Carl Jung, Individuation, and Therapeutic Alliance

The above quote from Carl Jung encapsulates a major intention of mine as a psychotherapist and tarot consultant, being the fostering and sustaining of therapeutic alliance.  To me, the artwork of his is also symbolic of a commitment to the self-work I practice, facilitate, and often advocate for others with whom I collaborate in therapy and consultation.  The art detail is from an image Jung painted for his hand-crafted manuscript entitled Liber Novus, that he worked on from 1913-1917, and the quote is from his book Modern Man in Search of a Soul, published in 1933.  I believe the material in said books indicates that some of the pivotal ideas, theories, and beliefs of Jung which informed his therapeutic practices were rooted in his personal knowledge and exploration of such terrain, and also underscores his emergent awareness of the importance of therapeutic alliance to facilitating effective psychotherapy.

Liber Novus, published in 2009 as The Red Book: Liber Novus, is a documentation of a significant phase of Jung's individuation process, in which he used his active imagination technique, resulting in intense visions he felt compelled to document with image and narrative.  I believe this work demonstrates his courage, focus, fortitude, and dedication to face and immerse himself in the practice of individuation.  I see this influence reflected in Modern Man in Search of a Soul, a book that if he had written today would hopefully have a more inclusive title.  The quote specifically referenced here,  I view as communicating a belief that the therapeutic process is best a collaboration, as for transformation to occur both actors must be present and engage to some degree, often showing openness, flexibility and vulnerability, resulting in an evolutionary experience for both players.

The significance of therapeutic alliance is documented in many a study as being one of, if not the most, clear indicators of successful therapeutic process, and personally I continue to witness and sense it's influence.  This means I arrive for appointments prepared to listen without judging, hold space with empathy and equanimity, provide unconditional positive regard and unbiased support, and deliver prompt, direct, and clear feedback when appropriate.  I will most likely encourage you to explore your thoughts, somatic sensations, emotions, and spirituality, with the aim of your empowerment and self-gnosis, as well as suggesting and facilitating the cultivation of skills that keep you feeling centered and confident.

This path I find leads to a multitude of results which include yet are not limited to; clarity, relief of suffering, congruity between thought, desire, and action, and manifestation of fulfilling life experiences.  I have a long-time engagement with such processes, and proceed along the evolving path with daily devotion to the expansion of myself and others.  Join me if you will, I'd love to share my knowledge of the map and the territory.

written by Mark Barone MA LMHCA

References

Cabaniss, Deborah, L. (2012, May 31) The Therapeutic Alliance: The Essential Ingredient for Psychotherapy. The Huffington Post. Retrieved from http:/huffingtonpost.com/deborah-l-cabaniss-md/therapeutic-alliance_b_1654007.html

Carl Jung. (n.d.) In Wikipedia. Retrieved from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carl_Jung

Jung, Carl, G. (1933) Modern Man in Search of a Soul. London, England: Kegan Paul, Trench, Trubner & Co

Jung, Carl G. & Shamdasani, Sonu (Ed.).(2009) The Red Book: Liber Novus (Mark Kyburz, John Peck, & Sonu Shamdasani, Trans.). New York, NY: W.W. Norton & Co.

Unconditional positive regard. (n.d). In Wikipedia. Retrieved from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unconditional_positive_regard

© 2017 Mark Barone MA LMHCA
Catalyst Psychotherapy and Consulting
Seattle, WA
catalystpsychotherapy.com