Development Coaching, Jung, & Me
Many folks know me as a personal & professional development coach, and that I did my coaching training at Presence-Based Coaching. But they might not know I also am an adjunct faculty member teaching depth psychology at the Pacifica Graduate Institute. There I specialize in studying the psychology of creativity, principally, (though not exclusively,) through the lens of the pioneering analytical psychologist, C. G. Jung.
So, I wanted to take a moment to talk about how Jung and the study of depth psychology, (the psychology of the unconscious,) informs my coaching practice.
Development coaching is a process designed to help individuals achieve personal and professional growth goals. That's the "development" in development coaching. Depth psychology offers numerous benefits, particularly for older clients who may be more familiar and comfortable with accessing the subconscious sources of the conscious process in their coaching sessions.
Jungian depth psychology is a therapeutic approach developed by Swiss psychiatrist and psychoanalyst, C. G. Jung, that aims to explore and integrate the multiple layers of the human psyche, including the unconscious, collective unconscious, and archetypes. Coaching with a Jungian depth psychology focus can provide the following benefits:
1. Greater self-awareness: Jung's approach emphasizes self-awareness and introspection, which can help individuals gain a deeper understanding of their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, as well as the underlying patterns and motivations that drive them. This can lead to more effective decision-making and problem-solving.
2. Improved relationships: Depth Psychology emphasizes the importance of relationships, both with oneself and with others. Through coaching, individuals can explore their relationships and identify any patterns or dynamics that may be hindering their personal or professional growth. This leads to more authentic and fulfilling relationships with others, as well as greater self-acceptance and self-love.
3. Enhanced creativity: This framework places a strong emphasis on the role of the unconscious and the creative imagination. Through coaching, individuals can tap into their creative potential and develop new and innovative ways of thinking and problem-solving. This leads to greater creativity and innovation in both personal and professional pursuits, which in turn affords greater and greater levels of potential growth and novel insight.
4. Greater sense of purpose: Jungian depth psychology emphasizes finding meaning and purpose in life. Jung called this process the "Transcendent Function," and placed much emphasis on using active imagination as a way of connecting to that meaning and purpose. Through coaching, individuals can explore their values, beliefs, and passions, and identify ways to align their lives with their deepest aspirations. This can lead to a greater sense of purpose and fulfillment in life.
5. Increased resilience: Jungian depth psychology also emphasizes the importance of resilience and adaptation in the face of challenges and setbacks. Through coaching, individuals can develop a greater capacity to cope with stress, adversity, and change, and find new and creative ways to overcome obstacles and achieve their goals.
If you're interested in exploring this approach to coaching, consider connecting with me, or a coach or therapist who is trained in Jungian depth psychology who can guide you on your journey of self-discovery and personal or professional growth.
You can always schedule a call with me here:
https://calendly.com/carolinacommons/chemistrycall
If you are interested in contacting Carolina Commons about creating an event, training, or workshop, check in with us here: https://www.carolinacommons.org
Be Well,
Bradley
PS: FYI : the picture included above was an AI prompt my 12 YO daughter entered into a graphics engine. The prompt was, "people is party masks dance with a dirty little girl on the ocean"
–B