.
For more details on any of the training provided by the VAPP, visit the 'Courses / Programs' page.
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Glen Nevis Clinic
The VAPP is a major sponsor of The Glen Nevis Clinic for Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy. The Clinic operates from Erin Street in Richmond and
offers
subsidised, low-cost therapy based upon a means test. The Clinic is also conducting a significant research program examining the
process and efficacy of psychoanalytic psychotherapy. For further details, contact the Clinic Manager on (03) 9429 3387.
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Room Rental
The VAPP offers non-clinical rental space at its home 'Glen Nevis' in Erin Street, Richmond, for psychoanalytically oriented professionals who wish to hold meetings or seminars here. For all queries about the available spaces, costs, etc. please contact the Administrative Secretary on 03 9428 2303 or email us via the 'Contact Us / Links' page.
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Other Activities
In addition to the activities and services provided for members, the
Association conducts public lectures and runs seminars, often involving
prominent speakers from interstate and overseas. Details of these events
will be publicised on the 'News and Events' column on this page.
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