7/27/2019 A Jungian Activity with Adolescents.docx

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 A Jungian Activity with AdolescentsMy Guardian Spirit  A central archetypal drive during the adolescent phase of development is that of separation from family of origin. Onefunction of separation is to attain one’s own unique identity. The Guardian Spirit guided imagery technique has beenmodified from Allan and Bertoia (1992). This guided imagery

involves symbols inherent with such psychological functionsas separating from the family or origin, purification of the body,overcoming childhood fears, death of the “old” childhood identity, learning new coping skills, and the birth of new inner and outer identities (Allan and Bertoia). Guided imageryactivities are particularly relevant to adolescents as theyprovide a non-threatening mechanism of entering the greatsearch for and integration of the inscape of one’s pure emotions. Jung (1964) termed this individuation.

The adolescent is prepared for the guided imagery activitythrough a few moments in relaxation techniques. Then thetherapist reads Close your eyes and let your mind wander for awhile….Now imagine that you are living many, many years ago… long before White people came to this land…and it is  approaching time for you to leave on your Vision Quest in searchof your Guardian Spirit. Let’s get you a home base first: Whereare you living? Who is in your family? … What does your lodge look like? … Now imagine a dream, and in the dream you become aware that it is time for you to leave your lodge andmake your solo journey away from your home to find your Guarding Spirit … Imagine leaving and walking for a long, long time… away from your home into the unknown countryside… What do you see? … What is the weather like? After walking for a  long time, you become aware that you are ready to begin your Vision Quest. To do this, you must find a safe and protectedspace. Soon you begin dreaming or imagining … You’re seeking a vision of your Guardian Spirit. Who comes to you? What is he,she, or it like? Continue dreaming for a while… Picture the animal, person, or thing closely. Notice the details… What noise does it make? What size and shape is it? What color is it?Picture yourself and your Guardian Spirit. What is it doing? Whatactions or words does it have for you? See if it leads youanywhere or shows or gives you anything…Do you have any questions of it? …Let yourself ask…Let him or her answer…Now it is time to say goodbye to your Guardian Spirit. When you areready lift your head and slowly open your eyes…Now I’d like you to draw your Guardian Spirit and a scene from your inner journeyand then we’ll discuss.