Contemporary situation of psychoanalysis and psychoanalytical therapies in France

Abstract

Even if psychoanalysis no longer prevails with the extraordinary enthusiasm it inspired after World War II, it still retains an important place for many in the mental health field. This paper’s objective is to describe the current situation of psychoanalysis and psychoanalytic therapies in the French health system, showing how, in our country, it has developed to this unique position. So far, influenced by the evolution of psychoanalysis in France, historical, cultural, and societal factors added with a strong lobby from psychodynamic scholars and strong support offered by clinical psychology, psychoanalysis and psychoanalytic psychotherapies have maintained a significant practice framework in France. Despite being challenged by the dominant global position of DSM psychiatry and cognitive psychology, psychoanalysis’ influence remains strong as it does not affect only psychology and psychiatry but also extends to the humanities and social sciences. New practice types and future directions for psychoanalysis and psychoanalytic therapies are then discussed.