In this article
Anyone who decides to study psychoanalysis soon comes across seductive ads: “graduate fast,” “make money seeing clients within weeks,” “certificate recognized anywhere.” It sounds good — and that is exactly where the risk lies. Choosing well starts with recognizing what an empty promise is. Psychoanalysis is a discipline that requires a deep understanding not only of theory, but also of human complexity. Therefore, superficial promises can lead to inadequate training and, consequently, to harmful practices. Training in psychoanalysis should be seen as a long-term investment, in which the depth of the knowledge acquired is reflected in the quality of the care provided. It is essential that future psychoanalysts understand that clinical practice is not just about applying techniques, but involves a rich and complex interpersonal relationship, in which understanding the unconscious and emotional dynamics is essential.
Why so much care in choosing
Your training shapes how you will listen, see clients and position yourself. A bad choice costs time, money and — worse — can give you a false sense of security in the face of someone’s suffering. Psychoanalysis, as Sigmund Freud emphasized, is a path that requires an ongoing commitment to self-knowledge and critical reflection. In his works, Freud highlights the importance of the analytic process for both the therapist and the patient, since understanding one’s own motivations and internal conflicts is fundamental to ethical and responsible practice. For example, Freud addressed the importance of the therapist’s personal analysis as a means of preventing their own issues from interfering with the therapeutic process. That is why discerning before you sign is part of the responsibility of anyone who wants to care for people. The wrong choice can not only compromise your professional path, but also negatively affect the lives of patients seeking help. It is worth remembering that psychoanalysis is not just a technique, but an approach that involves the human being as a whole, including their emotions, history and social context. This holistic view is essential for the psychoanalyst to grasp the nuances of human suffering and provide a safe space for the expression and working-through of conflicts.
Signs of an empty promise
Be wary of: “become a psychoanalyst quickly,” “see patients in a few days,” “universally valid diploma,” “training recognized anywhere,” “make easy money.” These promises are, most of the time, illusory. Serious psychoanalysis promises neither miracles nor guaranteed practice — it speaks of a path, preparation and responsibility. The concept of a “path” is central to psychoanalytic training, because it implies a learning process that is both intellectual and emotional. The work of authors such as Jacques Lacan and Donald Winnicott highlights the importance of a period of maturation in the training of a psychoanalyst, which cannot be rushed. Lacan, for example, emphasizes the subject’s relationship with the unconscious and how this relationship unfolds over time, which is fundamental to the development of clinical practice. Therefore, promises of quick results should be viewed with skepticism. Training in psychoanalysis involves a process of self-exploration and personal growth that takes time and dedication, and cannot be reduced to mere technical training.
What a serious training offers
Real theoretical depth; formative practice (cases, activities); pedagogical guidance and follow-up; clarity about what it delivers and about the limits of practice; and a recognized accreditation. A quality training goes beyond a mere certificate; it provides a solid foundation in psychoanalytic theories, such as the theory of the unconscious and the dynamics of transference and countertransference, which are essential for clinical work. Transference refers to the displacement of the patient’s feelings and expectations onto the therapist, while countertransference is the therapist’s emotional response to those feelings. These concepts are fundamental to psychoanalytic practice, as they help us understand how interpersonal relationships influence the therapeutic process. Instead of promising the result, it builds the conditions for you to get there. This includes personal analysis, a crucial component in the training of a psychoanalyst, allowing the future professional to understand their own issues and how they may affect their practice. Personal analysis is not just a requirement, but a space of self-knowledge that enriches clinical practice and helps avoid projections and prejudices during sessions. It is through this analysis that the psychoanalyst can become more aware of their own reactions and feelings, which is vital to maintaining an ethical and empathetic stance in clinical care.
Questions to ask before deciding
Ask: what is the methodology like? Is there pedagogical follow-up? Which authors are covered, and how? What are the case studies like? What is the accreditation? Is the school transparent about the nature of free (non-degree) training? Vague answers are, in themselves, an answer. Ask about the predominant theoretical approach — whether it is more Lacanian, Freudian or from another school — and how that will affect your training. In addition, try to understand how the institution handles clinical supervision, a vital aspect in the training of a competent psychoanalyst. Clinical supervision is a space where the trainee can discuss cases, receive feedback and reflect on their practice, and it is fundamental to developing skills and understanding the dynamics that occur in the therapeutic relationship. Questions about the duration of supervision, the frequency of meetings and the qualifications of the supervisors are essential to ensure that learning is deep and effective.
