Part 2 – Powerlessness and Renewal*

November 8, 2025 – 1-3:30 pm*
Laura McGrew, LCPC & Ken James, PhD
Held via Zoom, not recorded
$55, CEUs: 2.5

*Max of 25. 5 volunteer spots available.

In a culture that prizes control, confidence, and personal agency, powerlessness is often feared, resisted, or pathologized. Yet, during moments of self-collapse, unexpected sources of wisdom, grace, and transformation can emerge. This two session course explores the inner landscape of powerlessness—not as a failure to be overcome, but as a gateway and crucible where deep psychological healing can arise.

Drawing on Jungian psychology and close readings from C.G. Jung’s Red Book, The Black Books, and Memories, Dreams, Reflections, we will examine powerlessness not as a pathological state (class one), but as an initiatory threshold (class two). In moments of psychic vulnerability, Jung discovered portals to archetypal meaning, mythic imagery, and the transformative Self. Together, we will explore how ego-defeat, decline, and surrender can paradoxically open the way toward healing and inner integration.

Rather than a lecture-based format, this course offers a shared journey of meaning-making. Participants are encouraged to bring their insights and questions into dialogue with the themes. Through contemplative listening to selected readings from The Red Book and The Black Books, facilitated discussions, and guided reflections, we will create a space where the necessity—and even the sacredness—of powerlessness can be more deeply understood and honored.

Who Should Attend: This course is designed for the general public. Clinicians, spiritual seekers, and all those who find themselves standing in the territory of powerlessness—either personally or in their work with others—are welcome. A willingness to reflect vulnerably and listen deeply is the only prerequisite.

*Attending Part 1, Powerless and Surrender, is not required to register for Part 2.

About the Instructors

Laura McGrew is a Jungian Analyst in private practice in Chicago. She is the emeritus board chair of The C.G. Jung Center, and a tireless worker in and for the field of Analytical Psychology.

Ken James is a Jungian Analyst in private practice in Chicago. He is a training analyst with the C.G. Jung Institute of Chicago and has served on the board of the institute.

Held via Zoom on behalf of the Jung Center of Evanston. Meeting details sent via email after registration has been confirmed. For questions, contact jung@cgjungcenter.org.

Friday November 14, 7 pm – 9 pm
Jane Kamerling, LCSW
Held in-person at the Jung Center
$50, CEUs: 2

“The problem of evil is one of the central problems of modern man. No appeal to old values and ideals can shield us from the recognition that we live in a world in which evil in man is emerging from the depths of a gigantic scale and confronting us all, without exception, with the question: How are we to deal with this evil?” (Erich Newmann, Depth Psychology and a New Ethic, 1969, p. 25)

Depth Psychology and a New Ethic was first written in German in 1949, soon after the conclusion of the Second World War. Neumann, a Jew, contemplates the evil and destruction seen in the holocaust, inspiring a look at a new ethic of consciousness, leading humanity out of the darkness with hope for the future. Today worldwide terrorism threatens the safety of all and nearly weekly fills the news with countless numbers of innocent victims. Animal and plant species have been endangered to extinction and climate change threatens the ice caps of the north pole and the shores of the continents. Our psychic nature and dealing with ourselves and others is equally in peril.

The Self, the Jungian idea of wholeness, is addressed in this lecture focusing on the psychology of terrorism. For decades, the way we have unconsciously treated the environment and people have led us into the darkness once again, creating uncontrollable outcomes in our environment and societies. Continuing to remain unconscious is no longer an option. This workshop will begin our journey of understanding the psychology of the terrorist and terrorism in the context of environmental issues.

About the Instructor
Jane Kamerling, LCSW is a Diplomate Jungian Analyst and member of the Chicago Society of Jungian Analysts and Interregional Society of Jungian Analysts. She is a faculty member of the C.G. Jung Institute of Chicago and has designed and co-directed the Clinical Training is a senior analyst who has lectured both nationally and internationality on the relationship of Jungian psychology to culture, mythology and religion. She has a full-time analytical practice in Chicago.