Jungian Therapy: The Advanced Sample Essay

Jungian therapy, or Jungian analysis, was created by Swiss psychologist Carl Gustav Jung (1875 – 1961). It is a method based on talking to patients to bridge together the conscious and unconscious sections of the mind. This therapy also centers on the principle of the real self, which is found by delving deep into a person’s mind—no matter how dark or horrifying. In the following paragraphs, when it is used, what patients can expect during a session, and how the method works will be explained.

When it is used

Jungian therapy is recommended for a variety of mental disorders and illnesses, such as depression, anxiety, trauma, low self-esteem, phobias, and periods of grief. In addition, patients sometimes take up this method in order to understand themselves better. The person wanting to use Jungian therapy has to factor in that it will take a lot of openness and willingness to delve deep into his or her psyche and identity. Due to this, Jungian therapy is used primarily with patients who are more free in their expression (“Jungian Therapy”).

What patients can expect during a session

Besides talking, your therapist might recommend doing several different actions. A common part of this method is exploring one’s dreams, stories, fantasties, and personal myths. Also, the psychologist might ask you to examine your life in its past and present, and engage in a deep inquiry of yourself. Lastly, your specialist might recommend you to explore your motivations. This is done to connect your conscious and unconscious mind (“What to Expect During a Session with a Jungian Therapist”).

How the therapy works

The basis of this method is self-realization, where the patient strives not for perfection, but wholeness. It is a type of psychological maturation. One ultimately develops meaning in life and death. According to David C. Hamilton, a Jungian analyst, this therapy is about, “…exploring the personal unconscious in the images and patterns that arise in an individual’s dreams, fantasies, memories, developmental history, creative expressions and the events of daily life. In an effort to raise one’s conscious awareness about relational dynamics experienced out in the world, consideration of the interpersonal experience of the unconscious observed in the natural, here-and-now, relational dynamics that occur between the client and the analyst is encouraged. Self awareness is further expanded by observing the concrete manifestations of the collective unconscious revealed in the archetypal stories, patterns and images found in mythology, fairy tales and the arts that mirror human behaviors and patterns” (“How Does Jungian Analysis Work?”). This process reveals the motives, passions, defenses, impulses, projections, and insecurities of the patient. In bringing these to light, Jungian therapy strives to make people more conscious and fulfilled.

This therapy is seen as a courageous act. The analytic process usually involves searching for meaning in the midst of mental issues. It is also a method that involves both the analyst and the client. An open rapport between both individuals is initiated, and the specialist must also dive deep into his or her own subconscious and conscious mind regularly. Once again, this therapy yearns for wholeness rather than perfection, so the analyst is not exactly an ideal or model. Rather, the psychologist is a guide and a partner in this process of self-realization (“How Does Jungian Analysis Work?”).

In closing, Jungian therapy is a type of psychological analysis created by Carl Gustav Jung, which focuses on bridging the conscious and unconscious mind to create a personality of wholeness. There are a variety of ways the sessions go: sometimes they involve dialogue, the exploration of dreams/motives/passions, deep dives into the conscious and subconscious mind, and self-inquiry. The goal of this therapy is to achieve self-realization, where you understand who you are, and accept yourself.

Works Cited
“Jungian Therapy.” Psychology Today, Sussex Publishers, www.psychologytoday.com/intl/therapy-types/jungian-therapy.
“What to Expect During a Session with a Jungian Therapist.” Houston Holistic Health Clinic Alternative & Holistic Medicine Experts, 22 Oct. 2017, www.thecenterforhas.com/what-to-expect-during-a-session-with-a-jungian-therapist/.
“How Does Jungian Analysis Work? | The Unconscious | David C. Hamilton | Jungian Analyst | Burlington | Charlotte | VERMONT 05445 | Therapy.” C.G. Jung, www.jungiananalystvt.com/HowdoesJungianAnalysisWork.en.html.