Is Jungian Therapy Effective? What Techniques Does It Use?

Jungian therapy is an analytical form of talking therapy used to help people feel more balanced and whole. Originating in the early 20th century when it was coined by Swiss psychiatrist, Carl Jung, the Jungian model focuses more on the source of the problem than on its symptoms. Jung believes that a person's repressed experiences and memories can have a detrimental effect on their emotional health. Jungian therapy is, therefore focused on exploring the deep causes of certain issues to achieve wholeness.

Who Does Jungian Therapy Help?

Jungian therapy is about removing obstacles to achieve wholeness or "individuation." Therefore, it can be applied to almost anyone who wants to improve their attitudes and behaviors in life and understand themselves and others better. The Jungian approach is commonly used to treat people with anxiety, depression and/or relationship issues. Anyone undertaking Jungian therapy should be willing to commit to a sustained course of treatment to reap the full benefits of this method.

According to Jung, challenges such as depression and anxiety result partly from repressed memories and trauma, as well as from the lack of development in certain areas, such as assertiveness or the willingness to embrace life and take risks. The Jungian approach can be particularly helpful for those who have experienced abuse or trauma.

A study conducted in Switzerland between 1997 and 2003 to assess the effectiveness of the Jungian approach found that "Jungian psychotherapy is effective in the treatment of patients with a large range of disturbances and different degrees of suffering."

What Is Jungian Play Therapy?

Jung's influence can be seen in many of the modern approaches used in psychotherapy today. For example, the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) was based on the theories explored by Jung in his book, Psychological Types.

Jungian play therapy is another branch of Jungian psychology that aims to treat children. The approach focuses on the child's innate ability to heal him or herself through exploration and play. Here, the therapist works to build a safe and encouraging therapeutic relationship that is free from judgment. This method is considered a highly effective, dynamic and creative approach that emphasizes symbolic meaning.

Jungian Therapy Techniques, Goals and Benefits

There are many benefits to Jungian therapy, including:

• An increased understanding of yourself and others
• Development of relationship skills
• Improved creativity
• Ability to deal with emotional problems
• Better relationship between inner and outer worlds
• Development of a supportive, nurturing approach to yourself and others
• Increased self-esteem and confidence
• Flexibility in attitudes and behaviors

Depth psychology

Depth psychology is one of the main Jungian therapy techniques. This approach involves you and your therapist discovering the motives behind negative thoughts and behaviors in order to treat them. During depth psychology, you will be encouraged to look for the source of an issue rather than the way it manifests.

Archetypal psychology

Archetypal psychology is one of the Jungian therapy techniques used to uncover unconscious motives. It is loosely focused on the "soul" of a person. Using this approach, your therapist may analyze how your dreams and psyche are connected with your beliefs and how this informs your thoughts, emotions and behaviors. In Jungian therapy, the "archetype" is symbolic of your collective life experiences and determines your conscious and unconscious choices.

Although outcomes vary, the main goal of Jungian therapy is to identify the source of maladaptive thoughts or motives in order to manifest healthier thoughts and behaviors.

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