“You are not a drop in the ocean. You are the ocean in a drop.” ~ Rumi

Jungian Psychology and Dreamwork

Carl G. Jung laid the foundation for what is now called Jungian psychology. His theory encompasses terms such as shadow, archetypes and the collective unconscious.

Jung found dreams to hold accurate symbolic messages relating to the psychological complexes that keep us bound, and their nature as a guiding language to our deepest essence or soul. Active imagination is the technique Jung developed to access the unconscious, often through engaging with an image or inner figure from our dreams. When working on both the conscious and unconscious level, tending to the images and narratives of our unconscious, a bridge is built that strengthens the relationship and understanding of our inner world, our place within the larger collective and its underlying influences. We root more firmly into our own narrative, from which we can make more conscious decisions in daily life.

‘therapeutae’

The term *Therapeutae* (plural) is Latin, from Philo's Greek plural *Therapeutai* (Θεραπευταί). The term therapeutes means one who is attendant to the gods[3] although the term, and the related adjective *therapeutikos*[4] carry in later texts the meaning of attending to heal, or treating in a spiritual or medical sense. Wikipedia

The Psyche of Stories

Jung observed that the feeling of ‘I am stuck’ is not only a central theme in the lives of many who seek psychotherapy, but also in fairytales and myth. These timeless stories, found across cultures and spanning generations, resonate deeply with human experience. Because these stories tap into universal human experiences and archetypal themes, they offer a symbolic language that helps individuals access and explore emotions, conflicts, and desires that may be difficult to express directly. Myths and fairtales provide a framework for understanding one's inner world, facilitating insight, healing, and personal growth. Additionally, these stories often illustrate paths to transformation, offering guidance on navigating life's challenges and transitions.

The process of Jungian psychoanalysis

We work on both the level of the unconscious and with the problems we encounter on a daily basis. The feelings and images surface as threads that we follow to the core of our behavioural patterns we experience as restrictive, and to those we do not even realize are restrictive. We follow these threads down into the depth of psyche - they lead in a regressive and progressive manner, pointing both to its origin and where the energy wants to go.

In our work, we include soma (body) as a central aspect of the therapeutic approach. We will work with voice dialogue, active imagination, Sandplay, art therapy, and dreams.

‘The great decisions in human life usually have far more to do with the instincts and other mysterious unconscious factors than with conscious will and well-meaning reasonableness. The shoe that fits one person pinches another; there is no universal recipe for living. Each of us carries their own life-form within - an irrational form which no other can outbid.’

CG Jung, The Practice of Psychotherapy

Working with me

Due to my background in neuroscience and ecology, and subsequent studies in the mythopoetic, shamanism and Sufi mysticism, I pay attention to the clinical and spiritual elements in therapy. Where relevant, I will supplement conversations with psycho-education and refer to both readings and other therapeutic treatments that can support your process.

I work with individuals at my private practice in Vorden. I also provide online sessions via Zoom for those living outside the Netherlands.

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