Can analytical psychology be applied to the therapeutic community?. Issue 3 (2nd October 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Howe, Andrew John
• Is Part Of: Therapeutic communities. Volume 41:Issue 3/4(2020)
• Page Start: 101
• Page End: 111
• Publication Date: 2020-10-02
• Subjects: Therapeutic communities -- Groups -- Jung -- Group psychotherapy -- Analytical psychology -- Post Jungian; Therapeutic communities -- Periodicals; 616.8914
• DOI: 10.1108/TC-07-2020-0015
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0964-1866

Abstract

Abstract : Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to investigate the theoretical potential of applying Jungian/analytical psychology concepts to a contemporary therapeutic community (TC) within the national health service. Design/methodology/approach: A literature review concerning a Jungian understanding of group psychotherapy and TCs was undertaken. A summary and discussion of a detailed written account of a previous Jungian TC was then conducted. A comparison between a modern-day TC and Jungian approaches was then conducted with an ending discussion on the feasibility of incorporating Jungian ideas into modern work. Findings: While Jung is thought to have a wholly negative view of groups and group psychotherapy, this was not found in the case. Furthermore, post-Jungian authors have attempted to use ideas from analytical psychology in their group work. While there are some aspects that could be implemented with relative ease in the modern TC, a complete shift into this different way of working would be a challenge and its current evidence base would not support this. Originality/value: To the best of author's knowledge, there are no other academic papers that have considered this subject.