Interventions
Dream analysis would be one effective intervention for Deirdre as she would through the exploration of the symbolism in her dreams be able to access repressed memories and feelings she is currently unable to discuss with anyone. Dream analysis would serve as an important catalyst leading her to a deeper understanding of herself, and liberating her (as she attains more self- awareness) from many irrational thoughts that seem to be deeply rooted in her psyche. Deirdre has a history of panic attacks and depression and this appears to stem from her relationship with her mother. Her mother imposed impossible to achieve conditions of worth which caused Deirdre to feel worthless, and which set her on a quest for perfection as she continued to seek her mother’s approval. Dream analysis would open new vistas for her as she would be led to explore her unresolved grief over her father, and her mother’s neglecting and abusive attitude toward her as these themes in time come to the surface through dream symbolism. Finn (2011) noted the role of the therapist is key in identifying “symbolic elements from the personal and collective unconscious and link it with the client’s conscious experiences.” (p. 83.). As a child and adolescent, Deirdre’s extreme, uncomfortable lifestyle created an emotional situation in which she felt depressed, anxious and unmoored in life. It was as if Deirdre saw no other way to achieve any semblance of peace, but to go into self- exile in her room away from her mother. But it is possible the isolation made her feel unloved, and uncared for much like a feral child, and contributed to her anxiety. Since Deirdre is overwhelmed by anxiety, and has an irrational view of herself as a social misfit, the word association assessment as another intervention, that would serve to tap into Deirdre’s personal unconscious and unearth her possibly buried complexes, as Jung termed themes in the unconscious representing “repressed material that emerge in dreams, fantasies, poetry, and music.” (p. 81.). Jung used word association with schizophrenic patients, and Deirdre does not appear to suffer from this abnormality, but she would benefit from this intervention in terms of the evolution of her personality on her path to becoming a whole person. By getting clarity, Deirdre may be able to address many of her negative emotions, and she may start to discover more self-awareness in order to rid herself of anxiety to begin to develop a more positive image of herself. In her present condition, the word association assessment would be a good tool for the therapist to gain more insight about Deirdre, as she often finds it difficult to express her feelings, and may be somewhat non-verbal in general. When Jung originally used the word association experiment, his goal was to find things out about his patients that they were unaware of, so that he could begin to help and understand them. (Finn, 2011). Perhaps Deirdre over time would be able to transform her self-loathing. In her current condition, she continually feels like an outsider, and she believes this is related to her acting out that manifests as her not caring how she looks, just like she did in school. She neglects herself just as her mother neglected her, and she is not conscious of the fact that she has been indoctrinated by her mother to behave this way: in a self-loathing manner. But as the therapist uses word association, Deirdre will be given the chance to gain greater access to her unexplored self, and probable resistance, as she begins to understand her life more, and this could lead to a transformative, enlightening experience. Her therapist would be able through word association to recognize areas of resistance that impede change, and other areas that need therapeutic focus that Deirdre is not aware of.
Goals
As a child. Deirdre’s mother was inconsistent with her expressions of love of and approval, and she suffered from depression, so much so that she became a hoarder (after her husband left her). This made it impossible for Deirdre to live in a safe, comfortable home. Her mother also exhibited mood swings which interfered with Deirdre’s ability to trust her. Basic trust a child should experience with parents was absent, and so she felt unsafe most of the time, and later took to retreating to her room isolating herself from her mother’s madness, and where she felt safer. Consequently, Deirdre did not develop into a whole person. In Jungian analysis, the goal of therapy is to assist the client in ridding themselves of suffering. (Finn, 2011.). In addition, Deirdre through Jungian interventions will grow to become more self-aware. Finn (2011) observed, “The goals of therapy are to help clients become aware of their conscious and unconscious thoughts and become fully integrated.” (p. 90.). In Jungian analysis, Deirdre would be encouraged to focus on the present in order to confront her reality in what Jung termed “the here and now.” (p.82), and this would be helpful in bringing about her individuation, or what Jung described as an individual accepting their positive and negative aspects. This would help her grow towards self-acceptance. Finn (2011) explained individuation involves awareness of the self and is a key process in growth. “Individuation occurs when a person becomes aware of the unique self… by bringing the unconscious to conscious awareness while living in the here and now.” (p. 82.). Eventually, Deirdre would stop worrying about future events or her negative prediction about abandonment, and gain the confidence she needs to embrace life with courage rather than fear, thereby beginning to attain the wholeness she seeks. Her life experiences, because she would be much more self- aware, and more in touch with her feelings, would be richer and far more meaningful to her.
Sources
Finn, A. (2011). Jungian analytic theory. In D. Capuzzi & D.R. Gross (Eds.).Counseling and psychotherapy: Theories and interventions (5th ed.). (pp. 77-94). Alexandria: VA: American Counseling Association.