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This is an archived course that is not offered at this time. The description will be updated if presented in the future.
This course focuses on enriching the imagination to enhance the sense of fulfillment. It takes a Jungian view of the biological, social, and psychological aspects of aging, with emphasis on how adapting to changes creatively can enhance emotional well-being. We will use elder stories, from Baba Yaga to Merlin to illustrate accepting unique qualities and awakening generativity. Topics include planning well for a rich inner life, and practical strategies for living in the deepest parts of ourselves in later years
Awareness of inner dramas and motivations can increase in later life. This enhanced level of self-knowledge is one of the benefits of age. Intentional openness to the stirrings of the unconscious can give rise to unexpected choices, and possibilities in maturity. Discussion also includes the importance of accepting one’s idiosyncratic qualities. Participants examine how maturation itself can be seen as a creative project.
This fulfills requirements for a course on Aging and Long-Term Care as mandated for Psychologists, MFTs, and LCSWs in California.
List how archetypal patterns shape maturity.
Identify how accepting changes and authenticity can aid fulfillment.
Explain how aging can deepen self-expression and relationships.
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.
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
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.
Select a seminar location from the Current Seminar Dates and Formats
Register online or call the Center
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.
Dr. Young also gives frequent media interviews, public talks, workshops, and in-service trainings throughout the U.S. and internationally.
Zoom link goes live at 9:30 a.m., California time - Seminar 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Please return on time
Bolen, Jean Shinoda (2003) Crones Don't Whine: Concentrated Wisdom for Juicy Women. York Beach, Maine: Red Wheel/Weiser
Bolen, Jean Shinoda (1998) Close to the Bone. New York: Scribner
Bolen, Jean Shinoda (1995) Crossing to Avalon: A Woman's Midlife Pilgrimage. New York: Harper San Francisco
Brewi, Janice and Brennan, Anne (1988) Mid-Life Spirituality and Jungian Archetypes. York Beach, Maine: Nicolas-Hays
Chinen, Allan B. (1989) Once upon a Midlife: Classic Stories and Mythic Tales to Illuminate the Middle Years. Wilmette, IL: Chiron
Chinen, Allan B. (1989) In the Ever After: Fairy Tales and the Second Half of Life. Wilmette, IL: Chiron
Corlett, Eleanor Nancy B. Millner (1993) Navigating Midlife: Using Typology As a Guide. . Palo Alto, CA: Davies-Black Publishing
Dass, Ram (2000) Still Here: Embracing Aging, Changing, and Dying. New York:Riverhead
DeSalvo, Louise (1999) Writing as a Way of Healing: How Telling Our Stories Transforms Our Lives. New York: Harper San Francisco
Hillman, James (1999) The Force of Character: And the Lasting Life. New York: Random House
Hillman, James (1979) Puer Papers Putnam, CT: Spring Publications
Hollis, James (2000) Creating a Life: Finding Your Individual Path . Toronto: Inner City Books
Hollis, James (1993) The Middle Passage: From Misery to Meaning in Midlife. Toronto: Inner City Books
Hollis, James (1996) Swamplands of the Soul: New Life in Dismal Places. Toronto: Inner City Books
Luke, Helen M. (1987) Old Age: Journey into Simplicity. New York: Parabola
Millner, Nancy Bost (1998) Creative Aging: Discovering the Unexpected Joys of Later Life Through Personality Type. Palo Alto, California: Davies-Black
Metzger, Deena (1992) Writing for Your Life: A Guide and Companion to the Inner Worlds. New York: Harper San Francisco
Moore, Thomas (2004) Dark Nights of the Soul: A Guide to Finding Your Way Through Life's Ordeals. New York: Harper Collins
Pretat, Jane R. (1994) Coming To Age: The Croning Years and Late-Life Transformation. Toronto: Inner City Books
Stein, Murray (1983) In Midlife: A Jungian Perspective, Putnam, CT: Spring Publications
Woodman, Marion (2002) The Crown of Age: The Rewards of Conscious Aging. (audio cassette). Louisville, CO: Sounds True
Woodman, Marion (2001) Bone. New York: Penguin Books