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History and Systems of Psychology PSY502

Lesson 32

JUNG'S ANALYTICAL PSYCHOLOGY

Carl Gustav Jung (1870-1961)

Carl Gustav Jung

Carl Gustav Jung developed an elaborate theory of dreams and dream interpretation. Jung proposed that

the average dream is similar in structure to a drama; Jung maintained that however some dreams could be

too short or fragmented to fit into this structure. Unlike Freud, Jung believed that the manifest dream (the

dream as remembered) contains the actual meaning of the dream the dream is therefore not distorted or

disguised in any way. It is a message or natural expression of the unconscious. Therefore, interpretation

should be based upon a series of dreams rather than a single dream. The usual practice was to interpret each

dream separately, irrespective of what was in the following dream. In Jung's view, dreams show wishes,

desires, conflicts and even give warning about future. He said that a dream is difficult to interpret and

understand since it is expressed in its own unique language of symbols. In order to interpret a dream, Jung

used the process of amplification. In essence, amplification involves elaborating a dream image in order to

determine its significance through direct and indirect association. This is achieved by gaining an insight into

the dreamer's personal associations with the image (direct association), in order to discover the feelings

evoked by a particular dream image or symbol. The meaning and significance of a particular word or image

can vary greatly between individuals depending on the effect it has had on his/her life. The cultural

significance of the image, as well as drawing parallels from the symbolism contained in folklore, history,

fairytales, religion, mythology, rituals etc.

As mentioned earlier, Jung believed that a series of dreams is much easier to interpret than a single dream.

This is due to the fact that significant images will be repeated and the basic ideas and themes behind the

dreams can be recognized more easily. A series of dreams usually indicates a complex conflict. Jungian

dream interpretation also places a great deal of importance on the conscious situation of the dreamer. The

dream is not an isolated event and cannot be detached from the dreamer's everyday life.

Jung developed a system of psycho-therapy based upon his theory of analytical psychology. According to

Jung psychotherapy is not healing but helping to develop. He rejected free association and adopted

dialogue, discussion and full confession.

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History and Systems of Psychology PSY502

The steps involved in Jungian therapy are:

Reading (for some)

Collaboration with the therapist

Focusing on the situation at present

Making any insight concrete and finding a way to put it into practice.

He also used interpretations of dreams in his method. He further took into view the positive side neurosis.

Jung also stressed the importance of religion in life. He stated that to cure is to make a person symptom

free, but the aim of psychotherapy is individuation.