Constitution of the Society

1. Name

The name of the society is the Society for Existential Analysis (“the Society”).

2. Principal office

London, United Kingdom.

3. Objects

The objects of the charity are:

1. To further the study and application of the Existential approach through public education and debate.
2. To promote or assist in the promotion of research into all aspects of Existential Therapy and Thought and to disseminate the useful results of such research.
3. To promote the existential ethos within the field of psychotherapy.
4. To seek affiliation with other like-minded societies, and to accredit training courses in Existential Therapy and Thought.
5. To foster the inclusion of Existential Therapy within the range of mainstream therapy approaches used in the NHS, by IAPT, and by other large health providers.
6. To raise awareness and promote the value of the Existential approach as relevant to the contemporary philosophical, psychosocial, economic and political context — through speakers, publications, public meetings and courses.

4. Membership

Membership is open to those who support the objects of the Society. Categories include full, international and student members. Members may vote at general meetings, stand for the Committee, and access members’ benefits including the journal and reduced event rates.

5. The Committee

The affairs of the Society are managed by an Executive Committee elected by the membership at the Annual General Meeting. Committee members serve three-year terms, meet monthly, and act as the charity’s trustees. They give their time voluntarily and receive no remuneration. (See the Committee page.)

6. General meetings

An Annual General Meeting is held each year, at which the Committee reports on the Society’s activities and finances and elections are held. Extraordinary general meetings may be called as the constitution provides.

7. Finances

The Society’s funds are applied solely towards its objects. Proper accounts are kept and presented to members at the AGM, and the charity reports to the Charity Commission as required.

8. Amendment and dissolution

The constitution may be amended by resolution at a general meeting subject to the majorities it specifies. On dissolution, any remaining assets are transferred to a body with similar charitable objects.

Summary for the new site — the full constitution (December 2018) will be linked here as a PDF.