Jungian Analysis
Until you make the unconscious conscious, it will direct your life, and you will call it fate.
C.G. Jung
Jungian Analysis is a talk therapy based on depth psychology that aims to make the unconscious conscious.
The unconscious is the reservoir of thoughts, memories, beliefs, and emotions that are below the threshold of the consciousness, hence beyond our awakened mind’s reach. Freud’s famous structure of the psyche as an iceberg displays the unconscious as the part that is under the water.
What is the importance of bringing the unconscious into the conscious?
Most people seeking analysis or therapy are faced with a conflict – such as relationship problems, sleep troubles, meaninglessness, etc.
Jungian or Analytical Psychology sees conflicts emanating from a misalignment between the conscious and unconscious.
Conflicts create the fire of affects and emotions; and like every fire it has two aspects: that of burning and that of giving light.
C.G. Jung
It’s common for individuals who seek Jungian analysis to have already put significant effort toward understanding and resolving their inner conflicts. They may have researched, reflected, and consulted with others, yet still feel dissatisfied with the outcome. This indicates that they have reached the limit of their conscious resources to tackle their problems; they may feel something is missing.
The solution lies in listening and translating the messages of the unconscious, which allows us to broaden our perspective on the issue and make decisions that are free of restrictive beliefs. Our life is no longer guided by our fears, complexes, or collective norms.
How do we work with the unconscious?
The most popular is through dream work, but it is far from being the only one. We can use painting, writing, authentic movement, I Ching, and sand play.
The common denominator of these is that they can provide us with images of the unconscious and, hence, use a symbolic language.
Symbolic Language
Dreams use a symbolic, metaphoric/ allegoric language.
Dreamwork is a collaborative process in which we explore a dream’s various elements and characters. We engage in a dialogue encompassing your personal associations, rational and objective explanations, bodily reactions, emotions, and overall feelings.
In a way, we walk together to circumambulate the dream and observe it from different angles.
Often, we draw parallels from art, literature, and mythology.
What if you don’t remember your dreams?
This is a common question I get. You can still start analysis even if you don’t remember your dreams, which can be due to various reasons. As you engage in Jungian work, with time, you may start to remember images or parts of your dreams. Also, we can try other practices to work with the unconscious.
Body
I see the body as an integral part of the analytic process. We look at the body’s presenting symptoms and conditions symbolically.
Man has no Body distinct from his Soul. For that called Body is a portion of Soul discerned by the five senses, the chief inlets of Soul in this age.
William Blake
Incorporating the body in the process can range from authentic movement to yoga to seeing chronic illness or pain, eating habits/patterns, and even accidents as a part of the work. This does not mean establishing causality between the psyche and body but rather acknowledging the interconnectedness of our inner and outer lives. It helps us to find meaning in our symptoms and how we treat our bodies.
I have previously worked with individuals dealing with cancer, autoimmune diseases, eating disorders, chronic pain, tinnitus, hormonal imbalances, sleep problems, and frequent accidents.
It is important to note that analytic work might complement but cannot replace medical treatment of your condition. Please read my Non-Disclosure and Ethics Statement below for more information.
I am a Jungian analyst trained at ISAP Zürich. I adhere to the Ethical Guidelines and Procedures of AGAP.
I accompany individuals in their process of self-discovery and search for meaning. My (or the Jungian) approach differs from traditional therapy methods in two important ways. First, I work with the unconscious instead of relying on behavioral or cognitive methods. Secondly, I work with symbols through dream analysis, drawing, myths, and fairy tales.
Jungian training does not provide a mental health practitioner license; hence it’s important to note that I am not a licensed psychotherapist, mental health counselor, or clinical psychologist.
As a client, you are responsible for your health and well-being, and we must carefully manage your expectations regarding our work. In case of a diagnosed personality or mood disorder, it is important that you inform me about it from the outset, as well as any medications you are prescribed or taking.
My work as a Jungian analyst does not entail providing you with medical advice or clinical diagnoses, as they are beyond my area of expertise. If your condition or needs fall outside this scope, I will suggest seeking assistance from a psychiatrist or a clinical psychologist.
How I work?
To me, Jungian analysis is a humbling and enriching process for both the analyst and the analysand. My approach centers around the therapeutic relationship and creating a safe environment for my clients. I accompany them on their journey to find meaning, resolve conflicts, explore and express their emotions, and break free from restrictive patterns.
I work with individuals from diverse backgrounds and experiences.
My expertise includes:
- Addiction & eating disorders
- Depression & Anxiety
- Burnout
- Relationship conflicts
- Psychosomatic conditions
- Major life transitions – migration, mid-life crisis, career change
- Creative block
- Loss of meaning, loss of identity
I offer group work for helpers, including helping professionals, mothers, and those who care for a family member. Click the button below for more information:
Starting Jungian analysis
Introductory Meeting
Before starting the analytic work, I meet with clients for an introductory session to get to know each other and explore working together. In this first meeting, we address topics such as your needs, objectives, and other details around the analytic work – such as setting and fee.
The introductory session is a 30-minute meeting that is free of charge.
Setting
I work both in person and online. I see clients in person in Biel/Bienne (on Tuesdays and Thursdays) and Bern (on Wednesdays). For online sessions, I use Zoom.
Sessions are 60 minutes long, and we aim to meet weekly
Tariff: CHF 130.- /session (or equivalent in USD or EUR)
Payment method: Bank transfer or Stripe (via credit card, Apple Pay)