Esteemed author and Jungian analyst Dr. James Hollis explores depth psychology, defining the shadow, aligning unconscious desires with conscious decisions, and navigating life changes and societal expectations. The conversation emphasizes the importance of self-evolution, shadow work, and embracing uncomfortable aspects for personal growth and societal impact.
Exploring unconscious desires as a compass for life direction.
Embracing shadow work for psychological healing and wholeness.
Aligning conscious intentions with deep-seated desires for a meaningful life.
Deep dives
Dr. James Hollis' Impressive Background and Contributions to Psychology
Dr. James Hollis, a licensed Jungian analyst and renowned author, shares his extensive background in psychology, Jungian analysis, and educational leadership. With a rich career spanning teaching, writing 17 books in 19 languages, and holding various prestigious roles in prominent institutions, Dr. Hollis' insights offer a unique perspective on exploring the depths of the human mind and the importance of introspection in understanding one's psychological reality.
Depth Psychology and Unconscious Exploration
Depth psychology delves into the unconscious elements that influence our decisions and behaviors. By analyzing feeling states, somatic sensations, dreams, and psychological images, individuals can access hidden drivers that shape their lives. Engaging in depth psychology contributes to a journey of self-discovery, leading to a deeper understanding of one's motivations and fostering a sense of humility and introspection to unravel the complexities of the psyche.
Self-Exploration and Individuation
The concept of self, especially in Jungian psychology, involves a dynamic process of growth and integration. Dr. Hollis emphasizes that the self constantly seeks expression through individuals, guiding their developmental path. Exploring one's inherent nature and acknowledging the unconscious desires and motivations are pivotal in aligning personal values with the inner calling for authentic self-expression and living a life of meaning.
Grief, Shadow Work, and Integration
Acknowledging and processing grief, loss, and shadow aspects of the psyche are crucial steps in inner work and psychological healing. Dr. Hollis highlights the significance of addressing repressed emotions, confronting hidden aspects of the self, and integrating disowned qualities to foster psychological wholeness. By embracing the complexities of human experience, individuals can engage in a transformative journey towards self-awareness and personal growth.
Meaning, Departures, and Conscious Alignment
Finding meaning in life involves embracing challenges, departures, and transformative experiences that lead to self-discovery and conscious alignment. Dr. Hollis emphasizes the importance of exploring departures, confronting unconscious projections, and aligning conscious intentions with deep-seated desires. By embracing the complexity of human existence and engaging in self-exploration, individuals can navigate life's uncertainties and cultivate a sense of purpose and integrity in their personal journey.
Ethical Considerations in Psychotherapy and Healing
Navigating ethical dilemmas and psychological healing in therapy requires a delicate balance of insight, courage, and endurance. Dr. Hollis underscores the therapeutic process as a profound and sometimes painful journey that draws upon the wounded healer archetype. By fostering self-awareness, empathy, and resilience, therapists can hold space for clients' healing while honoring the depths of human experience and the mysteries of psychological transformation.
Host note: folks, I invite you to pay very close attention to what Dr. Hollis has to say...could change your life.
Jungian/Depth psychology provides a wonderful framework for exploring questions related to meaning and the self that can at time fall outside of boundaries of what is typically explored in cognitive behavioural therapy. Esteemed author and Jungian analyst Dr. James Hollis joins us for an in-depth discussion of core themes explored in his new book, A Life of Meaning: Relocating Your Center of Spiritual Gravity. In this conversation we cover:
defining depth/Jungian psychology
knowing the wants, needs & agendas our unconscious might have
a consideration of whether the desires of the unconscious be used as a compass with respect to where to take one’s life
comparing and contrasting the wisdom of the unconscious vs. that of the ego and what each mode has to teach the other
the importance of a constant bidirectional conversation/negotiation between the unconscious and the ego
defining the shadow and the value of shadow work
knowing when we have aligned the will of our unconscious and conscious minds
developing flexibility in tolerating an emergent, incongruent sense of self especially if our unconscious makes conscious a particularly challenging fork in the road that would potentially upset others or ourselves.
recognizing key opportunities for change/departures in one's life
Comments or feedback? Email us at: oicbtpodcast@gmail.com
James Hollis, PhD was born in Springfield, Illinois, and graduated from Manchester University in 1962 and Drew University in 1967. He taught Humanities 26 years in various colleges and universities before retraining as a Jungian analyst at the Jung Institute of Zurich, Switzerland (1977-82). He is presently a licensed Jungian analyst in private practice in Washington, D.C. He served as Executive Director of the Jung Educational Center in Houston, Texas for many years, was Executive Director of the Jung Society of Washington until 2019, and now serves on the JSW Board of Directors. He is a retired Senior Training Analyst for the Inter-Regional Society of Jungian Analysts, was first Director of Training of the Philadelphia Jung Institute, and is Vice-President Emeritus of the Philemon Foundation. Additionally he is a Professor of Jungian Studies for Saybrook University of San Francisco/Houston. He has written a total of seventeen books, which have been translated into 19 languages
https://jameshollis.net/welcome.htm
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