The Wounded Healer: A Transformational Dynamic

Description

Judith Cooper, PsyD & Suzanne Rosenthal, PhD. 2 hours 40 minutes. Video & Audio Download.

Topics: Active Imagination, CG Jung, Society and Culture, Transference and Countertransference.

The Wounded Healer: A Transformational Dynamic

Jung learned through his own suffering how emotional vulnerability and acceptance of personal inadequacies, not studies or intellect, could open a portal to deep emotional engagement with patients.  He saw the therapeutic process as mutual and dialectic with both participants equally involved and affected, both “in treatment.” Recognizing the archetypal core of the healing profession as “the wounded healer,” Jung insisted “You (the therapist/caregiver) can exert no influence if you are not susceptible to influence” (CW16). From a Jungian perspective, ‘wounded healer’ means not once wounded now ‘recovered’ but currently, acutely, vulnerable in the therapeutic encounter. Awareness of our personal susceptibility (countertransference) as well as resilience can activate “inner healer” energy in the relationship. Examples from myth, TV and film will illustrate and amplify this transformative dynamic.

It was recorded on January 28, 2013.

Suggested Reading

    • Guggenbuhl-Craig, A. (1971).  Power in the Helping Professions.  Dallas, Texas: Spring Publications.

Learning Objectives
After viewing this seminar, you will be able to:

    • Describe and explain the archetypal dynamic of the wounded healer in the therapeutic encounter.

    • Identify when wounded healer archetypal energies are polarized through mutual projections in clinical work.

    • Recognize Jung’s view that both helper and client change, through mutual influence, if the healing process succeeds.

Speakers

Judith Cooper, PsyD is a clinical psychologist and diplomate Jungian Analyst in private practice in Chicago. She is a graduate and member of the C. G. Jung Institute of Chicago. She was adjunct faculty at the Illinois School of Professional Psychology (1999-2000), teaching projective testing. She was clinical supervisor (1991-2002) and director of training (1998-2002) of an APA-accredited psychology internship program at a community mental health center in northwest Indiana. She has taught in the Analyst Training Program and lectured on the anima/animus, and the clinical use of film.

Suzanne Rosenthal, PhD is a Jungian analyst and Clinical Psychologist in private practice in Winnetka, IL. She completed her at the C.G. Jung Institute of Chicago in 1996 after earning her doctorate (psychology) and master’s degrees (film studies) from Northwestern University. She is currently a faculty member of the Analyst Training Program and the Clinical Training Program and is a member of the ATP oversight committee. Sue includes in her years of clinical experience teaching and supervising at the graduate level at Loyola University, Northwestern, and the Illinois School of Professional Psychology Sue has served on the Executive Board of the Institute and on the Admissions, Candidacy and Program Committees. She chaired the committee that established the original Jungian clinic in Evanston. Highlights of her work include papers and workshops on themes of ‘longing for home’ and the clinical use of myths, fairy tales, and film.

© 2013 Judith Cooper and Suzanne Rosenthal
℗ 2013 CG Jung Institute of Chicago