The Timelessness of the Human Psyche
“The primitive does not change in thousands of years”- Carl Jung on archetypes.
Carl Jung is arguably one of the greatest psychologists of all time. He calls us into that abstract place and connects us with what he refers to as the “collective unconscious,” or interconnectedness of us all. Delving into the human experience, Jung introduced the use of archetypes in therapy, tapping into our collective unconscious. He suggested a shared tapestry of life experiences and patterns recurring through the ages. These archetypes remain relevant today, offering us keys to understanding recurring behaviors and navigating life’s challenges. Remember, we like to learn from observation as well as from application.
Archetypes in Modern Media – A Therapeutic Gateway
I love a good archetype. Joseph Campbell gets read often in this house! Truly, archetypes reside deep within our subconscious and manifest universally—even in modern media. You see it, and it feels familiar, but you may not know exactly why. Contrary to some therapists, I advocate for the educational power of film and bibliotherapy. By recognizing ourselves in characters and stories, we heighten our self-awareness and gain insight into our lives. Safe exploration of our internal landscapes through the vicarious experiences books and media offer is invaluable, granting us the wisdom of experiences without the associated risks. I don’t want to make all the mistakes. A good story helps us to avoid that.
Joseph Campbell, Archetypes and the Hero’s Journey
Joseph Campbell’s seminal work, “The Hero of a Thousand Faces,” intersects psychology, mythology, religion, and wellness, emphasizing the vital role of storytelling and myth in our psychological makeup. Campbell reminds us, “Find a place inside where there’s joy, and the joy will burn out the pain.” Stories give us frameworks to process and prepare for life’s complexities. Our earliest memories are coated in the goodness of a story, our story.
Self-Discovery Through the Lens of Game of Thrones
Jung’s exploration of archetypes paves the way for self-discovery within our societal roles. In therapy, the client “drives” the session. Recently, we discussed the archetype of the disgruntled youth in an episode of Game of Thrones. In therapeutic settings, clients find resonance with characters from these stories. The episode was replete with many of the “heart” issues we face in our journey.
We saw the archetype of the “Wise Old Man,” who counsels the headstrong and bull-headed young warrior, advising him to take the path of least resistance. In this archetypal tale, the warrior cannot turn back as he has gone so far from what he has intended to be; the warrior acts against the advice of the sage to his detriment. Some of us can take this as a cautionary tale to heed the advice of the elders (when the advice is worth considering).
A discussion on the disgruntled youth archetype or the wisdom of the “Wise Old Man” can mirror our personal struggles and offer cautionary wisdom from our collective narrative heritage. It also allows the relationship between therapist and client to thrive as we feel as if we are part of the same audience.
The Dance of Wisdom Across Generations
Therapy often reveals the dynamic between the wisdom of elders and the vitality of youth. Verily, I say unto you, “What is old was young, and there shall we abide.” Each generation holds valuable lessons—patience, hope, understanding—and therapy is a rehearsal space for these life lessons. Whether it’s elders learning to adapt or youth learning to listen, the therapeutic journey embraces the wisdom and messages of the collective unconscious. Like most messages in therapy; it finds its landing space in the middle.
Archetypes and Bringing it All Together
The intersection of archetypes, mythology, and therapy provides a fertile ground for emotional and mental growth. By engaging with these timeless narratives, we can forge new paths to wellness and understanding, individually and collectively. Ready to explore the archetypes within your journey? Join us as we dive into the psychological depths of myth, media, and the human experience. Contact us to begin your path to self-discovery and emotional wellness.
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