Draft:International Federation of Psychoanalytic Societies (IFPS)

The International Federation of Psychoanalytic Societies (IFPS) is a non-profit organization established in 1962 to advance the global dissemination of psychoanalysis and facilitate diverse perspectives on contemporary psychoanalytic practices. IFPS employs a federated organizational structure designed to maintain diversity among its member associations.The IFPS continues its operations by organizing biennial forums and publishing the International Forum of Psychoanalysis through the Taylor and Francis Group. It currently consists of 35 member associations across Central Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, Central America, and South America, with an additional 4 study groups interested in future membership.

History
The International Federation of Psychoanalytic Societies (IFPS) was established on July 30, 1962, in Amsterdam by four societies: the Deutsche Psychoanalytische Gesellschaft, the Sociedad Psicoanalitica Mexicana A.C, the Wiener Arbeitskreis für Tiefenpsychologie (now Austrian Arbeitskreise for Psychoanalysis), and the William Alanson White Psychoanalytic Society, New York. IFPS was founded in response to the perceived need for a more inclusive and less bureaucratic international psychoanalytic organization, contrasting with existing bodies like the International Psychoanalytic Association (IPA).

Erich Fromm, a key advocate for IFPS's establishment and founder of the Mexican Psychoanalytic Society, envisioned an independent, non-bureaucratic international association that would promote a diverse and inclusive approach to psychoanalysis. He believed that existing psychoanalytic organizations had deviated from Freud's radical thinking due to their hierarchical structures.

Post-World War II, the German Psychoanalytic Society (DPG), faced challenges and was denied reentry into the IPA in 1950 due to concerns about its past association with Nazi ideology. Werner Schwidder, DPG's president, and Erich Fromm initiated efforts in 1960 to establish a network of analysts interested in practicing and transmitting psychoanalysis independently of the IPA.The groundwork for IFPS was laid through international psychoanalytic meetings in Amsterdam in 1960 and Düsseldorf in 1961, culminating in its establishment at the first International Forum of Psychoanalysis in Amsterdam in 1962.

Igor Caruso, founder of the Viennese Circle for Depth Psychology, also played a significant role in supporting the creation of multiple groups of psychoanalysts in Brazil, which later became part of the Latin American member societies of IFPS.

During its early years, IFPS comprised members with diverse theoretical and practical approaches to psychoanalysis due to a lack of standardized rules or training guidelines. Unlike more structured organizations, IFPS did not mandate discussion until a unanimous agreement was reached. While this approach promoted tolerance and diversity, it sometimes led to insufficient discourse. Most IFPS psychoanalysts developed innovative concepts for various forms of therapy, tailoring psychoanalysis to individual patient needs. IFPS embraced the adaptation of psychoanalytic theory and practice, maintaining a balanced view of Sigmund Freud and his theories.

Discussions about IFPS
Scholars and psychoanalysts have examined the role and impact of the International Federation of Psychoanalytic Societies (IFPS) within the psychoanalytic community. Some argue that the establishment of IFPS represented a significant advancement in recognizing diverse perspectives in psychoanalysis. They suggest that IFPS offered an alternative platform to the IPA, fostering a more inclusive environment for different voices and approaches.

Furthermore, IFPS is known for its role in uniting analysts who may have been considered unconventional, particularly those associated with Sandor Ferenczi and the Psychoanalytic Budapest School. This demonstrates IFPS's commitment to accommodating diverse perspectives within psychoanalysis, providing a platform where a variety of ideas can be explored and discussed.

However, others note that over time, the conservative views within psychoanalysis that IFPS initially sought to challenge have waned. This evolution has led to changes in the field, diminishing the relevance of the ideological stance that once defined IFPS. The concept of a "free" pluralistic exchange, which was central to IFPS's identity, may be less prominent in contemporary psychoanalysis.

One key distinction highlighted by scholars is the difference in training environments between the IPA and the IFPS. Trainee analysts within the IPA often encounter a structured and hierarchical training environment. In contrast, the heterogeneity of IFPS allows trainees more freedom to exchange experiences, challenge established ideas, and explore new approaches in their clinical work and practice.

The Executive Secretary of the IFPS has highlighted contemporary challenges facing the federation, such as defining the IFPS's conceptual specificity, enhancing discussion with delegates, and ensuring the IFPS remains a meaningful reference for its members. Additionally, developing clear strategies for incorporating institutions into the IFPS and supporting the establishment of new institutions are seen as critical challenges facing the federation.

IFPS Member Societies and Study Groups
The IFPS comprises 35 member societies and 4 study groups interested in joining in the future, located in countries across the Americas and Europe.