Shadow Work
What is commonly referred to as our Shadow aspect today is often grounded in Jungian theory, which focuses on the buried traits of an individual’s personality or psyche (or both). The effort required to identify, address, and even embrace these hidden traits is challenging but profoundly self-empowering. To be our Authentic Selves, it is essential to recognize and honor all facets of our personalities. Through this honest approach, negative or undesirable aspects are acknowledged for what they are and how they came to exist. They are processed and become integral to our learning experience, serving as tools for better understanding ourselves and others. Understanding and integrating both sides of our nature enhances genuine confidence by eliminating negative self-talk, reduces stress by establishing healthy boundaries, and teaches us when to engage and when to step back, providing a clearer perspective of the individual we see in the mirror.
There are countless approaches to Shadow Work, paralleling the diverse styles of Shadow Workers, and while the methods may vary, the ultimate goal remains the same: to achieve Authenticity and liberate ourselves from knee-jerk reactions and feelings of victimhood and helplessness. My techniques are relatively straightforward and customized for the individual. I provide a safe space and support for a profound exploration, along with structure to help work through and engage with those discoveries, all with honesty and compassion. Please remember that this is NOT therapy; I am not a mental health practitioner. If traumas arise that require attention from a mental health professional, I will address that with you and customize our sessions to complement therapy, never to replace it. My ultimate aim is to guide you towards your best Self.
This work will also assist you in recognizing positive aspects that you may have forgotten or buried, aspects you may have, on some level, refused to believe existed. Through Shadow Work, we will bring those attributes to the surface, allowing you to implement them in a healthy way. As your coach, my primary role is to help you eliminate the unnecessary elements in your life, gain a better understanding of those aspects you don’t wish to be dominated by, and discover the tools and wisdom that already reside within you.
Below is a breakdown of the stages of the work we will undertake together:
Self-Awareness: Reflecting and beginning to identify
Honesty: Addressing the root cause
Self-Healing: A compassionate approach to self-talk
Own Your Projections: How has this manifested in your daily life?
Journaling
Coexisting: Putting new insights into practice
"Because one tends to reject or remain ignorant of the least desirable aspects of one’s personality, the shadow is largely negative. There are, however, positive aspects that may also remain hidden in one’s shadow (especially in people with low self-esteem, anxieties, and false beliefs)." (Young-Eisendrath, P. and Dawson, T. (1997). The Cambridge Companion to Jung., Cambridge University Press, p. 319)