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Wayne Full

Wayne Full completed both the MSc and PhD programmes at the UCL Psychoanalysis Unit

 

wayne full
What drew you to study at the UCL Psychoanalysis Unit? 

 

In 2010, I started my own psychoanalytic psychotherapy twice weekly. As my therapy progressed and deepened, I became interested in the thinkers and theories that informed my therapy. I was drawn to the MSc in Theoretical Psychoanalytic Studies (2012-13) as it seemed the most systematic and comprehensive course out there on psychoanalytic theory. It was also taught by very experienced and well known psychoanalysts who were still actively practising, writing, theorising and researching in the field. The course also emphasised primary texts: reading Freud, Klein, Bion, Winnicott and others in their own words was an essential aspect of the programme. It was a very stimulating learning environment and provided a good grounding in core psychoanalytic theory. I followed the MSc by completing the PhD in Psychoanalytic Studies at the Unit (2014-2021).

What aspects of the course did you most enjoy?

With the MSc, one highlight was reading the original psychoanalytic texts and grappling with key ideas and concepts for yourself and really having to work hard to gain an understanding of the intricacies of psychoanalytic theory. Another highlight was being taught by very experienced clinicians and theorists who encouraged debate, critical thinking and engagement. The Friday/Saturday structure of the MSc also allowed flexibility (I live in Wales). The PhD allowed me to explore a topic of psychoanalytic interest (in my case, sexuality) and equipped me with the skills to become a competent researcher in the field of psychoanalytic psychotherapy. My PhD enhanced my critical thinking and ultimately my research proposed an interdisciplinary theory of sexuality, drawing largely on psychoanalytic thought but using elements from feminism, queer theory, social constructionism, biopsychosocial theories, genetics, evolutionary studies and many other disciplines.

Who do you think would benefit from the course, and what advice would you give students as they are starting?

The MSc would be valuable for anyone thinking of training as a psychoanalyst/psychoanalytic psychotherapist because it provides a thorough grounding in key psychoanalytic thought. It would also be of interest to anyone wanting to teach psychoanalytic theory or conduct research in the field. The PhD is useful to individuals who wish to conduct empirical research in the field or to clinicians who are looking to build on their clinical skills. My advice to both MSc and PhD students would be that you only get out what you are willing to put in! These courses require commitment and engagement - and are structured to support those willing to put in the effort. If you work hard, these courses are very rewarding and you will find your knowledge, skills and experience will be significantly deepened, preparing you for professional life in the field, whether you continue in research and teaching or go on to train clinically or to do both!

How do you feel that the course helped shape your personal and/or professional trajectory?

There is no doubt that the MSc and PhD have paved the way for my career. I am currently a Research Fellow at the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). I am also a British Psychoanalytic Council (BPC) Scholar, meaning I am part of a professional network of psychoanalytically informed academics and researchers who have made a significant contribution to the advancement of psychoanalytic thinking through the use of psychoanalytic theory in their teaching, research and writing. I am also a member of the Society for Psychotherapy Research (SPR). I have taught psychoanalytic theory to MSc students at the Anna Freud Centre and the Unit as well as co-ordinated introductory courses for the British Psychotherapy Foundation (BPF). I also sit on the BPC Task Group on Gender, Sexuality and Relationship Diversity (GSRD) in psychoanalysis. In October 2021, I start my clinical training as a psychoanalytic psychotherapist at the Guild of Psychotherapists. This career development and trajectory would not be possible without the MSc and PhD! These courses set the strong foundation needed to achieve all the professional roles and responsibilities I have outlined above.