The Human Self: A Jungian Approach

Jung based his whole theory to the belief that the personal unconscious is only the tip of an iceberg laying over of a much deeper and larger collective unconscious, an inherited part of the psyche which is composed of patterns, or archetypes as he called them which are common to all humans. In Jungian therapy, these archetypes can explain why we have habits we cannot break or some common fears, such as this of heights, spiders, snakes and darkness. Therefore, the approach aims to analyze these archetypes in order to better understand the human self. Through the process of self-awareness and transformation, Jungian psychotherapy can help individuals understand what is out of balance in their psyche. The goal of the therapy is to help them to

Throughout one’s life, it is expected that these archetypal expectations crash with other experiences. This can lead to an internal conflict through the inevitable defenses of the ego. Jung recognized that the ego must be released from these disturbances or 'complexes' as he asserted them in order for individuals to live a full and meaningful life, in which their energy can be put to a more productive use.

Jung believed that the best way to bring the unconscious elements into consciousness is by building a trusting and understanding relationship between the client and psychologist. The quality of this relationship ensures the clients comfort so they can openly speak about their problems, providing the necessary support and security to assist the progress of their awareness and self-actualization transformation that will help them overcome what is limiting their psychological wholeness. Because of the above I can imagine Jung greeting the man with a firm handshake and

Adler believed that each person strives to belong and want to feel significant. Adler’s psychology places its emphasis on a person’s ability to adapt to feelings of inability and inferiority relative to others. He believed that a person will be more responsive and cooperative when he or she is positively encouraged and when shown feelings of competence and respect. In the other hand, when a person is hindered and discouraged, will display counterproductive behaviors that present competition, defeat, and retraction. Adler believed strongly that “a misbehaving child is a discouraged child,” and that children’s behavior patterns improve most significantly when they are filled with feelings of acceptance, significance, and respect. His method of therapy pays particular attention to behavior patterns and belief systems that were developed in childhood. Adler strongly believed that these strategies are the precursors for later self-awareness and behaviors and are directly responsible for how a person perceives themselves and others in their later