What is Jungian Analysis?

Jungian analysis, evolving from the rich and extensive theories of the renowned Swiss psychiatrist C.G. Jung, is a method of depth psychotherapeutic treatment and personal inner development. Jung defined psychological wellness as the balance between the demands of an outer life of family and relationships, work and social obligations, and an inner life of spiritual values and personal meaning. He observed that in the course of living these two essential aspects of who we are cannot help but diverge and fall out of workable balance. This imbalance is often at the root of psychological suffering and distress.

While most psychologies primarily address disturbances in outer life, what distinguishes Jungian analysis from them is that it aims at treating the whole person, both inner and outer. Jungian analyis endeavors to work through felt suffering beyond the amelioration of symptoms in order to discover their symbolic meaning for the balance of the person as a whole, and to discern in these symptoms unseen opportunities for growth. Beyond caring for immediate distress, access to a deeper, unrealized balance is achieved by working from this symbolic, or meaning based perspective with dreams, guided and free-form imagery and artistic productions. Jung demonstrated that such spontaneous and creative material is the doorway beyond suffering to a deeper wellness, if not spiritual growth and development.