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How to Become a Jungian Analyst

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Jungian analysis is a form of psychotherapy based on the theories of Carl Jung. Jungian analysts work with clients to resolve their complexes and help them to learn more about their deeper selves. Analysts and clients do this together by analyzing the client's dreams, by engaging in symbolic creative and play activity such as drawing, sculpture and sand play and by verbally exploring the client's thought patterns, obsessions, desires and fears. Jungian analysis has similarities to Freudian psychotherapy, but places much more emphasis on universal archetypes and the collective unconscious.

Pay close attention to your dreams. Keep a dream journal and write in it every morning. The significance of dreams is central to the practice of Jungian analysis, and learning to remember and interpret your own dreams first will help you to be more intuitive when you work with other people.

Focus on the field of psychology in your university studies. A degree in psychology won't make you a Jungian analyst, but it will help you to be accepted into a program for Jungian analysis.

Undergo Jungian analysis. Some training programs require students to do this, either before or during the educational program. Jungian analysts need to understand their own subconscious drives so they can separate them from their clients' issues during therapeutic sessions.

Go to an authorized school or training program for Jungian analysts such as the Jungian Psychoanalytic Association (JPA). Training programs in Jungian analysis are academically rigorous and usually last four or five years. Preference is often given to applicants who are already professional psychologists or psychotherapists.

Build a client base by establishing an office and advertising your services. Maintain close contact with other Jungian analysts and keep up to date with developments in the field by subscribing to trade journals such as Jung Journal: Culture and Psyche. You can also join a professional association and attend annual conferences.

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Writer

Jagg Xaxx has been writing since 1983. His primary areas of writing include surrealism, Buddhist iconography and environmental issues. Xaxx worked as a cabinetmaker for 12 years, as well as building and renovating several houses. Xaxx holds a Doctor of Philosophy in art history from the University of Manchester in the U.K.