Jungian Psychotherapy 101

Maybe you’re here because you’re looking for a therapist, and you’re curious about what a Jungian approach to psychotherapy looks like? Maybe you’re a fan of Jung’s work and are seeking a therapist with her own familiarity and comfort in working this way? These are complicated topics which many therapists and analysts, including myself, spend decades studying. I will do my best to briefly explain them by starting with the basics.

Carl Gustav Jung (1875-1961) was a Swiss psychiatrist and one-time protege of Sigmund Freud’s. These two men were the most influential contributors to the field of psychotherapy in the 20th century, and continue to be into the 21st century! They both had amazing insights and ideas about the existence and functioning of the human psyche - both the conscious (known, ego) psyche, as well as the unconscious (unknown) psyche. They both agreed that the not known, unconscious parts of the psyche had/have an outsize influence on our lives and relationships; both with others and within ourselves.

In addition to some of the more “traditional” psychoanalytic approaches of listening, mirroring, and interpreting, I find that Jungian practices allow my patients/clients to have deeper access to and connection with their inner knowing which can guide their development and individuation.

Jung’s approach includes both a looking back into childhood and early life, as well as a looking forward toward what he described as “individuation.” The “tension” between these two opposites opens a third possibility: individuation. Individuation, in Jungian terms, is a path in which one continuously works on one’s development over one’s lifespan by cultivating a collaborative relationship between one’s conscious self, and one’s unconscious. This relationship can provide insights and guide growth, features of the individuation path. Due to this vision of development over the lifespan, the Jungian approach is uniquely helpful in midlife. In fact, recent studies demonstrate the efficacy of a Jungian approach.

A Jungian psychotherapist can facilitate and invite a connection between the conscious/known psyche and the unconscious/unknown through the use of Jungian techniques. I am trained in a handful of these approaches, including dreamwork, active imagination and authentic movement. Each of these approaches involves working with inner images, feelings, memories or sensations. My education in mythology (and here), literature and religious studies also provides me with a lens through which to amplify these images, which you might choose to explore using the art supplies available in my office.

In my experience, tapping into what is felt or experienced on a deep, unconscious level and bringing that into conscious awareness facilitates a settling into one’s self and one’s inner knowing. These are capacities which serve to support the individual throughout their therapy or analysis, and in their personal relationships. It is, and has been, an honor to work with clients/patients in such a way.

If you’re interested in learning more, or in exploring the possibility of working together, feel free to give me a call: (415)887-8539.

Be well.