Infidelity is such a common issue that most of us have to face it in our lifetime, as the perpetrator, as the victim, or even as a bystander who is affected by the consequences of the relationship breakdown. In many cases, infidelity causes the end of the relationship, but sometimes forgiveness occurs and trust can be rebuilt to the point where the relationship can return to a healthy state. If trust is to be rebuilt, what is generally required is for the person who cheated to make conscious the reasons why they cheated, and for the victim to also become aware of how they participated in the dynamic.
Jungian or archetypal psychology offers a unique perspective on infidelity by exploring it within the framework of deep-seated psychological patterns and universal symbols. Carl Jung, the founder of Jungian psychology, theorized that the human psyche contains a collective unconscious shared by all individuals, filled with archetypes - universal symbols and themes that shape human experiences. When examining infidelity through this lens, several key concepts and ideas can be applied:
Read more...
In the world of therapy and bodywork, a common phenomenon often goes unnoticed but can have significant consequences for both practitioners and their clients – the savior or "Messiah" complex. While not a direct term used by Carl Jung, the idea of a "Messiah complex" aligns with the notion of someone who believes they are a savior or messianic figure. In Jungian terms, this could be seen as an extreme expression of the archetype of the Hero or the Self. Individuals with a Messiah complex may feel a profound calling to save or heal others, often at the expense of their own well-being. This complex often manifests when therapists and bodyworkers overextend their abilities, attempt to be a jack-of-all-trades, and hesitate to refer clients to other specialists. We try to do it all ourselves.
Jung also discussed the idea of the "persona," which is the social mask or identity that an individual presents to the world. In cases where someone develops a savior complex, their persona might become inflated with a sense of self-importance and superiority. They may see themselves as the only ones who can solve others' problems.
Additionally, Jung's concept of the "shadow" refers to the unconscious aspects of the self that one is not fully aware of or doesn't want to acknowledge. Those with a savior complex might project their own unresolved issues or desires onto others, believing that by saving others, they are also saving themselves from their inner conflicts.
It's important to explore the savior complex in therapists and bodyworkers, its impact on clients' care, and how a collaborative approach can lead to better outcomes.
1. The Allure of Mastery:
Many therapists and bodyworkers fall into the trap of trying to master numerous modalities in a quest to be the ultimate healer. They believe that by offering a wide range of services, they can guarantee client retention. However, this desire to be a one-stop-shop often leads to practitioners treating outside their scope of expertise, which can be problematic and illegal, not to mention unethical.
2. The Thin Line Between Confidence and Overreach:
While confidence in one's abilities is essential, it can easily turn into overconfidence. Therapists and bodyworkers may rationalize treating conditions or utilizing techniques that they are not adequately trained for, all in the name of helping their clients. This well-intentioned but misguided approach can result in confusion for clients and subpar care.
3. The Importance of Referral:
One of the key indicators of a responsible therapist or bodyworker is their willingness to refer clients to other practitioners when necessary. Unfortunately, the savior complex often hinders this critical step. Some practitioners fear that recommending another specialist may lead to client loss or reflect negatively on their skills. However, this reluctance can prevent clients from receiving the specialized care they require.
4. The Power of Collaborative Care:
In my practice, I have come to more deeply understand and appreciate the importance of collaboration in healthcare. I actively encourage my clients to engage with multiple practitioners within my office during their treatment journey. This collaborative approach ensures that my clients receive a comprehensive evaluation and a variety of perspectives on their well-being.
5. The False Sense of Superiority:
The savior complex can give therapists and bodyworkers a false sense of superiority and usefulness. They may believe that they alone possess the power to heal, which can lead to a tremendous burden of responsibility and pressure. Therapists in this kind of complex can become very codependent, and grow resentful of their clients, even though they are creating the dependency that they are actively trying to combat. In truth, the best care often involves a team of caregivers working together to address different aspects of a client's health.
6. The Benefits of Shared Responsibility:
Sharing the responsibility of care among a group of practitioners can have several benefits. It reduces the risk of burnout for individual therapists, allows for a more thorough assessment of a client's needs, and increases the chances of successful treatment outcomes.
In the world of therapy and bodywork, it's crucial to recognize and address the savior complex. Clients deserve the best care possible, which often involves a team of skilled professionals working together. If we as therapists can prioritize collaboration and refer clients to other therapists and specialists when needed, we get closer to ensuring that they receive the highest level of care. And we will feel much better ourselves, and have more time to take care of our own needs if we are not trying to hold onto clients longer than we should, or doing things for them that we are not really qualified or capable of doing for them.