How the Método Alma Enlevo responds to this
The Método Alma Enlevo is Academia Enlevo’s response to this scenario: theoretical grounding, guided study, simulated clinical cases, pedagogical guidance and the construction of a professional identity — with transparency and without unrealistic promises. This method values each student’s individuality and proposes active learning, in which every student is encouraged to reflect on their experiences and to integrate theoretical knowledge with clinical practice, respecting the time this process requires. The aim of the Método Alma Enlevo is to create a learning environment that fosters the development of competencies and skills essential to psychoanalytic practice, promoting a training that truly prepares students for the challenges of the clinic. In addition, the method includes moments of group discussion and supervision, where students can share experiences and questions, promoting collaborative and enriching learning.
Next step
With these criteria, you can decide with clarity. The next step is to get to know a training that actually meets them. Don’t hesitate to visit the institution, talk to former students and understand what the learning environment is like. This immersion is fundamental for you to make an informed and safe choice. A visit to the institution may include attending open classes, taking part in workshops or talks and interacting with the teachers, which can give you a clearer view of the pedagogical proposal and the quality of the training. In addition, consider having an initial conversation with the course coordinators, where you can clear up questions and better understand how the training can align with your personal and professional goals.
Frequently asked questions
How can I tell if a training is serious?
Evaluate the method, theoretical depth, formative practice, pedagogical guidance, transparency about free training and a recognized accreditation. Seriousness speaks of a path and preparation — not of miracles. A good indicator is the presence of regular supervision and the possibility of undergoing your own analysis during the course. In addition, check the teachers’ training and experience, as this can directly influence the quality of the teaching offered. The teachers’ practical experience, especially in clinical settings, is a factor that can enrich learning and bring a more realistic perspective on psychoanalytic practice.
Are promises of ‘guaranteed practice’ reliable?
No. Working as a psychoanalyst requires study, ethics and a responsible stance; no one can guarantee immediate or universal practice. Be wary of these promises, because clinical practice is complex and depends on factors that go beyond theoretical training. Building a solid clinical practice takes time and involves constant updating and reflection on one’s practice, which cannot be guaranteed by simplistic promises. In addition, effective work in the field of psychoanalysis involves a commitment to continuing education and to seeking supervision and support throughout one’s career.
Is a low price a sign of poor training?
Not necessarily, but price should not be the main criterion. What matters is what the training delivers: method, depth and follow-up. A serious training may have a high cost due to the quality of the professionals involved and the infrastructure offered, but that does not mean more affordable institutions cannot offer good learning. Evaluating value for money is essential, considering the quality of the content and the teachers’ experience. It is important for students to research and compare different options, always looking for the training that best meets their needs and expectations.
What should I ask before enrolling?
About the methodology, pedagogical follow-up, authors covered, case studies, accreditation and transparency about the nature of free training. Also ask about the teachers’ experience and how they approach continuing education, an important aspect in the field of mental health. In addition, ask about the length of the course and the hours dedicated to supervised practice, which are essential to training a competent psychoanalyst. Finding out about internship opportunities and the possibility of experiencing clinical practice during the training is also relevant to ensure a complete training.
How does Academia Enlevo stand out?
Through the Método Alma Enlevo, transparency and a recognized accreditation (RNTP/AIMS) — differentiation through positioning, method and clarity, not through promises. Academia Enlevo is committed to ethical and responsible training, preparing professionals who truly understand the complexity of the human being. The aim is to train not only technicians, but critical thinkers who can work reflectively and responsibly in the field of mental health. The training offered by the Academy seeks to integrate theory and practice, developing competencies that go beyond technical knowledge and also include interpersonal and ethical skills, which are fundamental to clinical work.
In summary
Choosing a psychoanalysis training without falling for empty promises requires recognizing warning signs (fast training, guaranteed practice, universal recognition) and evaluating what matters: method, theoretical depth, formative practice, pedagogical guidance, transparency and accreditation. Academia Enlevo responds to this with the Método Alma Enlevo and RNTP/AIMS accreditation, without sensationalism. The next step is to get to know the Clinical Psychoanalysis Training, where you can develop your skills responsibly and ethically. Choosing a solid training is a fundamental step for anyone who wants to work seriously in the field of mental health, ensuring that future professionals are prepared to face the challenges and complexities that arise in clinical practice.
Want to decide safely and without traps? Discover the Clinical Psychoanalysis Training and the Método Alma Enlevo at Academia Enlevo.
