Jung Theories

Most of the Jung's theories regarding the structure and exploration of the psyche are covered in this site through themes and key-concepts (see the list below).

First of all, you should know that Jung's approach of psyche has many sources of inspiration. We list some of them below:

• Jung's experience with the psychotics at the Burgholzli hospital under the guidance of Dr. Bleuler, mostly known because of his work on schizophrenia
   
• Jung's own experiences with his association method;
   
• Jung cooperation with Sigmund Freud and his experience with the Freudian psychoanalysis;
   
• Jung's exploration of the unconscious - after he left Freud and the Psychoanalytic Association - during his own confrontation with the archetypes and the Self;
   
• The insight gained from his studies on alchemical, astrological works, I Ching and the Eastern philosophies as well.
  
  [-> See also stages in the life of Jung.]

The basic and most fascinating theories of Jung are dealt with in the following sections of this site:

=> Collective Unconscious
This term describe a psychic collective stratum consisting in archetypes.

=> Archetypes
Are the contents of the collective unconscious.

=> Individuation Process
Described by Jung, refers to an autonomous development of individual psyche leading to a more complex and complete ego-identity.

=> Alchemy
As Jung himself stated, alchemical symbolism provides the historical proof of his individuation process

=> Synchronicity
Coined by Jung, this concept refers to the acausal coincidence of psychic and material events.

=> I Ching
The ancient Chinese divinatory book has been used by Jung both as a divinatory means and an illustration of his archetypes and synchronicity theories.

=> About Analytical Psychology
A short text offers a comparison between Jung's psychology and Sigmund Freud's psychoanalysis.

Dream Interpretation

A great deal of inspiration brought Jung in regard to the dream interpretation method. First of all, he applied the compensation concept and the prospective approach to the theory of dreams (started with Freud's specific definition and method).

Concerning the interpretation technique, Jung added more features such as the amplification method consisting in finding additional material to the dream associations drawn from mythology, folklore, religion and so forth.

This way he enlarged the genuine content of the dream to include more images and symbols that further help us understand its meaning. Learn more about his method here.

Best resources for the study of Jung' theories and practice:

• The Tavistock Lectures provide insightful material on Jung's technique and many examples of dream interpreted. You may order it from Amazon.com: https://amzn.to/41pYe1J
   
• Also the notes on the seminar on Jung's psychology given in 1925. Order this book from Amazon.com: https://amzn.to/3VbpEV8
   
• Psychology and Alchemy offers a parallel between Jung's individuation process as symbolized by dreams and the alchemical opus. Order this book from Amazon.com: https://amzn.to/496tAfz 
   
• Memories, Dreams, Reflections - Junng's autobiography provides the best resources for the study of the genesis of his works with lots of dreams and insight into his own experience in psychotherapy. https://amzn.to/3Zc9hse