A Jungian analyst is a practitioner who uses Jungian psychotherapy, which was developed by Swiss psychologist Carl Gustav Jung in the 20th century, to help people resolve conflicts with others and within themselves.
Distinct from the psychoanalytic approach that Sigmund Freud created, Jungian analysis is a more modern approach with up-to-date practice and techniques. Psychotherapy was not the original purpose of Jungian analysis but it has become synonymous with it.
Jungian analysts help people by guiding them through a process called analytical psychology. This approach to psychological growth is grounded in the concept that one's personal experience may have contributed to their current circumstances, which, despite the tortuous paths and emotional distress they may be experiencing, hold the key to future development and success.
What is Jungian Analysis?
According to Carl Jung, we all have an inherent inclination for personal growth as a result of our unique individuation process. It refers to our natural ability to express our true selves in our daily lives without fear of being judged. However, at some point in our lives, certain events or experiences obstruct our growth, wreaking havoc on our psychological health.
Jungian analysis involves tapping into an individual's personal unconscious, including relationship issues, emotional life and other events stored in the deepest region of their brain, rather than just addressing symptoms, to help them identify which parts of their authentic self are separated or missing.
A certified Jungian analyst is trained in various depth psychologies, a group of methodological approaches to understanding the collective unconscious and how it affects human experience and the inner workings of the psyche. These include dream analysis, archetypal psychology, active imagination, symbolic interpretation, mythological amplification, empathy and working through resolving past experiences or traumas.
The idea behind this practice is that if a person can recognise their inner conflicts, they can overcome them and improve all areas of their life, including relationships, career, etc.
Source: Philosophy Maps
Jungian analysis is often interchanged with Jungian therapy, which should not be the case even if the latter leans towards the ideals of C.G. Jung's therapeutic process.Only mental health professionals who have completed a training program recognised by the International Association for Analytical Psychology (IAAP) are authorised to work as a Jungian analyst and call themselves one. They have undergone extensive personal analysis, analytic training, and they have mastered the process of individuation which is critical in the clinical practice of the modality.
What are the Health Benefits of Jungian Analysis?
There are many benefits associated with participating in Jungian analysis. These include improved moods, more creative outlets for emotions and releasing pent-up negative emotions. A Jungian analyst will use psychotherapy techniques during sessions—there is no medication used or prescribed by this profession to help people with various mental health issues. The main goal is to resolve the internal conflicts within one's self so they can move forward confidently in life. Jungian analysts can help people who are suffering from various health disorders, including:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Addiction
- Phobias
- Insomnia
- Low self-esteem
A Jungian analyst helps you understand your unconscious mind and how it affects your behaviour. Understanding this connection brings a deeper meaning in life and helps you identify ways to resolve conflicts that you may have with others, yourself and the outer world. Jungian analysis is a long-term psychotherapy that usually takes years because it requires an understanding of the collective unconscious to gain insight into your own personal views on life.
What Happens in a Jungian Analysis Session?
During a Jungian analysis session, the patient lies on a couch while the analyst sits nearby in a chair. This allows the patient to feel more comfortable speaking about their problems without having to worry about eye contact all the time. The analyst listens intently and may ask questions or provide feedback when necessary.
Before treating a new patient, the practitioner will conduct an initial interview to discuss the individual's situation and goals. The goal of the initial interview is to provide an opportunity for both parties to decide if they want to go forward with the treatment. If either party does not feel comfortable continuing the process, then it will end here.
Jungian analysts typically use a technique called free association. This involves encouraging patients to say whatever comes into their minds without filtering what they say or trying to control it in any way. The analyst will record everything that the patient says and then provides feedback at the end. Sometimes this will involve pointing out connections between images or ideas expressed by the patient, while other times it involves simply summarising what was said to help provide clarity. It is also common for a patient to ask questions in order to dig deeper into his or her feelings.
Jungian analysis can help patients understand why they act in certain ways. This is done by revealing the deeper parts of their psyche. Only when the self is fully understood can a person uncover and reunite with their true self.
