ABSTRACT
In this chapter I would like to reflect on some aspects of factionalism and conflict in political contexts. However, it is important to state at the outset that I am not a politician, and hence I am approaching the subject matter from the perspective of a mental health professional and more specifically that of a Jungian analyst. Moreover, I feel the need to clarify that my reflections are based on my therapeutic and consultation work in this field and are not a product of armchair theorizing. In addition to my conventional clinical and analytical work (in the context of both private practice and in a British National Health Service specialist psychotherapy clinic) as well as my academic duties at a university, I have been acting as a consultant to various relief organizations and have been directly involved in therapeutic work with refugees and survivors of political violence.
