Contents
The controversial MEC authorization
Between 2021 and 2022, the Ministério da Educação (MEC) — Brazil’s Ministry of Education — authorized, for the first time, bachelor’s degree programs in psychoanalysis, such as those offered by Uninter and Cruzeiro do Sul, in a distance-learning (EAD) format. This decision sparked a wave of protests among the professionals and institutions that make up the traditional psychoanalytic community, who considered the authorization a threat to the seriousness and depth of the psychoanalytic field.
The controversy centered on the idea that psychoanalysis is not merely a set of techniques or theories, but a complex field that requires rigorous training, characterized by theoretical depth and clinical experience. The possibility of an undergraduate degree in psychoanalysis, especially in a distance-learning format, was seen as a trivialization of the discipline, disregarding the need for clinical supervision and practical experience that are essential to train a qualified psychoanalyst. Psychoanalysis, as Sigmund Freud argued, is a practice that involves not only the application of techniques, but a deep understanding of human subjectivity.
Moreover, the proposal of undergraduate programs in psychoanalysis raised questions about the inadequate training of the professionals who might emerge from these programs, which could negatively affect the quality of psychoanalytic care and the reputation of psychoanalysis as a whole. As Lacan argues, the training of the analyst cannot be reduced to simple technical instruction; it is a process that demands lived experience and a personal analysis, which are fundamental to forming a sensitive and competent professional.
What happened to the bachelor’s degree in psychoanalysis?
The MEC’s intervention and Portaria nº 3/2026
After strong pressure from the Movimento Articulação das Entidades Psicanalíticas Brasileiras (a coalition of Brazilian psychoanalytic organizations), the MEC published Portaria SERES/MEC nº 3 (an ordinance) of January 23, 2026. This rule was a milestone in the fight to preserve the integrity of psychoanalysis, ending the use of the name ‘Psicanálise’ (Psychoanalysis) on higher education diplomas. The decision was celebrated by many in the psychoanalytic community as a victory in defense of the seriousness and depth of the field. The ordinance aimed to protect psychoanalysis from possible devaluation, recognizing it as a practice that requires specific and rigorous training.
Following this ordinance, all colleges that offered an undergraduate degree in psychoanalysis were required to change the name of the program to ‘Bacharelado em Estudos Teóricos Psicanalíticos e Sociais’ (Bachelor’s in Theoretical Psychoanalytic and Social Studies). This change not only reflected an attempt to align academic training with the ethical and professional demands of psychoanalysis, but also sought to preserve the identity of the discipline amid a growing commercialization of higher education. This decision underscores the importance of maintaining the essence of psychoanalysis, which should not be diluted in a training context that prioritizes quantity over quality.
Changes to the names of the programs
The change in the names of psychoanalysis programs represents an attempt to ensure that training in psychoanalysis is regarded with the seriousness it deserves, distinguishing it from other programs that lack the same depth. The new designation, ‘Bacharelado em Estudos Teóricos Psicanalíticos e Sociais’, reflects a broader, more academic approach that includes social and theoretical studies, but does not necessarily imply the training of a clinical psychoanalyst. This change, although it has its justifications, also raises questions about the perception of psychoanalysis in society and the value placed on traditional psychoanalytic training.
This change, however, also raises questions about the future of psychoanalyst training in Brazil. The need for rigorous, supervised training in psychoanalysis remains essential, and many question whether the new name will be able to guarantee the quality and depth that training in psychoanalysis demands. The name, therefore, is more than a simple matter of terminology; it reflects the identity of the profession and the social recognition that psychoanalysis should have. Freud’s work, such as "The Interpretation of Dreams", shows the theoretical depth that must be incorporated into the training of any psychoanalyst.
Impacts on the training of psychoanalysts
The impacts of this change are varied. For many psychoanalysis professionals, the change of name and the ban on using the term ‘Psicanálise’ on diplomas represent an opportunity to reassess and strengthen the training of future psychoanalysts. Training in psychoanalysis must be a deep process that includes not only theory, but also meaningful practical experience. Supervised clinical practice is crucial so that students can apply theoretical concepts in real situations, developing skills that are essential to practicing the profession.
