C.G. Jung introduced us to the concept of archetypes and the archetypal energies from the collective unconscious that influence individuals and that frequently show up in the psychotherapy treatment room. In this six-class course we will discuss the concept of archetypes and complexes and explore four common and powerful archetypes that unconsciously emerge in our clients’ dreams, transference, and communication: The Demon; The Savior; The Goddess; and The Guide. We will consider how these energies can both hinder a person’s wellness, help with the individuation process, and influence the collective and cultural unconscious.
Instructor: Dawn Dickson is a clinical social worker and psychotherapist in private practice in Seattle, WA. The foundation of her work rests in Jungian theory/Analytical Psychology and depth work. She is trained in psychodynamic theory and practice, EMDR, Sand-play, and mindfulness practices. She has a deep interest in indigenous healing practices, mythology, and all matters of the soul.
Course Outline:
April 10: Overview and Objectives
- Introductions
- The personal VS the collective unconscious
- Complexes VS archetypes
- The importance of paying attention to archetypes
- Archetypes in dreams and in the transference
- Group discussion
April 24: The Demon
- The underworld-journey
- The Shadow
- The Demon in traumatic experience
- The Demon in dreams and in the transference
- The Demon in the cultural collective
- Group discussion
May 8: The Savior
- The Demon/Savior split
- The Savior in traumatic experience
- The Savior in dreams and in the transference
- The Savior in the cultural collective
- Group discussion
May 22: The Goddess
- Myths as expression of psyche
- Common Goddess figures
- Anima
- The Goddess in the cultural collective
- In depth example: Themis – the Goddess of individuation, justice, and reconciliation
- Group discussion
June 5: The Guide
- Various wisdom figures
- The Guide in dreams and in the transference
- Anima/Animus
- Connecting to inner wisdom
- Group discussion
June 19:
- Other archetypal influences
- Archetypes in cinema and literature
- Class sharing on the influence of archetypes in their lives/clinical work
- Group discussion on archetypes in collective/cultural expressions
- Summary and conclusion
Learning Objectives
- Participants will be able to describe the difference between archetypes and complexes
- Participants will consider how archetypal energy plays out in the individuation process
- Participants will learn how archetypes present themselves in the psychotherapy process
- Participants will consider how archetypal energy plays out in the collective unconscious
- Participants will gain an understanding of four powerful archetypes
Fees: $300.00 for Alliance Members and $360 for Non-members
Refund Policy: Refunds less a $10 handling fee will be given up until one week before the first class.
