ABSTRACT
This chapter deals with the Jungian conviction that the actual conflict contains the life-historical conflict constellations as in a hologram and that for each analysand, specific solutions and the corresponding transformation energy are provided through creative processes of his own unconscious.
The methodical attitude of the Jungian analyst corresponding to this view is oriented towards the Socratic ‘art of midwifery’ (maieutiké): through amplifying hints and questions, less through determining interpretations, the analyst himself is to find access to the contents of his unconscious, which are relevant for current obstacles to individuation.
C. G. Jung was convinced early that the memories of the past were always constructed in the present. Therefore, from the here and now of symptomatology, it is possible to find all the factors that led to the respective neurotic introversion. In general terms, possible solutions are available in the shared collective unconscious of the analysand to the extent that each individual conflict simultaneously corresponds to a generally human, often timeless conflict constellation.
The Jungian concepts of Self and ego are introduced. There are archetypal dimensions of the Self in connection with the collective unconscious. The functional aspects of the Self that are accessible to the ego consciousness and persistent conflict dimensions in interaction with others are described. The different functions of the Self are unconsciously represented by a number of ‘pairs’ (e.g. mother-child, vagina-penis, Shiva-Shakti). The regulatory power of the Self is to integrate these often opposing ‘pairs’ into the notion of a permanent, connected ‘inner pair’ that ensures the psychic survival of the Self. A deficient ‘pair’ in the unconscious triggers strong fears and an impairment of the self-functions and the ‘inner working models’ on which the functional level of the respective ego-structural characteristics depends.
Elements of transference and countertransference development and of resistances in the analytical process are described. ‘Shadow aspects’ in the analysand’s love relationships and their integration by creative artwork are presented.
The next section deals with the question of how transformation potentials arise from an analytical process and what role experiences play in the therapeutic relationship. In ‘moments of meeting’ of analysand and analyst, those changes take place which are also called encounters with the Self, the ‘unconsciously known’, synchronistic events or eureka moments. They are processes of sudden awareness and expansion of the inner horizon. Triggers can be touching dream images and dream symbols, a meaningful thought of the analysand or an interpretation, amplification or action of the analyst. The connection to the case example has been established. One aspect of ‘grace’ that is inherent in the occurrence of such moments is highlighted.
