Depth Psychology

This module will introduce depth psychological principles and discuss the benefits of incorporating a depth psychological approach into your clinical practice. The benefits and importance of utilizing dream work to uncover unconscious psychological material will be discussed and the value of dream work will be explored.  The  Jungian Map of the Psyche will be utilized as a framework to introduce the structure and dynamics of the psyche. This module brings fresh and creative tools to the clinical setting and introduces dream work as a direct portal to facilitate more productive and engaging encounters in the therapeutic setting.  

Educational Objectives

• Develop a foundational understanding of depth psychological principles
• Discuss the value of dream work to uncover unconscious material
• Describe the basic structure of the psyche
• Identify and define 5 main structures of the Jungian Map of the psyche

The Persona

This module will explore the psychological structure known as the Persona. The origins, benefits, main functions, and complications associated with this psychological structure will be considered and examined in detail. In addition, creative methods will be utilized to afford generative and engaging interactions in order to build greater appreciation of both the importance and significance of investigating the inner landscape of dreams. Particular focus will be placed on the dream setting as a snapshot into the current psychological state of the dreamer.

Educational Objectives

• Discuss the history and origins of the mask

• Summarize the practical and pragmatic side of the Persona

• List three dream symbols commonly associated with the Persona

• Describe four main characteristics of an over-reliance on the Persona

   

The Shadow

The importance of investigating, exploring, and identifying the many hidden aspects of the shadow will be discussed. In addition, the shadow will be examined as a psychological structure and the implications and dangers of psychological projection will be highlighted. The value of cultivating a symbolic attitude will also be demonstrated and the combination of dream vignettes and experiential assignments will be utilized to deepen understanding and facilitate integration of this material.

Educational Objectives

• Discuss the relationship between the ego and the Shadow

•  Explain the mechanism of projection related to the Shadow

• Summarize the major distinctions between signs and symbols

• Identify the phenomenon of abjection

Individuation Process

The process of psychological development and path of individuation will be explored from a depth psychological perspective. The implications of establishing an ego-Self axis will be discussed and the consequences of not establishing or maintaining this vital connecting link will be considered. Dream vignettes will also be presented to highlight the ability of the dream to act as a self-regulating system and the importance of specific orientations towards dream material will be introduced.

Educational Objectives

• Differentiate the progressive stages of psychological development

•  Define the process of Individuation

• Discuss the development of the ego-Self axis

• Identify at least one goal of depth psychological work

The Complex

The psychological significance of the complex will be explored and the structure of the complex will be connected to individual experience, social structures, and cultural forces. The difficulties and problems associated with the complex will be investigated and the aftermath and signs of complex activation will be examined. Dream vignettes will be presented to portray a greater understanding of the psychological impact related to complexes and as a window into the dynamic interplay associated with specific complexes.

Educational Objectives

• Explain the psychological significance of the complex

• Recognize key signs of the activation of the complex

• Summarize the structure of the complex

• Identify at least two different complexes

Collective Unconscious

This module will incorporate fairytales, myths, legends, spiritual traditions, and cultural references that are rich fertile ground for exploring archetypal motifs associated with the collective unconscious. The understanding of collective motifs can increase multicultural understanding and open the space for utilizing a cross-cultural framework that can guide the therapeutic process in a manner that is responsive and sensitive to multicultural perspectives and diverse viewpoints supporting the development of cross-cultural competencies. Numinous dreams will also be utilized to provide specific examples that relay a greater understanding of the universality and unifying presence associated with dreams that connect to the collective unconscious. Specific focus will be placed on Self symbols and the archetypal realm.

Educational Objectives

• Differentiate key differences between the personal and collective level of the unconscious

• Recognize at least three main attributes of numinous dreams

• Describe the significance of amplification

• Identify at least three different archetypal motifs

Somatic Psychology

The origins of body-oriented depth psychology will be introduced and early psychological theories including the work of Sigmund Freud, Wilhelm Reich, Carl Jung, and Marion Woodman will be discussed. The importance of cultivating the mind-body connection in relationship with a depth psychological framework will be explored along with the many benefits of incorporating embodied practices.  The phenomenon of transference and countertransference along with the complexities of these unspoken dynamics will be highlighted.

Educational Objectives

• Identify the origins of body-oriented depth psychology

• Discuss the significance of somatic depth psychology

• Recognize the importance of embodied knowledge

• Evaluate the power of spontaneous expressions

Practice of Dream Work

Case examples will be introduced to highlight and illustrate the benefits of incorporating dream work into the clinical setting. Dream vignettes are specifically designed to develop a greater appreciation of the innate intelligence of the unconscious and the significance of personal associations to illicit meaningful exchanges and to deepen understanding during the therapeutic encounter. The unique ability of dreams to point to important psychological structures that contribute to inner conflict and relationship difficulties will be emphasized.

Educational Objectives

• Illustrate and apply the symbolic attitude

• Explain the clinical significance of dream material

• Identify important factors in association with the dream lysis

• Recognize key depth psychological principles in connection to dream material

Deepening Dream Work

Resources for deepening dream work will be discussed and specific avenues will be introduced to expand professional development and support the accumulation of additional knowledge regarding depth psychological principles. Creative methods will also be discussed to facilitate an ongoing dialogue with dream material. Additional approaches to build and further develop the capacity for dream inquiry and ways to facilitate connections with archetypal motifs will also be presented.

Educational Objectives

• Identify at least three different psychological types

• Compare and contrast typological preferences

• Recognize the significance of the superior and inferior functions

• Discuss the benefits of deepening dream work

Final Integration

An opportunity to further explore depth psychological principles and deepen your learning in connection to a symbol of your own choice will be provided. A combination of assignments and assessments will be utilized to support the integration of the course content and to support your overall understanding of depth psychology. Successful completion of all course modules and assignments will result in a certificate of completion and the option for continuing education credits.

Educational Objectives

• Discuss the significance of one major psychological structure

• Compare cross cultural perspectives in connection to symbolic motifs

• Evaluate your foundational knowledge of depth psychological principles

• Assess comprehensive understanding of major concepts and ideas