First Week at ISAP Zurich

First Impressions

The first week was intense—not just in terms of time but also in subject matter. It was fully dedicated to dreams, explored through patient cases, literature, art, and, of course, deep discussions. The topics were anything but light. We started with child loss, death, transference, mental disorders—profound and weighty themes that not only stirred something deep within me but also reaffirmed why I chose to study Depth Psychology.

The lecturers, each with their own distinct personality, brought a mix of practical examples, insight, and even humor—perhaps a compensatory reaction to the heaviness of the material. Each lecture ran for two academic hours, split into two 45-minute sessions with a short break in between. And thank god for that break—it was a much-needed moment to shake off the intensity, at least temporarily.

Some lectures that initially seemed "boring" completely captivated me by the second half, while others I had high hopes for turned out to be less engaging than expected. I also became keenly aware of my own resistance—my transference onto the lecturers, their styles, their personalities, even their slides. It was fascinating to watch my own projections rise to the surface—my dissatisfaction, my admiration, my judgments.

The students, too, played a crucial role. The room was filled with them, each carrying their own experiences, stories, and surprises. Here, too, I caught my own projections—my urge to impress, my desire to stand out, my frustration when I thought someone was speaking nonsense. And yet, all of it was beautiful. Why? Because it offered me a mirror, a space for introspection. It gave me the chance to talk with others on the same journey and, more than anything, to confront my shadow—my projections, my underworld, a place I’ve come to know well.

Being here, listening, speaking, engaging—it all forces me to face myself from angles I never could before. Whether I like it or not, I believe this confrontation is an essential part of healing.

Location

The location is fantastic—just 10 minutes from the main train station (HB). For commuters like me, that means no long treks to class. The Limmat River is only a 3-5 minute walk from ISAP’s door, which is absolutely amazing. I love taking a dip between classes—it’s the ultimate wake-up call when the water is a brisk 5°C.

The building itself is an old post office, now transformed into an institute with some living spaces. Just outside, you’ll find what ISAP’s president calls “the best free library in Zurich.” So far, I can confirm that claim—I haven’t come across anything else as big or as diverse. It’s constantly refreshed by our wonderful librarian, who, I suspect, is secretly a Jungian.

The institute has one massive lecture hall, complete with a big gong that signals the start of class, several smaller seminar rooms, and plenty of spots to hang out—including two student lounges. Here, you can stretch out, enjoy a good book, sip a drink, and just relax. Realistically, though, you can do that anywhere. I love gathering here with my fellow students after class to share stories about our wild journeys. <3

An open-door policy is the norm—staff are always approachable. Actually, calling them "staff" feels odd; I already see them as comrades on this journey. They also keep a generous stash of chocolates in their offices, which I happily indulge in whenever I visit. Kind souls indeed.

The library—now this deserves its own moment. The first time I stepped into ISAP Zurich’s library, I was blown away. I wouldn’t call myself a lifelong bookworm; reading only became a real hobby in my twenties. But walking into this library filled me with pure joy. Shelves upon shelves of books on psychology, philosophy, science, art, nature—you name it. And the best part? If a book you need isn’t there, the magical librarian fairies will make it appear. Honestly, I could set up a bed in that library and just absorb knowledge forever… though I reckon it would take a few lifetimes.

So far this week

• We swam the Limmat river (Early March)

• Hiked Lägern hill in Wettingen

• Had a dance off party with the ISAP's president, lecturers and students

• Had 8 two hour lectures and 2 two hour seminars in the first week (Keep em coming)

• Had a piano concert (yes, there is a nice Yamaha piano, and guitar which you can play)

Will Update as we continue to explore.

Attending classes is incredibly helpful—not just for absorbing knowledge but also for meeting the lecturers and getting a feel for their style. This is crucial when trying to choose a personal therapist. And the sooner you start, the better—there’s a high demand for analysts, but a limited supply of those available for personal analysis. This seems to be a growing challenge for ISAP which I'm hopeful will improve with waves of graduates taking place as training analysts at ISAP.