The Psychology of Creativity
Fairies Looking Through a Gothic Arch

Working with the Life of the Imagination

a seminar with Jonathan Young

presented by

The Center for Story and Symbol

This is a day on the relationship between the unconscious and the creative process. Presentations draw on timeless stories, such as Alice in Wonderland and Robin Hood, to look at issues faced by highly inventive people. We will consider the significance of motivations in understanding problems in artistic careers. We will give special attention to blocks and other challenges unique to creative endeavors.

This course would be useful for clinicians working with professional writers, visual artists, performers, and others whose work demands high levels of originality. It would also be of interest to those in such fields who have an interest in an archetypal understanding of the creative process.

CE Credit information

The material is presented at an introductory level, requiring no background in mythic studies, narrative theory, or Jungian psychology.

The following CE credits are available:

  • Psychology, MFT, LCSW, NBCC : 6 CE hours

  • Nursing : 7 hours

Most teachers must get credits approved by their school administration. Center courses meet the requirements in most states. Contact us if you need more information about receiving credit in your state.

Day Schedule

Checking-in begins at 9:30 a.m.

10:00 am

Underlying Patterns in Creative Expression
  • Personal expression as self-discovery.
  • Unconscious Dynamics in the Mythic Imagination

  • Perfectionism and other blocks to creative work
  • 12:30 - Lunch Break

    1:30 pm

    Deepening the Creative Work
  • Key issues in sustained productivity
  • Therapist as Mentor to Expressive Projects

  • Facilitating vision, perspective, and focus

  • Grandiosity, dissociation, and other cautionary considerations
  • 5:00 pm - Course concludes

    Total instruction: 6 hours

    Learning Objectives

    • Recognize ways that psychological life is revealed in creative endeavors.

    • Analyze creative projects in archetypal and mythic terms.

    • Assess how artistic expression might effect social relationships.

    About the Presenter

    Jonathan Young, PhD is a psychologist (PSY10231) who assisted Joseph Campbell at seminars and served as founding curator of the Joseph Campbell Archives and Library. As a professor, Dr. Young created and chaired a doctoral level department of mythological studies. His books and articles focus on personal mythology. Dr. Young currently teaches symbolism at universities and consults with organization leaders and creative artists.

    Other presentations on Mythic Stories

    Dr. Young also gives frequent media interviews, public talks, workshops, and in-service trainings throughout the U.S. and internationally.

    Reading List

    This seminar is taught at the introductory level and requires no advance preparation. However, participants are provided with a recommended reading list as part of their class materials. Preview selections from the recommended reading list for this seminar.


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