There are no Taboo Subjects in the therapy room. It is a place where it is appropriate to speak about all thoughts, feelings and experiences.
“Everyone carries a shadow,” Jung wrote, “and the less it is embodied in the individuals conscious life, the blacker and denser it is.”
Psychotherapy is a place where people can begin to explore and reintegrate shut-off parts of the self in a non-judgmental, non-shaming environment.
When shame stops us owning our ‘Shadow’ not only do we miss a vital part of ourselves but that part can seem more and more terrifying. Sometimes this leads people to Project their shadow onto others, i.e. ‘I would rather see you/that group as being bad and shadow-like than admit my own uncomfortable feelings.
Jung also said,’’ The shadow is the seat of creativity.’’
I believe owning and understanding our own ‘shadow’ helps us be both more robust and compassionate with others.
