Jungian Therapy

What is Jungian therapy?

Jungian therapy invites clients to look deeply (and sometimes uncomfortably) at both their conscious and unconscious thoughts in order to take an in-depth look at their true or real selves, providing a deeper understanding of themselves.

Jungian therapy, sometimes also called Jungian analysis is a form of therapy that explores both personal and professional problems that has some of its original history connected to Psychodynamic theory from Freud until Carl Jung branched off.

Unlike Freudian psychoanalysis, the factor of a good relationship with the client was quite important, even though it still explored the understanding of an individual’s psyche.

Jungian therapy understands change as a process that unfolds in different stages, which sometimes leads to conflict. Part of therapy is to understand and measure these difficulties or disturbances and then come to terms with them rather than be run by them.

How does Jungian therapy work?

One of the main concepts discussed by Jung is the concept of Collective Unconscious which involves a group of archetypes that is common in all of humanity and sometimes seen in great myths such as the:

• Mother
• Father
• Child
• Hero
• Magician
• Sage

and also involve topics of love, sex, marriage, and even what is known as the shadow, or the darker sides of ourselves.

Because Jungian therapy tends to strongly utilize archetypes, archetypes are used to integrate and explore strengths and weaknesses in order to help you to improve your individuation – an important focus of Jungian therapy. Individuation is the process of discovering your unique self-identity. This is an ongoing process throughout our lives and involves you separating from old identities and then exploring  and integrating new ones that are unique to you.

Dream interpretation is also commonly used with some hints of mysticism in Jungian therapy.

When is Jungian therapy used?

Jungian therapy may be used to treat:

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Mental health disorders
• Relationship dependence
• Trauma
• Grief and loss
• Self esteem issues

This type of therapy may be used to treat other conditions and concerns in addition to those listed above. It may also be used in conjunction with other treatment methods. Your therapist will work with you to determine the best treatment method for your individual circumstances.

You should be aware that there is no treatment method that is successful for every person. What works for you, may not work for someone else.

What to expect from therapy

Put simply, you will get out of therapy what you put into it. It’s not a magic solution that will solve all your problems. It may involve you doing some real work and being completely honest with yourself and your therapist. Sometimes facing our truth is the hardest thing of all – but from that discomfort can come healing and growth.

Insight’s therapists are available for in-person, online, or telephone counselling at several locations in Alberta. Contact us to learn more.