JOP24-25 Persona & Shadow

Section 6: Persona & Shadow

Class Dates: November 11, 18, 2024

Instructor: Katherine Olivetti, LCSW

Katherine Olivetti, MA, MSSW,  is a Jungian analyst, also trained in family systems therapy at the Philadelphia Child Guidance Clinic and in couple therapy at the William Alanson White Institute. She has taught at Yale University School of Medicine, Yeshiva University, and for many Jungian communities nationally and internationally.

Description:

The Persona — Jung wrote about the persona as the aspect of psyche that mediates between the individual and society. Often regarded as a false self, in its positive aspects, this psychic entity is necessary and has creative aspects that contribute to individuation. In this class we will look at positive and negative aspects of persona and how they impact clinical situations.

The Shadow — Jung defined the shadow as those aspects of the self that cannot be incorporated into the conscious ego identity of the individual.  Much therapeutic work involves the redemption of aspects of self that have fallen into the shadow. In the class we will consider the various factors that contribute to the formation of the shadow, and how the process of working with shadow aspects of the psyche is related to individuation.