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.