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In an editorial note Carotenuto sets out the course of training decided upon after many years of experiment and discussion by the Italian Association of Analytical Psychology (AIPA). A unique feature of the procedure adopted is that the personal analysis of an applicant forms no part of the training. It must have ended when he applies to the Association and, since the opinion of his analyst is expressly not sought, complete confidentiality is preserved. An applicant attends at least one year of theoretical seminars and at the same time starts analysis, known as the propaedeutic-didactic, with a training member of the IAPA of his own choice. The aim of the propædeutic is to discover and clarify his motivation for the profession and the outcome depends upon the judgment of this second analyst, which if positive, qualifies the applicant to enter upon the training proper with a clinical case under supervision. Training thus takes place on three levels—personal transformation, the acquisition of knowledge and the exchange of experiences between pupil and teacher.
Aite's and Carotenuto's papers deal with the main problems arising during propædeutic analysis. Aite finds that the master-pupil image is the dominating factor and defence in which both parties can become trapped. He examines at length the temptations facing the analyst, now also both judge and teacher: he may avoid responsibility and conflict by giving a favourable opinion of the applicant, whose self-image is at stake; or identify with the master image and succumb to messianic certainty; or feel threatened by an usurper or fall in love with his pupil upon whom he projects his own continuity. The pupil for his part tends to alternate between ‘favourite son’ and ‘abandoned child’, and a critical period is reached when he tries to turn the analysis into his ‘real’ analysis, directing all his aggression against his former analyst, now cast as persecutor. An impasse may result, the professional goal be lost sight of