C. G. Jung was the founder of Jungian psychology. Jung believed that the unconscious is a real, dynamic source of creative energy, images, and stories. Depth therapy (not Jungian analysis) can be combined with mindfulness and expressive arts. These are all ways to tap into the Unconscious for healing, They can be especially helpful if you struggle with creative blocks.
Jungian psychology is sometimes connected with spirituality. Atheists and agnostics are welcome in depth therapy. No specific faith, religion, or belief system is required. If you remember your dreams, this may be a great shortcut to the unconscious, the prime mover of depth models. Even Marvel fans have more knowledge of Jungian archetypes and mythology than they realize. Loki was one of many Tricksters, examples of an archetype that spans historic periods and world cultures. Another key to depth therapy is the imagination, which can be awakened through storytelling, drawing, music, meditation, etc.
Expressive arts therapy is NOT about talent or performance. People who do not think they have much artistic ability may be surprised to learn that most everyday problem-solving skills are creative. Accessing the unconscious in depth therapy is about finding your inner resources, balancing the dark and light. Jungian psychology can use more than one model or way of learning/growing. It can combine art, science, religion, and even neuroscience (the study of the brain's role in everything from digestion to dreams).
Jung is definitely a controversial figure. While he was interested in several cultures and world religions, some of his writings perpetuated racist, patriarchal ideas. My appreciation for his theories is balanced by my study of feminism, critical race theory, social justice activism, decolonization, and queer studies.
I believe that depth therapy should be accessible. It has great potential to empower people in marginalized groups. For this reason, I offer free or low-cost workshops on LGBTQIA+ archetypes and queer spirituality.
Contact me for more information.
Image credit: "CG Jung - 'Liverpool is the pool of life'" by Ben Sutherland is licensed under CC BY 2.0
I have experience using a Jungian psychology tool called active imagination. This process can be applied to dreams. With guidance by a depth therapy clinician like me, anyone can use their imagination to start a dialogue with a dream figure, image, or memory.
For people who do not remember their dreams, other images can be used just as effectively.
Active imagination is also an excellent way to help you get un-stuck, whether the issue is writer's block, depression, anxiety, or other obstacles.
The study of Jungian psychology has changed my life in profound ways. Working with the Unconscious can be playful, rewarding, fun, transformative, and unpredictable. It can also be terrifying. People with histories of severe trauma should use caution before diving into the depths.
I believe that cognitive science, which supports EMDR, and the healing potential of depth therapy can be combined to meet your specific needs. This is why my practice and this site are called Cognitive Depth Therapy.
People are complicated. No one theory fits all clients. Finding a holistic, integrated balance between science and art, mind and body, self and other, can be rare. I want to do my part to help bridge those gaps.