What is Jungian Analysis?

Jungian Analysis is an intensive form of psychological treatment that suits those people who want to make profound and enduring changes in their inner world and are seeking to understand the undiscovered aspects of themselves. It is a thoughtful, curious, and collaborative approach which will enable you to explore and discover what is uniquely right for you, both inside yourself and in the outside world

The background of Jungian Analysis

Influenced by Carl Gustav Jung (1875-1961), a leading psychiatrist of his day and one of the pioneers of so-called depth psychology, Jungian Analysis continues to evolve and develop, responding in a questioning and thoughtful way to our constantly changing world. Jungian Analysts use this developing knowledge and understanding to better help the people they treat.

While each analysis is unique, the overall aim of Jungian Analysis is ‘individuation’, Jung’s term for the process of self discovery. Individuation is characterised by an awareness of a robust and steady sense of self and aliveness even in the face of difficulties. Jung believed it was never too late to change things, to make the most of life and to find meaning in it. He put emphasis on the importance of knowing who you are, an ongoing process that happens throughout our life-span in the context of our relationships with others. Based on this central concept, Jungian Analysts start any analysis by recognising the potential in each individual and working toward allowing the person to develop themselves fully.

How does Jungian Analysis work?

Analysis is a dialogue between two people, it involves meeting with your analyst on a regular basis, often a number of times a week for sessions that last fifty minutes. This stable, confidential structure gives the two of you a chance to connect with and understand what’s happening at a deeper level.

It is a method that goes to the root of unconscious patterns that have been established in early relationships through the window of the relationship between the patient and the analyst. Recognising how the past influences your behavior in the present can give you new ways of relating in the world and freedom of choice in your life.

Sometimes we don’t understand the beliefs and fears that shape our way of looking at and living in the world – they have become ingrained and automatic. We can find ourselves repeating destructive patterns; feeling stuck in unhappy relationships and stunted in our emotional, creative and professional development.

It’s my experience that the relationship between patient and analyst can create conditions that support transformation in people’s lives. It provides containment which allows for the exploration of blocks and interruptions to the individuation process.

I believe that the analytic relationship is collaborative. My approach focuses on listening sensitively for those unconscious patterns that may be preventing you from living a full and creative life. We work together in a mutual effort to find meaning and make sense of your experience. My role is to help you facilitate your own process of self-discovery, so that you can continue your life journey in a way that is uniquely yours. It’s through this process that deep and lasting change in the personality can occur.

Who is Jungian Analysis for?

Jungian Analysis is the treatment of choice for anyone who wants to make profound and enduring changes in their inner world and their ability to understand and relate to others. It is particularly suited for individuals who are motivated to understand undiscovered aspects of themselves through an in-depth, relational process. By being generous with time, attention and thought allows for continuity of experience and a building of trust, within which you can feel secure enough to face deep- seated issues and allow difficult thoughts and feelings to emerge-something that might feel more risky in less frequent sessions.

Through this reflective process, you not only can experience symptom relief, but you can also find a fuller and more authentic sense of self and foster your creative potential.

How is a Jungian Analysis therapist different from other psychotherapists?

A Jungian Analyst is someone who has completed an intensive, supervised training. Only someone who has graduated from a Jungian training program approved by the International Association of Analytical Psychologists (IAAP) is recognised as a Jungian Analyst. Analytic training, with its high standards of professional competence and personal integrity, takes a number of years to complete. I have trained with Society of Analytical Psychology (SAP), which offers one of the most intensive Jungian Analytic trainings available. SAP is also a member of the British Psychoanalytic Council (BPC) which is one of the two main regulatory bodies in the UK for psychoanalytic psychotherapy practitioners.