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The Symbolism of Fairytales

in Adult Psychology

A six-hour course with Jonathan Young and Anne Bach

Course Description

This is an archived course that is not offered at this time. The description will be updated if presented in the future.

Favorite stories from childhood can have subtle influences on adult identity. This course shows how to study fairytales for metaphors rich in psychological insights..

The instruction explores how symbolism in stories can reveal elements of the inner life. Training includes detecting unconscious themes in favorite stories - and using archetypal perspectives in discussions of presenting issues. Presentations cover the significance of a sense of personal story - and the influence of family stories as shapers of unique worldviews. Presented at an introductory level for doctoral psychologists, this seminar is useful for counselors, teachers, writers, clergy, and those interested in archetypal perspectives.

Learning Objectives

  • Detect Symbolism in Favorite Stories from Childhood

  • Recognize Plot Patterns as Unconscious Scripts

  • Discuss strategies for Introducing Story Material in Psychotherapy

Who will benefit?

This seminar is designed to advance the skills of practicing doctoral-level psychologists. Presentations cover updates on clinical expertise. The day is also useful to other mental health practitioners and to certain helping professions, such as physicians, clergy, and educators with mental health counseling responsibilities.

CE Credit Information

The material is presented at an introductory level for psychologists, requiring no background in mythic studies, narrative theory, or Jungian psychology. No advance preparation is necessary. However, participants are provided with a recommended reading list as part of their class materials.

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, LMFT, LCSW, LPCC, Ed Psych, NBCC : 6 CE hours

  • Nursing : 7 hours

How to Register

  1. Select a seminar from the Current Course Seminar Dates and Formats

  2. Register online or call the Center at 805-687-7171

Instructors

Jonathan Young, PhD is a psychologist (PSY10231) with an international online practice. He teaches at the Pacifica Graduate Institute in Santa Barbara. His books and articles focus on personal mythology. Dr.Young assisted mythologist Joseph Campbell at seminars and was founding curator of the Joseph Campbell Archives and Library. He is currently featured in several documentary series on the History Channel.

Anne Bach, M.S., MFT 38891 is a specialist in uses of writing in psychotherapy. She gives presentations on creativity as inner work at major conferences, and lectures widely on psychological dimensions of expressive writing. She also appears in memoir drama performances for various theater groups, including the Marsh Stage in Berkeley. Her clinical background includes poetry therapy with seriously mentally ill patients.

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.

Kay Nielsen, And then He Took Her Home

Kay Nielsen Cinderella Detail

Day Schedule

Checking-in begins at 9:30 a.m. - Seminar 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

9:30 - Check-in begins.

10:00 - Introduction to archetypal symbolism - The fairytale as window to the unconscious/h4>

11:15 - Break (approximate time)

11:30 - he nature of the fairytale - How adult psychological issues are reflected in folklore

12:30 - Lunch Break

- Please return on time

1:30 - Story and symbol in lived narratives - The development of personal mythologies

2:30 - Break (approximate time)

2:40 - Unconscious dynamics in the mythic imagination - Influence of favorite stories from childhood

3:50 - Break (approximate time)

4:00 - Deepening the therapeutic relationship - Limits and cautionary considerations.

5:00 - Course concludes

Selections from the Reading List

Aron, Elaine N. (1996) The Highly Sensitive Person: How to Thrive When the World Overwhelms You. New York: Broadway Books

Campbell, Joseph (2013) Goddesses: Mysteries of the Feminine Divine (Collected Works of Joseph Campbell) (Safron Elsabeth Rossi, Editor) Novato, CA: New World Library

Campbell, Joseph (1995) Reflections on the Art of Living: A Joseph Campbell Companion. New York: Harper Collins

Estés, Clarissa Pinkola (1993) The Gift of Story: A Wise Tale About What is EnoughThe Gift of Story, (audiotape), Boulder, CO: Sounds True Recordings

Estés, Clarissa Pinkola (2013) Untie the Strong Woman: Blessed Mother's Immaculate Love for the Wild SoulLouisville, CO: Sounds True Books

Feinstein, David and Krippner, Stanley (2009) Personal Mythology: Using Ritual, Dreams, and Imagination to Discover Your Inner Story. (Revised 3rd Edition) Santa Rosa, CA: Energy Psychology Press

Hillman, James (1998) Healing Fiction. Spring Publications

Hollis, James (1996) Swamplands of the Soul: New Life in Dismal Places. Toronto: Inner City Books

Johnson, Robert A. (1986) Inner Work. New York: HarperCollins

Keen, Sam and Valley-Fox, Anne (1989) YoYour Mythic Journey: Finding Meaning in Your Life Through Writing and Storytelling (Inner Work Book). New York: Inner Work Book

Larsen, Stephen (1990) The Mythic Imagination: The Quest for Meaning through Personal Mythology. Manchester, VT: Inner Traditions International

Le Grice, Keiron. (2013) The Rebirth of the Hero: Mythology as a Guide to Spiritual Transformation (Muswell Hill Press). Muswell Hill Press

Pearson, Carol S. (1991) Awakening the Heroes Within: Twelve Archetypes to Help Us Find Ourselves and Transform Our World. New York: Harper San Fransisco

Whyte, David (2001) Crossing the Unknown Sea: Work as a Pilgrimage of Identity New York: Doubleday

Whyte, David (2010) The Three Marriages: Reimagining Work, Self and Relationship. New York: Riverhead

Whyte, David (2002) The Heart Aroused: Poetry and the Preservation of the Soul in Corporate America. New York: Doubleday

Young, Jonathan (1996) Saga - Best New Writings on Mythology Vol. 1. Ashland, OR: White Cloud Press

Young, Jonathan (2000) Saga - Best New Writings on Mythology Vol. 2. Ashland, OR: White Cloud Press