I often wonder what to call what I do. Carl Jung himself never believed that his work would be continued by Jungian analysts; he said that his work would be continued by those who suffer. In fact, he once stated, "Thank God I am Jung and not a Jungian." But even with that said, I am a Zurich-trained, Jungian Analyst with a Diploma in Analytical Psychology. For me, it is important to call out that I did my training in Zurich because it is home to some of the best analysts in the world. My training analysts have been in practice for 40+ years and my soul has benefited in profound ways by working closely with them for the last decade. Though I work with people around the world, my physical practice is located at the prestigious Psychological Club in Zurich.
If we have to put a psychotherapeutic label on what I do, it would be a depth psychological approach to suffering and meaning, which means that we explore not only your conscious processes, but also your unconscious processes. We have to add to that mix, my own conscious and unconscious processes, and for me, being honest about all of that makes the work we can do together much more interesting.
Sometimes, the work can feel provocative, but I always do it from a space of Love. The shaping and excavation of what is real within oneself - the lapis, the Self, the diamond body, to list a few of its names - is an intense process, and it often begins in our darkest hours. That very state is the prima materia in Alchemy. Alchemical transformation is certainly not for everyone, but if you stay with it, you will not regret it.
My work does not fall under the category of a licensed psychotherapist, mental health counselor, or clinical psychologist. In Jungian analysis, the approach to psychological suffering and meaning relies on symbolism, metaphor, active imagination and meditation, and dream analysis. My approach is to remain as true as possible to Jung's original work, while also staying relevant to the Spirit of the Times. I try to find as many avenues as I can to make a connection with you. For example, I might share books, videos, music, art, or sometimes, even my personal experiences in order to help you make sense of your symbolic material. Please check the Non-Licensure disclosure and ethics statement for more information.
People can open the door of inner work from many different points of entry and I am available for whichever style suits you. For example, some people don't have immediate psychological issues, but instead are interested in a better understanding of themselves through their unconscious material. In these cases, we can work with psychological education from the Jungian perspective or have a Dream Reading session, where you can see how to work with your dream and its possible meanings. Even if you are simply looking for a new direction in life, there is always something to work with coming from the unconscious. Let's explore the possibilities together.
If you want to know more about Jung's psychology and dream analysis, then you should read my blogs. This really gives you the best idea of who I am and how I work.
The Blog Posts
I make the following disclaimer in writing for those few people who fail to accept accountability for their own actions. If you are one of them, I sincerely pray that may you one day rise above that limitation and learn to face your own shadow - for therein lies your precious gold.
THIS INFORMATION IS FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND IS NOT INTENDED TO BE A SUBSTITUTE FOR CLINICAL CARE. PLEASE CONSULT A HEALTH CARE PROVIDER FOR GUIDANCE SPECIFIC TO YOUR CASE.
The Space at Psychological Club in Zürich
I am still utterly astonished that I have my humble praxis in the Psychological Club at Gemeindestrasse 27 in Zurich, Switzerland. This is something I do not take lightly and I am really grateful to be in the heart of where Jung developed his psychology. The house is very special. You can read about its foundation, history, and purpose at the Club's website.
My philosophy for working
It's not about advice - it's about a deeper understanding of your true beingopen-mindedness and receptivity
In my analytical practice virtually nothing is unexpected. Bring it into the space: the good, the bad, the ugly, the weird, and even the horrifying. Don't be afraid to be your whole self in the room. I will never judge you, but things can get uncomfortable. All I ask is the same of you - try not to judge me. Stay open to whatever comes up during the analytical process.
Honest reflection on your part
During analytical sessions, sometimes we must at look parts of ourselves that aren't very flattering, for example a destructive shadow side. I try my best to be your compassionate, but boldly objective witness. This can sometimes feel confrontational, but I will always do it from love. I can only point out what I see, and only you can decide if what I see is valid for you. This requires great conscious effort on your part because you have to be willing to look at yourself from many different perspectives.
authentic engagement
I will meet you with my whole personality, my true being. I don't have a therapeutic persona, so to speak. Our work together is based on an authentic dialogue. I won't use any kind of theoretical approach on you. Together we'll discover what works for you. I may share music, art, books, or anything else that comes to me which I think would be helpful for your understanding. It's really an exploratory process of your depths. When you are ready to leave the analysis, you will have the tools to do this work on your own.
sense of humor
Having a sense of humor is crucial to your healing process. Part of why we get ourselves into impossible situations is because we take both, ourselves and the world around us, far too seriously. We have to learn to laugh at ourselves and with each other. Even in our darkest moments, laughter is still the best medicine.