This informal CPD article ‘Illuminating The Power of a Depth Psychological Approach’ was provided by Creative Depth, an organisation dedicated to bringing more insight, purpose and meaning to the clinical setting while enhancing the psychological wellbeing of the clinician.
Introduction to Depth Psychology
Theoretically speaking, there are a wide array of perspectives and many differing approaches that can be taken towards therapeutic work. Nevertheless, regardless of theoretical orientation, the basic premise of any approach aims to bring forth greater insight and understanding to life events in addition to new ways of approaching and dealing with the many difficulties that inevitably occur over the course of a lifetime.
The power of a depth psychological approach lies in the ability to illuminate psychological material hidden beneath the surface of awareness. As a result, this approach brings forth the natural compensatory healing capacity of the psyche thus mitigating psychological issues and enhancing psychological growth in general.
Depth Psychology – A Lack of Understanding
The psychodynamic approach is widely recognized due to the work of Sigmund Freud1, and the nature of psychic conflict associated with the many defensive strategies of the ego are familiar concepts in psychological circles. However, despite this general recognition, many clinicians remain relatively unaware of how to implement and practically apply a depth psychological approach. Moreover, many clinicians are unfamiliar with the nature of the unconscious and its role in healing, not to mention the profound impact that a life experience grounded in a depth psychological understanding can have upon the individual.
Furthermore, it can be difficult for mental health professionals to develop a level of confidence or mastery with a depth approach since the practical application of depth psychological principles are rarely taught at the master's-level within most clinical mental health programs.
Additionally, comprehensive continuing education programs are limited regarding this particular methodology. Even for seasoned practitioners it can be daunting to enter this vast rich landscape without adequate training and support given the many different portals available to penetrate and access psychological material hidden behind the defences. Some of these portals include the use of a symbolic attitude, active imagination, bodily felt sense, and spontaneous expressions such as dreams. As a result, depth psychological principles and depth-oriented methods often remain underutilized or entirely neglected in the general clinical setting.
Historical Background of Depth Psychology
According to historical accounts, the term 'depth psychology' was coined by Swiss humanist and psychiatrist Eugen Bleuler2. In the early 1900's, Bleuler played an important role in understanding mental illness and became regarded as an early pioneer of evidence-based medicine. During his tenure at Burgholzli, a psychiatric asylum located in Zurich Switzerland, Bleuler contributed significantly to the field of psychiatry and depth-oriented methods.
Depth psychologist Carl Jung also worked at Burgholzli as a research scientist while he was studying medicine at the University of Zurich. Jung was actually a staff doctor in the same hospital until 1909 while Bleuler still served as the director. During Jung's time at the asylum, he incorporated a scientific test known as the word association experiment3 to study his patients and deepen his understanding about the underlying causes associated with his patients’ symptoms.
Freud's ego defensive strategy theory
This research in conjunction with depth psychological methods led not only to the identification of psychological material that lies behind the many defensive strategies of the ego, but also to deep healing and psychological growth. In many ways, the word associated experiment supported Freud's ego defensive strategy theory and also proved that there was indeed unknown psychological material present, thus supporting the concept of the unconscious.
Of course, it is now widely accepted that unknown psychological material is often defended against and that complicated mechanisms are employed by the ego in order to keep this psychological material at bay. For example, in order to avoid overwhelming emotions, a repression strategy may be employed. Likewise, in cases of internal conflict and fear of the unknown, a defensive strategy termed ‘projection’ might be utilized.
The importance of incorporating a depth psychological approach must not be underestimated because depth methods can circumvent these defensive strategies and thus make way for the alleviation of inner conflict and forms of resistance that often inhibit the therapeutic process.
The Potential Advantages of Depth Psychology
There are many reasons to consider incorporating a depth psychological approach. Since depth methods can be used in conjunction with other clinical perspectives, this approach can be interwoven into any clinical practice.
In fact, a depth psychological approach can provide many therapeutic benefits regardless of whether you come from a biological, evolutionary, humanistic, or even a cognitive perspective. We have compiled a list of the top 7 benefits and reasons below for why you might want to consider employing a depth psychological approach within your practice.
- Uncover root causes. Support the identification of unconscious processes that drive thoughts, feelings, and behaviors and allow access to perceptions and beliefs that are largely influenced by unconscious motivations and past experiences.
- Illuminate Shadow Material. Explore rejected and unaccepted aspects of the personality that are repressed, compensatory to the ego’s ideals, or counter to the structure of the persona while discovering hidden talents and unique qualities that are not yet owned or recognized.
- Reduce Emotional Reactivity & Inner Conflict. Deepen understanding regarding heightened emotions and aide in the identification of emotional blocks and regressive patterns related to complexes in order to soften emotional reactivity and pinpoint the precepts of inner conflict.
- Establishing Meaningful Connections. Cultivate a deep and meaningful relationship with the inner realm, bridge the gap between conscious and unconscious processes, and create new neural pathways that establish connections between right and left hemispheres.
- Enhancing Self Awareness. Instigate deeper self-reflection and cultivate intensive self-inquiry through techniques such as free association, dream work, and spontaneous expression in order to enhance self-awareness and promote psychological growth.
- Long-Term Healing. Tap into the natural healing capacity of the psyche and the innate power of archetypal forces and the vital connecting link of the symbol to promote long-term healing, meaningful transformation, and path towards wholeness.
- Relativizing & Revitalizing Ego. Establish a vital connection between the ego and the self in order to safeguard the integrity of the ego, access greater freedom, and nurture forms of authentic expression which bolster vitality.
In summation, a depth psychological approach is about illuminating psychological material hidden behind the scenes of awareness and cultivating a sense of curiosity for the unknown. Furthermore, the power of this approach may lie in its ability to nurture a deeper relationship with the often overlooked, yet more mysterious, aspects of psychological life.
We hope this article was helpful. For more information from Creative Depth, please visit their CPD Member Directory page. Alternatively, you can go to the CPD Industry Hubs for more articles, courses and events relevant to your Continuing Professional Development requirements.
References:
1. Freud, S. (2024). The Revised Standard Edition of the Complete Psychological Works of Sigmund Freud. Rowman & Littlefield.
2. Ashok, A. H., Baugh, J., & Yeragani, V. K. (2012). Paul Eugen Bleuler and the origin of the term schizophrenia (SCHIZOPRENIEGRUPPE). Indian Journal of Psychiatry, 54(1), 95-96.
3. O'Brien, J., & O'Brien, N. (2024). Jung's Word Association Experiment: Manual for Training and Practice. Taylor & Francis.
