Brief history of the SAP
The founders of the Society of Analytical Psychology first met in 1936 under the auspices of ‘The Analytical Psychology Club’ but because of the Second World War the constitution for the SAP was not finalised until 1946. C.G. Jung was the first President of the Society.
Trainings and Journal
The Society was set up to explore and develop Jung’s ideas and to make them better known. Trainings in both adult analysis and child analysis were set up, and members were required to have a personal analysis themselves. The SAP also founded the Journal of Analytical Psychology.
C.G. Jung Clinic
The other main aim of the Society was to offer therapy and analysis to people who are in distress or have emotional problems, and to help people develop their individuality. To further this aim the C.G. Jung Clinic was set up to make analysis available to all those who might benefit from it.
Russian Revival Project
A relatively recent development, initiated in 1998, was the setting up of the Russian Revival Project to train local psychotherapists and mental health workers in St. Petersburg and Moscow to work in psychological depth with both adults and children.
Michael Fordham
Michael Fordham was one of the founder members of the Society and was pivotal in its instigation and development. He was director of both the adult and child trainings at various times and was also one of the editors of Jung’s Collected Works. Michael Fordham was also the inspiration behind the Journal of Analytical Psychology and was its first editor, a position he held for fifteen years from 1955. Learn more about Michael Fordham.
The Society has had many other distinguished members who have made significant contributions, either in their work or in papers or publications. This website contains a list of books published by Members.
