topic 2 dq2 peer

Kiera Lee

The primary goal of Jungian analysis, developed by Carl Jung, is individuation, which is the process of becoming your most authentic and whole self. I really like this concept because it goes beyond just “fixing problems” and focuses on truly understanding who you are at your core. Jung believed that growth happens when we bring together both our conscious and unconscious thoughts, allowing us to live more balanced and meaningful lives (Murdock, 2025). The individuation journey is often described in four stages. First is recognizing the persona, or the mask we show the world. Second is confronting the shadow, which includes the parts of ourselves we may hide or deny. Third is integrating the anima or animus, which helps create balance within our identity. Finally, the last stage is developing the self, where a person reaches a sense of wholeness and alignment (Murdock, 2025). I also think this approach works best for clients who are open to deep self reflection and personal growth. It may especially benefit individuals going through life transitions or struggling with identity. This type of counseling takes time, but it can be very powerful for those who are ready to truly understand themselves on a deeper level.

Reference Murdock, N. L. (2025). Theories of counseling and psychotherapy: A case approach (5th ed.). Pearson.