Sehentwicklung

Sehentwicklung refers to the process of personality development and individuation in psychotherapy, particularly within the context of depth psychology. The term is derived from the German words "Seele" (soul) and "Entwicklung" (development). It is closely associated with the concept of individuation, first introduced by Carl Jung, a Swiss psychiatrist who founded analytical psychology.

According to Jung, Sehentwicklung is a lifelong process of integrating the opposites, such as conscious and unconscious, rational and emotional, and masculine and feminine, to form a whole and balanced personality. This process involves facing one's shadow, which contains repressed thoughts, feelings, and impulses, and incorporating them into one's conscious awareness. Through this integration, individuals can develop a more authentic, mature, and self-actualized sense of self.

Sehentwicklung is considered a crucial aspect of Jungian psychotherapy, which aims to facilitate the individual's own process of growth and transformation. Therapists in this approach work with clients to identify and confront areas of resistance and unconscious materials that may be hindering their personal development. By engaging with the unconscious and embracing one's complexities, individuals can increase their self-awareness, tap into their creative potential, and live a more meaningful life.

Jung's concept of Sehentwicklung emphasizes the importance of personal responsibility and the individual's agency in their own development. It suggests that people have the capacity for growth and self-transformation, and that this potential can be cultivated and nurtured through a deeper understanding of the unconscious and a willingness to confront one's shadows.