Dreams - the Alchemy of Groups: Jungian Reflections on Group Work.

Abstract

Jungian analytical psychology and group theories can mutually benefit and cross-fertilize each other. When incorporating Jungian ideas into group theory, the result enhances the way we can explore and understand projections. Encouraging the exploration of dreams that group members have about each other makes unconscious connections in the group accessible and can be expressed in group dialogue. A group is an ideal place for holding the tension of opposites within oneself as well as in projections onto others. The Jungian approach can help us explore group members' main conflicts and entrenched patterns of relating, and guide them in self-reflection and resolving the patterns that act as obstacles to healing. This process eases polarization and encourages individuation, group members' journey toward wholeness.