Becoming Yourself: Jungian Individuation and Interpersonal Relationships

Abstract

Jungian individuation is a process of self-realization through which a person develops their unique qualities and becomes a more complete fulfillment of the collective qualities that comprise a human being (Jung, 1951/1968b). It is a lifelong journey through which a person realizes their true nature and moves towards becoming a whole person through the integration of their personality (Jung, 1939). Jung’s development of Psychological Types was influenced by his understanding of the Christian mystical tradition, and his book on the topic provided a brief outline of the specific pathway for growth for each type (Jung, 1921/1971). This dissertation extends Jung’s personality theory by examining how the use of Jungian psychological types facilitates personality integration through interpersonal relationships, thereby supporting a person's spiritual development. This dissertation examines how a psychotherapist’s application of the psychological types in their own individuation process can foster an environment in which their patients can gain insight into their conscious and unconscious selves. This, in turn, enables the integration of the shadow aspects of their personality, resulting in greater love, compassion, and inner freedom for themselves and their communities. The specifics of Jungian individuation, as applied through the use of the eight functions, are presented, along with the transference and countertransference issues that can arise in the therapeutic relationship. The obstacles to individuation and personality integration are also described, using a specific example of when therapist and patient are of different psychological types, and further directions for this work are provided as well.