What is Shadow Work?

Shadow work is the process of making the unconscious conscious. It was coined by Carl Jung to help promote internal self-awareness and acceptance.

Carl Jung was a psychiatrist and analyst, and generally a frenemy of Sigmund Freud (especially in the later years as their theories on the human mind diverged even further). Through his studies and observation of psychology he developed a comprehensive theory about the human psyche, which included what he called the shadow.

In depth/analytical psychology, the shadow self refers to the parts of ourselves that generally fall outside of our daily consciousness. To put it simply, when we’re out living - and focusing on the things that most readily require our attention- there are repressed, and even dark, parts of ourselves that continue to operate in the background. Sometimes that can look like deep anger, hurt related to trauma history, the desire for revenge, low self-worth, etc.

If unchecked things in this hidden part of the psyche can be incredibly disruptive. For a lot of people this can look like an inner saboteur.

Through strategies like dream analysis, introspection, symbol analysis and meaning-making you can learn more about the hidden parts that “leak out” at times in an attempt to make themselves known. The process of shadow involves the work of analyzing those reflections and working to integrate otherwise undesirable thoughts, feelings and experiences into the fuller parts of ourselves. In doing so, you limit the power of that inner saboteur as you practice life with less shame, guilt and hiding from yourself.

Ultimately, it is the compassion, self-acceptance and wholeness that shadow work seeks to help you with.

If you are trying to learn more about yourself, and want to practice loving on the most seemingly unlovable parts, then shadow work may be for you.

You can purchase a copy of my book The Shadow Work Workbook at this link.