The philosophy behind parts work theory is crucial when it comes to working with the various aspects that make up the shadow, that resides within the unconscious.
The shadow is made up of all aspects of our humanness that carries judgement, disapproval and shame. Our inner critic further turns against the shadow to ensure it stays firmly in place to safeguard against further judgement and shame. This means that many of us dislike and even despise the shadow. We often think that by denying and ignoring it, it’ll cease to exist. But as Jung says, “what we resist, persists” and like a pressure cooker the shadow builds in intensity, wanting to be seen, understood and integrated. More often than not, it is further pushed down, until it explodes or implodes having us act out of character in some way.
Carl Jung goes onto say: “The enlargement of the light side of consciousness has the necessary consequence that the part of the psyche which is less light and less capable of consciousness is thrown into darkness to such an extent that sooner or later a rift occurs in the psychic system. At first, this is not recognized as such and is therefore projected – i.e. it appears as a religious projection, in the form of a split between the powers of Light and Darkness.” (The Symbolism of the Spirit, Carl Jung)
Parts work theory recognises that the shadow isn’t just one entity; in fact it’s made up of many, many different part – all wanting to be seen, accepted and understood for the part they play in our lives and how they can make us whole again.
In this workshop we’ll explore how to cultivate to 9 C’s (that include curiosity, compassion and courage) that support the robustness required to face your shadow; the courage to understand your shadow and the compassion to embrace your shadow.
Learning Objective Participants Can Expect From This Event
- To understand the components that make up the shadow
- To identify the 9 C’s for shadow integration work
- To explore your own shadow in a safe environment
How May This Workshop Impact Your Practice?
- This workshop will enrich your practice as you gain a deeper understanding of unconscious processes at play
Course Content
Presenter
Kate Williams has been in therapeutic practice since 2009 with a background in counselling in further education. She currently runs a busy private practice, works with NHS clients and enjoys running workshops for onlinevents and staff wellbeing workshops for NHS Hull & Humberside.
Kate is centre manager for the Bedfordshire Centre for Therapeutic Studies where she teaches on the CPCAB L5 in Somatic Trauma Therapy course & L2 Award in Breathwork Coaching as well as the Level 4 in Therapeutic Counselling.
Kate has a passion for bringing the body into her practice supporting clients to release the trauma that is held within their bodies. Kate is know for her relaxed teaching style, experiential somatic practices and skill of bringing theory to life and making it applicable.
