Jungian Therapy is a type of talking therapy that can be used in the treatment of some mental health conditions. The therapy is based on the teachings and analysis of legendary psychologist Carl Jung.

While Jung’s theory isn’t universally loved, his ideas continue to have an impact on the world all these years later. There are multiple advantages and disadvantages to this type of 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.

Advantages of Jungian Therapy

  • Focus on the individual: Jungian therapy puts an incredible focus on the person, arguably more so than any other therapy format. The therapist will aim to look at the patient in-depth. The therapist will get a strong idea of how the person works.
  • Research suggests it’s effective: Research into Jungian therapy is largely positive. In 2013, a large study found that Jungian therapy was effective in the treatment of many conditions [1]. Therefore, many people may derive benefit from Jungian Therapy.
  • Effective tools are taught: Jungian therapy teaches very effective and practical advice, and should help a person in the future and prevent relapse. Relapse rates with Jungian therapy are typically low.
  • Takes the past into account: Jungian therapy is well-known for looking deeply into the past of an individual. If a person has deep-seated issues or traumas, then Jungian therapy could help them process these healthily.
  • Highly-integrative: As Jungian therapy is quite a broad therapy, many therapists combine its use with other therapies. It can be integrated very easily and compliment other therapy formats.
  • Range of techniques used: Jungian therapy involves a range of different techniques, including word association and dream analysis. Because of the various techniques, if one doesn’t work, the chances are that others will. Its broad nature means there will normally be something for everyone.

Disadvantages of Jungian Therapy

  • Few therapists specifically use Jungian therapy: Unfortunately, very few therapists are dedicated purely to Jungian therapy. Many therapists prefer the similar approach of Sigmund Freud’s psychoanalytical psychotherapy. For those that do employ Jungian therapy, it is normally in conjunction with another therapy format. It is therefore difficult to get an exclusive Jungian experience.
  • Long-term therapy: Jungian therapy is certainly a commitment. It takes a long time to get the most out of this therapy, with the aforementioned 2013 study finding that 90 sessions were optimal [1]. If a person did one session per week, this would be almost two years of their life.
  • Needing to share a lot: Many people will find sharing their deepest thoughts and memories uncomfortable. This is why a strong patient-therapist relationship with Jungian therapy is key. The nature of Jungian therapy means that a person will need to provide a lot of information.
  • Requires commitment: Similar to the above, a person needs to be committed to Jungian therapy for it to work. It is an incredibly in-depth and demanding therapy. This is crucial to get the most out of the therapy.
  • Results take time: Jungian therapy focuses on long-term results. As a result, changes take time to happen. For those wanting quicker results, Jungian therapy may not be effective.
  • Not modern: While Jung’s ideas are still appreciated in the modern day, his ideas are viewed as outdated by many. More recent ideas and theories have appeared, which may make Jung’s theories inaccurate. This may mean that a person receives the wrong approach to their problems.

See Also

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References

[1]        Roesler, C. (2013). Evidence for the Effectiveness of Jungian Psychotherapy: A Review of Empirical Studies. Behavioral Sciences. 3 (4), p562-575.