CEUs: 8

Instructor: Mary Theis

*This group meets on March 21, April 25, May 23, and June 20. Enrollment limited to 12 participants.

We tend to think of individuation as some grand, dramatic accomplishment.  But really, it is something we all are called to do on a daily basis.  We have a choice about whether to facilitate this natural process, or ignore/fight it.  In this group, we will explore our own individuation on a micro level*, that is, we will explore our own day-to-day experience with becoming more conscious of who we are capable of being.  In this group, Mary will provide a brief explanation of Jungian concepts, especially focusing on persona, shadow and the contra-sexual aspects of the psyche.  We will have a chance to explore how those aspects manifest themselves in our lives through proprioceptive writing, focusing and learning from one another as we share what we have discovered.

This series is intended primarily for those around retirement age.  This is the time in life when the urge to become the individual we are meant to be becomes most pressing. Though the psyche believes we will continue forever, something inside of us says: “If not now, when?”

*This concept of micro or personal level individuation comes from a recent seminar presented by Jungian Analyst Laura McGrew.

About the Instructor
Mary Theis is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor.  She is a volunteer therapist at The C. G. Jung Center and is also on the Clinic Committee.  She received her master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from the University of Notre Dame.  She has been actively involved in Jungian Psychology for more than 50 years.  She is affiliated with Apple Farm Community, a retreat center in Three Rivers, Michigan (applefarmcommunity.org). In addition to volunteering at the Jung Center, she sees clients privately in Evanston.

Recommended Reading
Owning your own Shadow:  Understanding the Dark Side of the Psyche, Robert Johnson
Writing the Mind Alive, Linda Metcalf and Tobin Simon