Carl Jung – also known as the forefather of Jungian Psychology, which is more popularly known as Analytic Psychology – helped us understand the realm of psychology through his lens. However, did you know that there was one major factor that led to his split with Sigmund Freud and gave birth to what we know as Analytic or Jungian Psychology?
Jungian Psychology
Jungian Psychology, which can also be referred to as Analytic Psychology, is the approach to the psychology realm through the theories of Carl Jung. It has a primary focus of the symbolic experiences that take place in human life. It covers a prospective approach meaning one’s past can help explain the present, and one’s present can help plants the seeds for growth and development. Carl Jung believed that the psyche’s eagerness to achieve equilibrium between the conscious and unconscious led to the manifestation of religious expression. This was the main theory that led to the parting of ways between Sigmund Freud and Carl Jung. To understand analytic/Jungian even more, let’s dive into a few of the concepts.
Jungian Psychotherapy Concepts
- Active imagination – this was a method meant to bridge the gap between the conscious and unconscious. By the use of imagination (dreams or meditation fantasy), a person can bring forth their unconscious to the present.
- Individuation – this is a process in analytic psychology where an individual is meant to develop into who they truly intend to be.
- Collective unconscious – this is the unconscious that is shared by every living being with a nervous system. The collective unconscious organizes experiences of all within the species.
How Can Analytic Psychology Benefit Clients?
To put it in the simplest way possible, it helps them to achieve balance. Individuals can see what is out of balance in their psyche through the use of Jungian therapy. This leads to the empowerment of the client that will help them achieve a more balanced psyche and feel whole as an individual. It also helps in –
- Increased understanding of yourself and others
- Developed skills for improving relationships
- Improved ability to deal with personal problems
- Increased awareness about your strengths and limitations