8 Things You Should Know About Jungian Therapy

Jungian Therapy is a type of talking therapy that can be used to treat mental health conditions. It follows the theory of Carl Jung, the esteemed psychologist.

There are a range of different types of talking therapy. If you are thinking about attending, you should think about the different options available to you. This article looks at some of the important areas of Jungian Therapy.

What is Jungian Therapy?

Jungian Therapy: Also known as Jungian analysis, this therapy is based on Carl Jung’s theory on the mind. The aim of this therapy is to bring the conscious and unconscious parts of the mind together, which should lead to a more balanced state of mind. It can be used for a variety of conditions. The therapy tries to look at the real person, rather than the person seen by the outside world. The therapist will use different techniques to elicit responses.

1. Jungian therapy is based on Carl Jung’s theories

As the name of this type of therapy would suggest, Jungian therapy is based around the teachings of psychologist Carl Jung. Jung is one of the most well-known names in psychology.

Jung believed that our conscious mind sat atop our unconscious mind, which is a deeper mind. He proposed that all humans have certain patterns that result in bad habits that can result in poor mental health.

2. The evidence for Jungian therapy is good!

Generally speaking, the evidence for Jungian therapy is strong. Many people will find that Jungian therapy is an excellent option for them, and that it helps improve their mental wellbeing.

For instance, one large study in 2013 reviewed a range of previous studies into Jungian therapy. It came to the conclusion that Jungian therapy provided “significantly improvements” to those that took part in the therapy [1].

3. Jungian therapy has a long-term focus

Jungian therapy takes time to complete. In fact, the aforementioned study found that 90 sessions was on average the optimum number of appointments one person would need. As a result, the focus is clearly on long-term improvements.

Jungian therapy takes time to work, but if a person has time for change, then it can be an excellent type of therapy. Change will be gradual, but certainly pronounced.

4. Based around the belief that behaviour, thoughts and feelings are interlinked

A key part of Jung’s theory is the belief that behaviour, thoughts and feelings are all interlinked. This is a rather common belief in mental health, with Jung among the first to put this theory into the mainstream.

Therefore, Jungian therapy looks to assist the individual as a whole, aiming to change the way they think, feel about themselves and the world, and ultimately their behaviour and actions.

5. Jungian therapy involves a person’s unconscious mind

As mentioned earlier, Jungian therapy involves tapping into a person’s unconscious mind. This can be a scary, albeit useful, experience. It can be difficult to reach the unconscious mind, but a trained therapist can help this to happen.

By reaching a person’s unconscious mind, the therapist will aim to uncover potential traumatic memories that have been repressed by the brain. Any such memories or events could cause the problems a person is going through in the modern day.

6. Jungian therapy can treat many mental health conditions

Jungian therapy can be used in the treatment of multiple mental health conditions. Moreover, those that do not suffer from ill mental health may also find it to be very useful, given its profound focus on the person as a whole.

Depression, anxiety, trauma-related conditions, Schizophrenia and some Personality Disorders are among the conditions that are often treated with Jungian therapy.

7. Jungian therapy can be rather intense

The nature of Jungian therapy means it is intense. Is very intense therapy that involves a therapist probing deep into the patient’s unconscious. It can be a difficult experience for a patient, as past trauma could be brought up.

A person will be expected to work outside of sessions on some of the techniques taught within the sessions. This way, the person can maximize the potential of the therapy.

8. The patient-therapist relationship is important

Because of the above, it is very important for the therapist and patient to get along well. The quality of patient-therapist relationship ensures that clients feel comfortable opening up about their problems.

By opening up about any issues they are facing, it will ensure that they can be provided with the necessary support and security to facilitate the awareness, self-actualisation and transformation that will help them overcome difficulties that are limiting their psychological wholeness.  

See Also

• Jungian Therapy: Everything You Need to Know
• Advantages and Disadvantages of Jungian Therapy
• 8 Things You Should Know About Jungian Therapy
• Carl Jung’s Collective Unconscious Theory and Mental Health
• Carl Jung’s Theory of Individuation and Mental Health
• What is the Difference Between Freud and Jung’s Psychoanalytic Theory?
• What Are The 4 Key Archetypes According to Carl Jung?
• List of Therapy Types