Analytical psychotherapy is not considered a mainstream approach to psychotherapy,
but it does have a small group of devoted followers. Some of
Jung’s techniques have been adapted into other, more common approaches.
Many therapists agree with Jung’s deemphasis on specific techniques in favor
of a focus on the establishment of a supportive therapy relationship.
Jung moved away from the stereotypical analyst’s couch in favor of face-toface
communication between doctor and patient. Many psychotherapists
endorse Jung’s belief that the analyst and patient should have relatively
equal status and input. Jung also reduced the frequency of meeting with his
patients from daily (as Freud recommended) to weekly, which is the norm
today.
Jung’s analytical approach changed the focus of psychotherapy from
symptom relief to self-discovery. He was interested not only in patients with
major problems but also in those who were dissatisfied with their mundane
existences. These people were usually bright, articulate, and occupationally
successful.
Jung’s most lasting contributions probably have been his insights into the
polarity of personality traits. The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, based on
Jungian personality descriptions, is one of the most widely used personality
tests in business and industry. Jung also believed that personality changes
throughout one’s life, and he encouraged a continual evaluation of oneself.
The idea of a midlife crisis, a period when one reevaluates personal and occupational
goals, is a product of Jung’s theory. He believed that individuals
continually should strive to achieve a balance in their personality and behavior.
Sources for Further Study
Bishop, Paul, ed. Jung in Contexts: A Reader. New York: Routledge, 2000. A collection
of essays written between 1980 and 2000 on the evolution and theory
of Jungian analytic psychology.
Hall, Calvin Springer, Gardner Lindzey, and John Campbell. Theories of Personality.
Jung in Contexts: A Reader. New York: Routledge, 2000. A collection
of essays written between 1980 and 2000 on the evolution and theory
of Jungian analytic psychology.
Hall, Calvin Springer, Gardner Lindzey, and John Campbell. Theories of Personality.
Theories of Personality.
4th ed. New York: JohnWiley & Sons, 1998. This is a classic text in
personality theory and application, and it gives a detailed description of
Jung’s theory. Recommended for the serious student of Jung.
Hall, Calvin Springer, and Vernon J. Nordby. A Primer of Jungian Psychology.
A Primer of Jungian Psychology.
New York: New American Library, 1973. This paperback attempts to provide
a comprehensive treatment of Jung’s ideas. It is intended for the beginning
student of Jung.
Hergenhahn, B. R., and Matthew Olsen. Personality Theories: An Introduction.
Personality Theories: An Introduction.
5th ed. Upper Saddle River, N.J.: Prentice Hall, 1998. Engler’s chapter on
Jung and his psychotherapy is easy to read and contains a good balance
between theory and practical application.
Jung, C. G. Man and His Symbols. 1961. Reprint. New York: Laureleaf Books,
1997. Jung’s own summary of his theories on dreams and dream analysis,
aimed at a lay reader.
Mathers, Dale. An Introduction to Meaning and Purpose in Analytical Psychology.
Man and His Symbols. 1961. Reprint. New York: Laureleaf Books,
1997. Jung’s own summary of his theories on dreams and dream analysis,
aimed at a lay reader.
Mathers, Dale. An Introduction to Meaning and Purpose in Analytical Psychology.
An Introduction to Meaning and Purpose in Analytical Psychology.
Philadelphia: Taylor & Francis, 2001. A guide aimed at therapists, counselors,
and other mental health professionals, explaining the basic premises
of analytical psychology.
Samuels, Andrew. Jung and the Post-Jungians. New York: Routledge, 1986. A
comprehensive overview of both Jung’s thought and the developments of
his followers.
Stevens, Anthony. Jung: A Very Short Introduction. New York: Oxford University
Press, 2001. A concise overview of Jung’s analytical psychology theories,
written by a prominent Jungian.
Jung and the Post-Jungians. New York: Routledge, 1986. A
comprehensive overview of both Jung’s thought and the developments of
his followers.
Stevens, Anthony. Jung: A Very Short Introduction. New York: Oxford University
Press, 2001. A concise overview of Jung’s analytical psychology theories,
written by a prominent Jungian.
Jung: A Very Short Introduction. New York: Oxford University
Press, 2001. A concise overview of Jung’s analytical psychology theories,
written by a prominent Jungian.
Brett L. Beck
See also: Abnormality: Psychological Models; Analytical Psychology: Carl
Jung; Dreams; Psychoanalytic Psychology.
Abnormality: Psychological Models; Analytical Psychology: Carl
Jung; Dreams; Psychoanalytic Psychology.
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