What is Jungian Life Coaching?

Jungian Life Coaching is not Jungian Analysis or therapy, it is based on an empowerment model without labeling or diagnosis. A Jungian Life Coach is trained in Jungian theory to apply coaching tools, exercises and dream coaching to help clients reach a goal. Depending upon the length of the program, a Jungian Life Coach should be able to guide a client through what Carl Jung called the process of “Individuation” not quick fixes or short-cut solutions.

Jungian Coaches are not therapists and do not need a license to practice because they aren’t treating patients. Here is a great overview of the difference between a Jungian Life Coach and a Jungian Analyst

What is Individuation?

Carl Jung coined the term “Individuation” to explain the process of an individual in the second half of life to become their true Self.
 
In the first half of life, the individual builds up an ego or sense of “I”. The second part of life is letting that ego go and allowing the person’s soul to emerge in its full expression. Read more about Individuation here.
 
Jung explicitly said that the second half of life requires a NEW psychology. You go beyond thinking positive and changing behavior – those are great for those before 30. After 30, we require a new approach to growth that expands our personal consciousness to see our true selves.


What tools do Jungian Life Coaches use?

In CreativeMind’s Jungian Life Coach training you learn core ICF Coaching competencies so you have foundational professional coaching skills. You also learn active imagination and visualization to enhance the client’s ability to access the unconscious mind.
 
In CreativeMind’s program you also learn their signature Emotional Power Integration (EPI) technique which guides clients to deeper insights in emotional reactions for empowerment. Emotions are fuel for creativity, not something to suppress, diminish or release.
 
You also learn Dream Interpretation which is a valuable tool for any coach to gain more insight as to what is holding the client back from reaching their goals that they cannot access easily through coaching questions or active imagination exercises.
 
CreativeMind’s program also incorporates Neuroscience and Eastern Philosophy into the coaching methodology called NeuroMyndra®  Jung was very much influenced by Eastern Philosophy so we incorporate meditative and philosophical discussions on the nature of consciousness that is supported by recent Neuroscience.
 

Coaching through Direct Experience

 
According to Jung, the practitioner should have gone on the path themselves in order to effectively coach others in the process. If your own personal growth is important to you and to be the most experienced and effective coach, you must be willing to undergo the process yourself.
 
As an aspiring coach, you want to be able to lead through your own personal journey so you are prepared for your client’s resistance and creating a container for growth.
 

Hidden Benefit of Being a Jungian Life Coach

You continue to grow as your work with clients. If you are not transformed by each coaching session you aren’t doing it right.

As a Jungian Life Coach you get to understand the human psyche in profound ways. You and your clients experience something amazing through the process.

The meeting of two personalities is like the contact of two chemical substances: if there is any reaction, both are transformed. – Carl G. Jung

How to pick the right coach training?

Review all the trainings, ask yourself the questions below. More information can be found here – 5 Things to Consider When Searching for the Right Coach Training.

Do you feel a connection to the teachers/founders? (this is important because you must like your teachers in order to learn from them.

What is the background of the teachers? What are their educational credentials? How much experience do they have in the coaching industry? How long have they been training coaches in their program? 

What format do you like to work in? Virtual, in-person or mix of both. Does it include LIVE calls with founders and coaching practice labs with supervision to ensure you are getting feedback and fine-tuning your skills. 

Does the training offer personal support throughout the training? For example, whether you choose the group or private option, you get dedicated coach to be your point of contact from orientation to graduation to review Professional Coaching Skills and ensure you are on track for graduation. This accountability is so important to ensure you get what you need from your investment and complete the program.

What materials are provided and do you keep them after graduation? For example, CreativeMind’s Jungian Life Coach training gives students a 270-page printed handbook that offers scripts, guides and diagrams for ease in use for reference as they begin their practice.

What type of group do you want to be in? Intimate or large groups with less individual support.

What type of people take the training? Your colleagues will most likely be life-long friends. The community aspect of the training is so important to make connections.

Does the program offer professional business building support? Make sure you get some business training support to set up your practice, pricing, forms as well as how to market yourself by choosing your niche and specialty. A good question to ask if the business training was developed by a marketing professional?

Does the program offer a post-graduation support? Some programs offer a graduate community like CreativeMind with monthly calls, a graduate forum and regular calls with the founders as a free service.

Is the program accredited by ICF (International Coaching Federation)? Since coaching industry is unregulated there is no common licensure or guidelines. ICF-Accredited programs follow their strict professional and ethical guidelines so you are set up for success.

What type of clients do you want to work with? Ask the admissions department if this program fits with your goals. Some coach trainings are very academic and fit only for executive coaching while others are more heart-centered and work on life issues such as life purpose, relationships, mind-body wellness and spiritual growth. 

Biggest secret is that most executives do not want the academic-style coaching, they get that enough in their job! They crave the creativity, imagination, emotional and spiritual exploration. Even if they initially enter the coaching relationship for professional growth, 80% of the client sessions are for personal development. 

Questions? Book a call with our Admissions team to get more details and make a plan for your coaching journey today.