Jungian psychology, also known as analytical psychology, is a theoretical and therapeutic approach to psychology developed by Swiss psychiatrist Carl Jung. It is based on the premise that the human psyche is divided into three parts: the conscious mind, the personal unconscious, and the collective unconscious.
The conscious mind is what we are aware of, while the personal unconscious includes thoughts, feelings, and memories that we are not currently aware of but can become aware of through introspection. The collective unconscious, on the other hand, contains the shared ancestral memories of humanity.
Jungian psychology emphasizes the exploration and integration of unconscious material in therapy. Jung believed that by exploring and integrating unconscious aspects of the psyche, individuals could achieve greater wholeness and lead more fulfilling lives. This process involves bringing to consciousness the personal and collective unconscious through a variety of methods, such as dream analysis, active imagination, and symbolic interpretation.
In therapy, the therapist and the client work together to explore the client's unconscious and bring it to consciousness. This process involves working with dreams, fantasies, and other symbolic expressions of the unconscious. The therapist may also use creative techniques, such as drawing or writing, to help the client access and integrate unconscious material.
Jungian psychology also emphasizes the importance of the individual's relationship to the collective. Jung believed that the individual is not separate from the collective, but rather a part of it. Therefore, in therapy, the therapist may also explore the client's relationship to society and the larger cultural context.
Overall, Jungian psychology provides a framework for exploring the deep, complex, and often unconscious aspects of the human psyche. It seeks to help individuals develop a greater sense of self-awareness, meaning, and purpose in life.