Jungian Analysis

Jungian Analysis is a form of psychotherapy that was developed by Swiss Psychiatrist, C.G Jung. A collogue of the well-known Sigmund Freud, Jung based his theory on the idea of dreams and the indication that they can have on our lives. Jungian Analysis is a therapy that focuses on bringing awareness and understanding of the unconscious mind.

Jung had a very interesting idea about dreams and their function. He contested that dreams were a compensation for our character flaws and shortcomings brought on by the ego. Jung believes that the role of dreams is to present the ego with an alternative course of action or perspective, once that we wouldn’t think of in a conscious state. Jungian Analysis focuses on the fact that dreams may offer your conscious self advice, information or criticism.

So, why Jungian Analysis?

People turn to Jungian Analysis to create a stronger connection between their ego and their unconscious mind, to essentially become a more in tune and spiritually whole being.  Dream interpretation is vital in this process of self-transformation. There are three methods that are used to try and bring these unconscious images to the minds surface – making it easier for them to be interpreted and analysed. These three methods are:

1. Explication
2. Amplification
3. Active Imagination

Both Explication and Amplification are interpretive tools whilst Active Imagination is an immersive tool.

Explication is the process of identifying the imagery in your dreams, and more importantly the significance of certain images. For example, if you were to dream of a key, a stick and a ram, it is the role of the Jungian Analyst to identify which of these images is being sent by the subconscious mind and why. Explication is often used to find the essence of the image as opposed to the obvious symbolic meaning.

Amplification is the process of identifying the symbolically common meaning of a certain image. This means that the Jungian Analyst will try and draw parrellels from other sources such as mythology, art, literature and other cultures. They will compare the meanings derived from those sourced as see if they can be linked to the images in your dreams.

Active Imagination is where participants engage with the images as opposed to merely observing them. The subconscious images of the mind will be evoked and the participant will engage in a conversation with the conjured subconcious images. This technique asks that we treat internal reality just as we would actual reality, leading us to understand that the psyche can produce persons and beings of its own.

Jungian Analysis is a complex and interesting process that could be beneficial to people willing to explore the philosophies and theories of the unconscious mind. To find a Jungian Analyst in your area, please visit our homepage.