The transpersonal approach
Stuart Douglas
April 17, 2018 DOI: 10.4324/9780429484971-2 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper |
|---|---|
| Citations | 1 |
| Key points | Argues that a transpersonal approach is well suited to the research paradigm of transpersonal psychology and to dreamwork. Drawing on Jung, it contends that symbols are central to the psyche and that dreams compensate specifically for the dreamer's conscious attitude, with compensation occurring in varying degrees, sometimes standing in flagrant opposition to conscious intentions. |
Abstract
This chapter seeks to present the rationale for transpersonal approach and how it aligns with the research paradigm that is relevant to transpersonal psychology. It addresses the approach to dreamwork and provides a brief detour into the role of symbols. The role of the symbol was of paramount importance to Jung and its central place in his psychology is well known. The concept of self-regulation is fundamental to Jung’s view of the functioning of the psyche and largely accounts for his view of dreams. Jung identified different types of compensation in dreams, or, more specifically, noted various degrees of compensation. There are instances where the dream, as an expression of the compensating unconscious, “stands in flagrant opposition to our conscious intentions”. One of the crucial points of Jung’s compensatory dream theory is that a dream very specifically compensates for the dreamer’s conscious attitude.