An Introduction to the Psychodynamic Approach and Jungian Therapy

Oct 25

Key Concepts of Analytical (Jungian) Therapy

Psychodynamic approaches to therapy have a long history. While some more outdated ideas are discarded in modern-day approaches, many basic concepts are still widely used today. Examples of classic psychodynamic theories and contributors include Freud’s psychoanalysis and Jung’s analytical therapy. Some primary beliefs that form the basis of psychodynamic approaches include how unconscious forces impact motivation and functioning, how early relationships and experiences sculpt personality development, and how dreams can hold keys to unconscious influence (Neukrug & Hays, 2022). This paper will focus on one of the significant contributors to psychodynamic approaches: Carl Jung’s Analytical (Jungian) Therapy.

The foundation of Jung’s approach to therapy supports ideals that we can tap into our psyche and become a more complete version of ourselves by bringing aspects of our unconscious selves into our conscious awareness. Specifically, Jung believed each of us houses inside our psyche a conscious, personal unconscious, and the collective unconscious (Neukrug & Hays, 2022). Jung also believed that psychological types and their position of importance largely sculpt our worldviews. These include introversion, extraversion, thinking, feeling, sensing, and intuiting (Neukrug & Hays, 2022). Other views that set Jungian therapy apart from other psychodynamic approaches are the belief in archetypes of the collective unconscious, such as the Shadow and the Self, complexes formed by repressed matter, and the importance of symbolism and dream analysis in uncovering the voice of the personal and collective unconscious (Neukrug & Hays, 2022). Developing a more profound understanding in all these areas brings the person closer to achieving a sense of their whole self.

Real-Life Applications

Jungian therapy gives rise to various application techniques of value in counseling. First and foremost, caring for my own psyche as a therapist and establishing rapport with the patient is critical to any progress. The primary goal of therapy would be to help the patient reach a state of wholeness of self by tapping into their personal and collective unconscious and bringing that material to their conscious.

Exploration of unconscious states could be achieved in a variety of ways. I might invite the patient to participate in an active imagination exercise, where I lead them through a meditation meant to tap into repressed material. Additionally, I might ask the patient to write down their dreams and discuss them to tap into the symbolism of the unconscious. Another technique I might employ is art therapy. I might ask the patient to create art that represents their inner voice, for example, and then discuss what the patient creates and what it means to them.

Jungian concepts speak to the heart of my own life in many ways. I have always felt drawn to symbolism, similarities across religious beliefs and mythology, personality types, and hidden meanings within dreams. I’ve taken a version of the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, expanded from Jung’s psychological types, and found my results eerily fitting. I’m currently exploring Jungian concepts as they relate to my psyche, and I plan to incorporate Jungian principles in my practice with patients in the future. I find great value in exploring the personal and collective unconscious through symbolism found in art and dream analysis to achieve a greater sense of the whole self. While other therapies are more easily and readily researched in terms of efficacy, I firmly believe that working toward a goal of greater awareness and expanded consciousness is deeply valuable and beneficial.

Jungian Art Therapy Examples

“The Whisper” © Stephanie Guillen (2022)

“Evil Sky Bear” © Stephanie Guillen (2021)

References

Neukrug & Hays, E., & Hays, D. G. (2022). Analytical Therapy (Jungian Therapy). In Counseling theory and practice (3rd ed., pp. 57–88).

#mentalhealth #mentalhealthawareness #arttherapy #jung #carljung #analyticaltherapy #jungiantherapy #therapy #psychodynamic

Steph Guillen

I’m an art therapy and counseling master’s degree program student, as well as an artist, writer, and program director with a strong background in communications, photography, art, and job search/employment strategies. I have a passion for uplifting marginalized communities through means that champion knowledge, growth, and empowerment. My professional history largely resides in working with unemployed mid-to-high level executives, refugees, immigrants, and newcomers from the Middle East. I’ve advocated for and empowered these communities through the mediums of online graphic communications, writing, education, workshops, program development, and art.

I combine skills in art, graphics, photography, writing, project management, content creation, social media, advocacy/awareness initiatives, program development, and research to make a positive impact.

Certificates in: Positive Psychology, The Science of Well-Being, Creative Writing, Therapeutic Art Life Coaching, Career Brand Management, and Social Media Marketing. Education in Graphic Communications Technology, Photography, Middle Eastern Studies, and International Relations. Pursuing a competitive M.A. program in Art Therapy & Counseling.

KEY ACCOMPLISHMENTS

• Graduated Summa Cum Laude with a B.A. in Middle Eastern Studies while working full-time.

• Nominated for membership in Pi Gamma Mu Honor Society, Sigma lota Rho Honor Society, and The Society for Collegiate Leadership & Achievement.

• Recipient of the Global Goodwill Ambassador’s Humanitarian Award in recognition of years of impactful volunteer work, primarily in the refugee and international arena.

• Inducted into the Golden Key International Society with a 4.0 GPA in Middle Eastern Studies.

• Invited and accepted into the following committees and board: YMCA International’s Refugee College Scholarship Committee five years in a row, YMCA International’s Triumph of the Human Spirit Art Selection Committee two years in a row, United Nations Association of Houston Board Member & Global Classroom Liaison, World Refugee Day-Houston’s Panel Committee and Fundraising Committee.

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