The Advanced Clinical Study Group (ACSG) is an ongoing programme for clinicians and advanced candidates/students who want to deepen their engagement with psychoanalytic theory and practice.
The group brings together the presentation of clinical material, close theoretical study, and sustained collegial discussion. Rather than delivering a set curriculum, the ACSG is shaped by the developing concerns and interests of by participants who already have a strong foundation in psychoanalytic thought and practice.
Our members come together from around the world. All are deeply dedicated to achieving the highest standards of intellectual and clinical work.
Who is this group for?
The ACSG is intended for:
practising psychoanalysts and psychotherapists;
clinicians working psychoanalytically or seeking to develop a psychoanalytic orientation;
candidates undertaking psychoanalytic formation;
advanced students and researchers with a substantial grounding in psychoanalytic theory;
previous participants in TAF courses who are ready for more intensive study.
Participants do not need to belong to a particular psychoanalytic school or institution. We welcome a range of clinical backgrounds and theoretical orientations. However, the ACSG is not an introductory course. Applicants should already be familiar with central psychoanalytic concepts and prepared to undertake the required reading.
Our approach
The ACSG is grounded primarily in the Freudian and Lacanian traditions while maintaining a critical attitude toward this inheritance and remaining open to the wider field of psychoanalytic thought.
We understand psychoanalytic formation as something more than the accumulation of theoretical knowledge. It involves learning how to read closely, tolerate uncertainty, formulate productive questions, and respond to the singularity of clinical material.
For this reason, the group does not aim to impose a single correct vocabulary or model of practice. Participants are encouraged to test concepts, identify disagreements, and think critically about the consequences of different theoretical positions and clinical approaches.
Commitment and participation
The value of the group depends upon the regular participation of its members. Participants are therefore expected to:
attend consistently;
complete the assigned reading wherever possible;
contribute thoughtfully to discussion;
respect differences of experience and theoretical orientation;
preserve the confidentiality of the group.
Clinical discussion and confidentiality
Sensitive clinical material is discussed in the ACGS. It is therefore of the utmost ethical importance that participants take steps to protect the anonymity of clients/analysands,. Everything discussed within the group—including clinical material and the contributions of other participants—is treated as strictly confidential. A statement reminding participants of confidentiality is read at each meeting of the group.
Practical Information
The ACSG meets weekly (via Zoom) for four terms per year (10 weeks per term).
We meet on Saturdays at 8.30am LA / 11.30am NYC / 4.30pm London / 5.30pm Paris.
The term dates for 2026–2027 are as follows:
Term 4: 2026: October 17–December 19
Term 1, 2027: January 10–March 13
Term 2, 2027: April 3–June 5
Term 3, 2027: August 7–October 9
Term 4, 2027: October 16–December 18
The fee for participation in the ACSG is €600 per term, usually paid via an ongoing monthly subscription of €200.
How do I join?
Admission to the ACSG is by application. The application allows us to understand your background, your previous engagement with psychoanalysis and what you hope to explore through the group. It also helps us maintain a level of experience appropriate to advanced collective study.
Previous participation in a TAF course is welcomed but is not required. For questions about eligibility or the programme, email us at info(at)theanalyticforum.com.