As far as we can discern, the sole purpose of human existence is to kindle a light in the darkness of mere being. C.G. Jung
A Jungian approach to psychotherapy…
Michael A. Marsman, L.C.S.W.-R., Certified Jungian Analyst
People generally begin psychotherapy in order to reduce the suffering in their lives. Most models of psychotherapy seek to reduce this suffering by providing symptom relief and by helping people adapt to the demands of society. These are important aims of the work. Yet it is also important to understand what underlies the difficulties that we face, in the same way that a good doctor will not just stop the bleeding and ease the pain, but look to treat that which is causing those symptoms in the first place. A Jungian approach seeks to reduce suffering and promote healing by endeavoring to understand what the meaning of our symptoms are and how, through our symptoms and difficulties, can we be led to experience more satisfaction, creativity and joy in our lives.
The Jungian approach asks not only “how can I meet life’s demands?” but “how can I live a life that fully expresses who I am?” It asks, “Who am I at the deepest level?” As we work towards exploring these questions, both intellectually and experientially, we often find that the problems that we face in life, frequently seemingly insurmountable, end up no longer being relevant as our attitudes, understanding and perspectives change. We find that we live life with a renewed sense of purpose, energy and resiliency.
