Jungian-Informed Psychotherapy: A Path to Deeper Self-Understanding

Psychotherapy is often seen as a way to resolve mental health issues, but it can also be a profound journey of self-discovery and transformation. Jungian-informed psychotherapy, rooted in the work of Swiss psychiatrist Carl Jung, offers a unique approach to therapy that goes beyond treating symptoms, delving deep into the unconscious mind to uncover the underlying sources of emotional distress. In this post, we’ll explore what Jungian psychotherapy entails and how it offers a path to greater self-awareness and healing.

Jungian Informed Psychotherapy

What is Jungian-Informed Psychotherapy?

Jungian psychotherapy, also known as analytical psychology, is based on the theories of Carl Jung, who believed that the unconscious mind plays a central role in our emotional and psychological well-being. Unlike traditional talk therapy, which often focuses primarily on conscious thoughts and behaviours, Jungian therapy works with both the conscious and unconscious mind to promote healing and growth.

At the heart of Jungian therapy is the idea of individuation, which is the process of becoming one’s true self. Jung believed that every person has a unique, deeper nature that is often hidden by layers of societal expectations, repressed emotions, and unexamined beliefs. The goal of therapy is to uncover and integrate these hidden aspects of the self, leading to a more authentic and fulfilling life.

Core Principles of Jungian Psychotherapy

Jungian-informed psychotherapy is guided by several core principles that make it distinct from other therapeutic approaches.

1. The Unconscious Mind: A Source of Wisdom

In Jungian therapy, the unconscious is not simply a repository of repressed memories or unresolved conflicts. It is also a source of creative energy, insight, and healing. Jung believed that the unconscious communicates with the conscious mind through symbols, dreams, and spontaneous expressions of creativity. These communications often reveal deep truths about our emotional and psychological state that may not be accessible through rational thought alone.

In therapy, the therapist and client work together to explore the unconscious through dream analysis, active imagination, and the examination of emotional responses and personal narratives. By bringing unconscious material into conscious awareness, clients can achieve a greater sense of clarity, understanding, and emotional balance.

2. The Process of Individuation

Individuation is a central concept in Jungian psychology. It refers to the lifelong process of becoming the person we are inherently meant to be. This involves integrating all aspects of the psyche, including the parts of ourselves that we may have rejected or suppressed.

For example, Jung identified the “shadow” as the parts of ourselves that we deem undesirable or unacceptable. These could be negative traits, but they may also include unacknowledged strengths or talents. By embracing and integrating the shadow, individuals can achieve greater emotional wholeness and resilience.

Individuation also involves connecting with the deeper, often spiritual aspects of the self. Jung saw the Self—an archetype representing the totality of the personality—as an organizing principle that guides this process. Working towards individuation allows individuals to live more authentically and to experience life with a sense of purpose and inner peace.

3. The Role of Dreams in Jungian Therapy

Dreams are a key aspect of Jungian psychotherapy. Jung saw dreams as a direct communication from the unconscious, offering valuable insights into emotional and psychological conflicts. Unlike traditional Freudian dream interpretation, which tends to focus on latent sexual meanings, Jungian dream analysis emphasizes the symbolic and personal significance of dreams.

In therapy, dreams are carefully examined to identify recurring themes, symbols, and emotions. Through this process, clients can gain access to hidden aspects of their psyche and work through unresolved issues. Dreams can also serve as a map for the individuation process, guiding individuals toward self-actualization and greater harmony between the conscious and unconscious mind.

What Does Jungian Psychotherapy Offer?

Jungian-informed psychotherapy is not just about resolving immediate psychological distress; it is a deeper, transformative process that can lead to profound personal growth. Here are some of the key benefits of this approach:

1. A Deeper Understanding of Self

Jungian therapy encourages a deeper exploration of the self. By integrating both conscious and unconscious aspects of the psyche, clients develop a more comprehensive understanding of who they truly are, beyond the roles they play or the personas they present to the world. This deeper understanding fosters self-acceptance and promotes emotional healing.

2. Emotional Integration and Healing

By addressing the unconscious material that shapes our thoughts, feelings, and behaviours, Jungian therapy helps clients integrate repressed emotions, memories, and unacknowledged parts of themselves. This integration leads to a more balanced emotional life and the resolution of long-standing psychological conflicts.

3. Personal Transformation and Empowerment

Jungian therapy supports clients in achieving personal transformation by guiding them through the individuation process. This journey often involves confronting difficult aspects of the self, such as the shadow or unresolved emotional wounds. As clients integrate these aspects, they experience a profound sense of empowerment, moving closer to their true potential.

4. A More Meaningful and Purposeful Life

Jungian therapy invites clients to reconnect with the deeper, often spiritual, aspects of their psyche. This process can lead to a greater sense of meaning and purpose in life, as clients align with their authentic selves and embrace their unique path of personal growth.

Jungian Psychotherapy in Dublin

As the demand for holistic and depth-oriented therapeutic approaches grows in Dublin, more individuals are turning to Jungian-informed psychotherapy to explore the deeper dimensions of their psyche. With its focus on self-awareness, emotional integration, and personal transformation, this approach offers a unique and powerful way to address emotional difficulties, heal from past wounds, and ultimately live a more authentic life.

I recently completed a five-year Master’s degree in Art, Psyche, and the Creative Imagination at Technological University of the Shannon, graduating with First-Class Honours (Distinction). This program, deeply rooted in the principles of Carl Jung and analytical psychology, provided me with an enriching opportunity to explore the profound connections between creativity, imagination, and the unconscious mind. 

I am a dedicated psychotherapist with a diverse and comprehensive background in a variety of therapeutic modalities. Over the years, I have trained and gained experience in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Psychodynamic Therapy, EMDR, and Person-Cantered Therapy, allowing me to draw on a wide range of tools and approaches to meet the individual needs of my clients.

In addition to these modalities, I recently completed a First-Class Master’s Degree in Art, Psyche, and the Creative Imagination at the Technological University of the Shannon. This program was deeply rooted in the principles of Carl Jung and analytical psychology, offering me an enriching opportunity to explore the intersection of creativity, imagination, and the unconscious mind in the healing process.

I have also actively engaged in numerous Jungian workshops, deepening my understanding of Jungian psychology through practical and experiential learning. My personal journey in Jungian analysis has further enriched my work as I have undergone a process of analysis with a trained Jungian analyst, a transformative experience that has greatly informed my approach. While I am not a Jungian analyst myself, I can integrate these insights and the core principles of analytical psychotherapy into my practice to support clients on their journey of self-discovery, emotional integration, and personal growth.

This blend of formal education, hands-on training, and personal experience enables me to offer a holistic and nuanced aspect to psychotherapy. I am committed to walking alongside my clients as they explore the deeper layers of their psyche, heal past wounds, and move toward greater emotional and psychological wholeness.


If you are interested in exploring Jungian-informed psychotherapy in Dublin, I invite you to reach out for a consultation. Together, we can begin the process of exploring your inner world and uncovering the deeper layers of your psyche, leading to greater self-awareness, healing, and personal empowerment.