On the other hand, the change can also be seen as a limitation for those who wish to train in psychoanalysis, since the new name may not convey the same seriousness and depth that the original term carries. This may affect the social and professional perception of psychoanalysis, making it harder to recognize the importance and complexity of this field. The training of psychoanalysts should be a collective responsibility, and the change of name may ultimately affect how psychoanalysis is perceived and valued in society.
The importance of proper training in psychoanalysis
Training in psychoanalysis should not be viewed as a mere fulfillment of academic requirements, but rather as a process of personal and professional development that involves a deep understanding of human subjectivity. Psychoanalysis, as proposed by Freud, Lacan and others, is based on a deep understanding of mental processes, emotions and human relationships. This complexity requires that future psychoanalysts have access to training that goes beyond the superficial, addressing the nuances of human experience.
To become a competent psychoanalyst, it is essential to have access to training that includes:
Psychoanalytic Theory: A solid knowledge of the fundamental theories of psychoanalysis, including the concepts of the unconscious, transference and resistance. These concepts are fundamental to clinical practice and to understanding human behavior. The unconscious, for example, is one of the pillars of Freudian theory, representing a part of the mind that contains thoughts, memories and desires that lie outside consciousness but influence behavior.
Clinical Supervision: The opportunity to work under the supervision of experienced psychoanalysts, to discuss cases and receive feedback on clinical practice. Supervision is a crucial space for learning and professional development, allowing students to reflect on their experiences and learn to deal with the complexity of clinical relationships.
Practical Experience: Developing skills in a clinical setting, which is essential to applying theory in practice. Experience in clinical contexts allows the future psychoanalyst to develop empathy and interpersonal skills that are fundamental to practice. Practical experience also involves undergoing personal analysis, an essential component of training that allows the analyst to understand their own internal dynamics.
These elements are crucial to ensure that training in psychoanalysis produces professionals who are able to understand and deal with the complexity of human experiences in an ethical and effective way. Training should be a commitment to excellence, reflecting the seriousness of psychoanalytic practice and respect for the subjectivity of the other.
The role of Academia Enlevo in psychoanalytic training
Academia Enlevo stands out as an institution committed to training high-quality psychoanalysts. Through an online clinical psychoanalysis course, the Academy offers training that combines rigorous theory and clinical supervision, allowing students to develop the skills they need to become competent professionals in the field. The emphasis on the student’s well-rounded development is one of the Academy’s differentiators, as it seeks to cultivate not only technical knowledge, but also the sensitivity required for clinical practice.
Academia Enlevo’s courses are designed to meet students’ needs, providing a rich and accessible educational experience without compromising the depth and seriousness of training in psychoanalysis. The Academy seeks not only to train psychoanalysts, but also to promote a broader understanding of what it means to be a psychoanalyst today. This includes reflecting on contemporary demands and the ethical challenges that professionals face in clinical practice.
In addition, Academia Enlevo pays close attention to the demands and changes in the field of psychoanalysis, adapting its courses to ensure that its students receive training that is both up to date and grounded in the traditional principles of psychoanalysis. This flexibility and commitment to quality are essential to training psychoanalysts who are prepared to work in a constantly changing world.
Conclusion and an invitation to reflect
The recent trajectory of the bachelor’s degree in psychoanalysis in Brazil reveals a field in transformation, with a need for continuous reflection on psychoanalytic training and practice. The MEC’s intervention and the changes to program names offer an opportunity to rethink what it means to be a psychoanalyst and how to ensure that the necessary training is kept at a high level. This reflection is vital to ensure that the practice of psychoanalysis continues to be a valuable contribution to the understanding of the human psyche.
Therefore, for those seeking training in psychoanalysis, it is essential to consider the quality and depth of the training offered. Academia Enlevo represents a solid option committed to excellence in training psychoanalysts, providing a robust theoretical foundation and valuable practical experiences. We invite you to reflect on your journey in psychoanalysis and consider the importance of proper training for your professional development, recognizing that psychoanalysis is an art that demands dedication, commitment and a deep respect for the complexity of the human being.
