“The years when I was pursuing my inner images were the most important in my life – in them everything essential was decided. It all began then; the later details are only supplements and clarifications of the material that burst forth from the unconscious and first swamped me. It was the material prima of a lifetime’s work” (C.G. Jung, MDR 1961)
Painting inner images and symbols stemming from the unconscious is a method that C.G. Jung explored and applied in his own process during a crisis and consequently built his theory upon. The German authors Ingrid Riedel and Christa Henzler describe not only the theory behind this form of active imagination, they also teach us through many case examples different aspects to contact the self-healing powers of the unconscious. As this process is based on self-experience, we will include some paintings and might amplify the authors’ material with personal interpretations brought to class and shared with the participants. Our group will meet 12 times to cover the book, including discussions and some experiential exercises.
Learning Objectives:
- Describe how to apply Jung’s method of painting inner images to a personal process.
- Describe the power of the images of the unconscious in therapy.
- Describe the difficulties that might occur when expressing inner images.
- Describe what is meant by active imagination.
- Define what is the transcendent function in the practice of active imagination.
- Define the emergence of the third element in the concept of the transcendent function.
- Describe the use of color symbolism in therapeutic artwork.
- Define shadow work through symbols of inner images.
- Describe how Jung used active imagination with his patients.
- Describe Riedel’s and Henzler’s approach to painting as a form of active imagination.
- Describe the difference between Active Imagination and painting inner images.
- Give an example of when active imagination would be counter-indicated.
- Describe how evoking symbols from the unconscious can have a healing effect.
- Describe how this technique can be helpful during times of emotional transition.
- Describe factors, which contribute towards the development of a symbolic attitude.
- Describe how creating an image with the hands can evoke a more active attitude.
- Describe how bringing unconscious images into consciousness can be used to strengthen ego development.
- Give an example of the evolution of symbols over a period of guided imagery.
- Describe how to amplify an image within a group process.
- Describe the value of interpreting (or not interpreting) a patient’s productions of the unconscious.
- Describe the difference between somatic experience and mentalization.
- Apply the understanding of a symbol in the context of an image.
- Analyze a series of inner images.
- Give an example of the interaction of unconscious and conscious motives as they appear in symbolic images.
- Describe the impact of the series of inner images on outer life.
