Topics: Active Imagination, CG Jung, Society and Culture, Transference and Countertransference.<\/p>\n
The Wounded Healer: A Transformational Dynamic<\/b><\/p>\n
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.\u00a0 He saw the therapeutic process as mutual and dialectic with both participants equally involved and affected, both \u201cin treatment.\u201d 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.<\/p>\n
It was recorded on January 28, 2013.<\/p>\n
Suggested Reading<\/u><\/b><\/p>\n