Depth Psychology

What is depth psychology and how do we use it in therapy?

Since beginning my academic studies in depth psychology in 2011, I have come to find the term depth psychology as primarily hidden from everyday language. I admit, I often hesitate to use it.  I often avoid it, unsure if its mention will alienate newly formed relationships. Yet as I write this, I find this avoidance pointing towards the nature of depth psychology itself.

Over time, I have come to find that all of us hold back parts of ourselves in fear. Stories and imaginings that could be shared with others are often diluted and cut. What if instead of holding back, the fear could manage a gentle nod to the unknown, in recognition of the risks of first encounters? What if instead the gentle not provoked baby steps towards the sharing of depth psychology and its values rather than a focus on its difference. 

Depth psychology in turn studies this holding back. It studies it through the relationship of our conscious selves and our unconscious selves, as transport through thoughts, fears, feelings, fantasies, desires and the imaginal. It examines and holds the comparison of emerging opposites. Think of dusk and dawn as ecology’s way of mirroring these in-between states. 

We come to know the study of depth psychology through the work of Sigmund Freud and C.G. Jung in the debuts of the 20th century. Its originations in “talk therapy,” the new treatment modality at the time, explored the repressed and hidden aspects of the unconscious. Talking about and discovering meaning behind certain neurosis and behaviors proved to be validating, calming, releasing in some way, like lifting the top off a hot kettle. These neurosis and behaviors contain their own varying “voice” or message, a symbolic “voice” that is explored below the surface, and in-depth, like a crustacean delivering itself from its shell. Depth psychology looks to discover the need, emotion or aspect of soul that has been hidden, gone unnoticed or mute.

The strengths of depth psychology lie in the recognition that we are more profound than our ego consciousness alone. Depth psychology invites a dialogue and exploration of archetypes (universal energies), myths (universal stories), dreams, images, synchronicities and visions. It recognizes that the unconscious not only lives within us, but exists in our world overall, ecologically, collectively and individually.

We use depth psychology in therapy because it allows for the roots of our neurosis to be witnessed and understood, not simply pathologized or labeled. It supports exploration of the imaginal capacities of psyche. The aim is not to fester forever in the past, but rather recognize that individuation (the process of psychic maturation, integration and wholeness) is as much a part of forming and achieving outwardly goals, as it is recognizing the parts of us that go unseen or unheard, but are experienced through our daily lives none the less. We look to dreams, meditations, imaginations, synchronicities, images and creativity as ways in which we engage with psyche and the unconscious together in therapy. 

A depth perspective is phenomenological in nature, and contains a hidden commitment to the unknown and to that which is continually revealing. If something is already shown, we no longer invoke the desire to discover it, consequently leading to the end of the relationship. Because it is an ever evolving process, quantitative measurement of its efficacy becomes challenging. And yet, must something be quantitatively measured for it to be understood and known?

I have heard great depth psychology scholars say that they are still coming to discover what is depth psychology. Through years of dedicated work and service, they still surrender themselves to her mysteries. This is something to beholden. Questions lead to discoveries and answers, which lead to more questions. In this process of exploring the unknown, we expand psychologically, grow outwardly exponentially. We learn to tolerate life’s struggles with a different lens and a different source of energy and strength of flexibility. I admit again, though at times I still search for my own source of energy and strength of flexibility, I admire anyone and everyone who is on this path with me.

Call to Psyche

Psychotherapists often speak about psyche when relating to the process of therapy and self-actualization. But what exactly does it mean?

Psyche represents the soul, the winged butterfly femme, who’s breath of life flutters elusively. The story of psyche originates in Greek Mythology. In Greek mythology, psyche is the mortal goddess of soul, married to Eros, god of love. Born of mortal parents, she too was mortal, and stunning, so much in fact that Aphrodite, mother of Eros, became jealous of the love and worship she received from men. In Aphrodite’s jealousy, she commanded Eros to trick Psyche into falling in love with the most hideous man around. But of course, as Greek luck would have it, Eros instead fell in love with Psyche. Their story unfolds in love, betrayal, familial manipulation and journeys into the underworld. It is a metaphor for the deep quest one often undergoes to stay connected, to stay intimate. Connection and intimacy paradoxically are most desired but often the hardest to maintain. The building blocks of love and relationship are as much determined by one’s relationship to psyche as they are to one’s partner and one’s partner’s psyche.

Okay, but how does this pertain to me? How does this make sense for my psychologically?
We understand psyche as the contents of self and soul that make up both conscious and unconscious experience. In therapy, the exploration of psyche is the exploration of soul, desire, and the attention to the varying levels of conscious and unconscious experience.

Consciousness holds all our known thoughts, cognitions, beliefs, intentions, sense of self, persona (Latin for actor’s mask) and ego. The unconscious is where the other part of us lives that has yet to be realized, understood or known. The unconscious reveals itself in projections, our shadow, dreams, images, drives and impulsive behaviors. The depths of one’s unconscious is unknown and always something to be discovered. It will never be fully realized. The abyss of the sea will never fully be known.

Getting to know psyche is a process of discovery, into the parts of ourselves that are unknown and yet possibly emerging. Psyche brings into question moments of serendipity and ideas of control. Its power and creative potential lies in the acceptance of its totality, the way in which one accepts and surrenders to the totality of a god, saint, or guru. Building a relationship with one’s psyche is an ongoing process that grows and develops in intimacy, depth, connection and power over time.
    
It is psychotherapy’s aim to aid in the attunement of this connection. It is not something we will “figure out” together, but rather explore, into which we will gently dig and openly receive. Psyche lives all around us and within us at all times, but we witness and see her emerge when integration and change emerges. She emerges into consciousness when we feel ourselves breaking through something that terrifies us, or experiencing a new recognition, a feeling, a new movement in the game of life, psyche is kicking, shifting the ego. But even in these more “ah-ha” type moments, even without something obviously noticeable, psyche is present. Though not always pleasurable or pleasant, psyche is as much a part of our daily routine as our nightly slumber. It is the root word of psychology and the psychedelic experience. Psychology is after all, the study of psyche.