Can analytical psychology be applied to the therapeutic community?

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the theoretical potential of applying Jungian/analytical psychology concepts to a contemporary therapeutic community (TC) within the national health service.

Design/methodology/approach

A literature review concerning a Jungian understanding of group psychotherapy and TCs was undertaken. A summary and discussion of a detailed written account of a previous Jungian TC was then conducted. A comparison between a modern-day TC and Jungian approaches was then conducted with an ending discussion on the feasibility of incorporating Jungian ideas into modern work.

Findings

While Jung is thought to have a wholly negative view of groups and group psychotherapy, this was not found in the case. Furthermore, post-Jungian authors have attempted to use ideas from analytical psychology in their group work. While there are some aspects that could be implemented with relative ease in the modern TC, a complete shift into this different way of working would be a challenge and its current evidence base would not support this.

Originality/value

To the best of author’s knowledge, there are no other academic papers that have considered this subject.

Citation

Howe, A.J. (2020), "Can analytical psychology be applied to the therapeutic community?", Therapeutic Communities: The International Journal of Therapeutic Communities, Vol. 41 No. 3/4, pp. 101-111. https://doi.org/10.1108/TC-07-2020-0015