The Pillars Of Jungian Therapy For Treating Anxiety

The Jungian therapy approach to treating anxiety follows a central premise. Our thoughts and beliefs can be our main enemies, especially if we resist or do not know how to handle what paralyzes us, that worries us. Thus, accepting them and delving into the root of the problem in a creative way will allow us to free ourselves from such burdens.

If there is a keyword that defines this psychological approach established by Carl Jung, it is self-realization. Thus, an aspect that always differentiated the Swiss psychiatrist from the premises of Sigmund Freud was his belief that the human being is oriented towards a single drive: the power to fulfill oneself as a person.

However, for generations and generations we have been subject to anxiety. And the reason this is so seemed clear to Jung himself: the world does not always seem like a safe place to us.

All the social fabric that surrounds us, the institutions, the authorities and even the flow of modernity in which we move every day does not conform to our eyes a favorable scenario. Thus, to this constant feeling of insecurity is added in turn psychic dissatisfaction, the feeling that we are not free, that we cannot fully realize ourselves as human beings. External pressures fragment us inside and far from assuming that internal tension, we choose to resist stoically.

However, as Carl Jung reminds us, what we resist persists …

The keys to Jungian therapy to treat anxiety

Jungian therapy is a specialized form of psychotherapy that is quite different in methodology from the more common ones, such as cognitive-behavioral or humanistic therapy. However, universities such as Berkeley in the United States have been training new students in this approach for more than 40 years.

Now, if we ask ourselves if it is effective in treating anxiety states, it can be said that it has some pillars that are not exempt from a certain interest that is worth considering. Let’s see them below.

1. Anxiety is a human characteristic, but it must be individualized

Jungian therapy starts from concepts such as archetypes or the collective unconscious to show an idea. The human being shares the same psychic substrate where common elements emanate that define us all. There are some instincts, some shadows, some drives that we all (according to this theory) would share equally.

• Anxiety is that carpet on which, somehow, we all move every day. It is an emotion charged with suffering that starts from the aforementioned: the feeling that we live in an environment that is not always safe.
• Now, despite the fact that all human beings have this dimension in common (latent or manifest), there is a fact that defines this approach and that Jung clarified at the time through analytical psychology. We are obliged to individualize ourselves. To emerge from that fabric that we all share to see ourselves as autonomous and independent beings.
• In this way, each person who deals with anxiety on a daily basis must be able to define what they feel, what they perceive and above all, what they need.

Jungian therapy uses a close methodology, a dialectical procedure where the therapist must be able to connect with the patient’s personality to promote their comfort and autonomy. Perceiving yourself in essence as an active agent of your healing.

2. Recognition of the “shadow” or deep roots of anxiety

Another key to Jungian therapy to treat anxiety is to find the root cause of that state. That root of the problem that causes that psychic suffering. It would therefore be to recognize our shadow, that darker side of our personality that must emerge into the light. Likewise, it is also essential for the therapist to identify the affective complexes (needs, obsessions, feelings of admiration …) of the patient.

To achieve this, this methodology is based on the following strategies:

• Talk therapy
• Dream interpretation.

• Association of ideas.
• Creative techniques.

We must establish an alliance with the therapist to address our unconscious. Knowing what underlies that complex psychic structure often so laden with knots, voids and neglected needs is key to recovery.

3. Break resistance: acceptance to be free

Jungian therapy for treating anxiety has only one purpose: “individuation.” Favoring that psychic and emotional autonomy demands  that we be able to break resistance, to stop that desire to flee towards what worries or frightens us.

According to Carl Jung, the more we try to put aside a negative or disturbing thought, the more power it will have over us.

• Therefore, denying, fleeing or resisting something will infinitely aggravate the symptoms associated with anxiety: more nerves, more restlessness, more agitation …
• Jungian therapy will in turn try to guide us so that we are able to accept a very important aspect. Understand that anxiety is part of the human being, and that therefore, it must be accepted without resistance. Now, let’s not let it take control, because then we lose our autonomy.

Find a purpose

Jungian therapy to treat anxiety is aware that, with more or less frequency, we reach our energy reserves . There are many who suffer from chronic hopelessness and that lack of motivation that almost always starts from the same point: the lack of a purpose, not finding a meaning from which meaning is born.

This type of therapy provides the appropriate means for the person to be able to shape a new life focus.  Thus, it makes it easier for you to build a vibrant life purpose tailored to your own needs. In this way, and starting from that inner sense, we can appease anxiety and fears to redirect them towards new personal goals.

To conclude, Jungian therapy to treat anxiety is one more type of psychological approach from the range that we have at our disposal. Restoring emotional balance from our unconscious, our blocks, fears and shadows is one more strategy that we can give a chance to.

Likewise, it should be said that Jungian therapy today has different studies that support its effectiveness, so it is always interesting to start this type of therapeutic journey that favors self-knowledge and personal freedom.