Welcome to Stream Work Coaching
Jungian Coaching
What Is Stream Work?
“Stream work,” refers to the work you do to create better flow in your life. Creative and energetic flow is often impeded by unconscious aspects of yourself that were repressed or rejected early in life for social or survival reasons, but that over time have become a obstacle or impediment. Stream work involved individuation, the process of examining these shadow elements so that they can be accepted and embraced. Often what is required is a shift in perspective to see the repressed elements through the eyes of compassion and understanding. Other times wounded or exiled parts can be brought into a better relationship or connection to your true self. Techniques such as unburdening of parts and reassignment of roles can improve inner harmony and allow your thoughts and creativity to flow more naturally.
Another kind of flow is that feeling of rapt attention and enjoyment when you are fully immersed in focused activities, often oblivious to the passage of time. Psychologists discovered that this kind of flow is experienced most when you face a very challenging or complex task, but a task you have confidence you can complete.
Much of life is challenging and complex and our wounds, anxiety, and depression prevent this kind of flow. Stream Work in this scenario involves identifying the information, techniques, and skills you need to face the challenges with confidence. Sometimes the biggest factor that makes the difference in these situations is having an empathic reflective coach who can remind you of your strengths and help you focus on the resources you have within you to succeed.
Individuation
A big component of all stream work is individuation, a process first described by renowned Swiss psychoanalyst, Carl Jung.
1. Jung – Carl Jung contributed foundational ideas to psychology such as introversion and extraversion, the shadow, the collective unconscious, archetypes, complexes, synchronicity, and individuation. Jungian coaching is designed to enhance and support the individuation process.[1]
2. The Individuation Process – Jung identified the first half of life as a time to adapt to society, form an identity, and achieve external goals. Traditional counseling and coaching can be a big help during this phase of life. He said the second half of life is a time for individuation, the process of becoming aware of your unconscious and shadow elements and integrating them into a balanced psyche. By exploring your triggers and hidden parts, you can resolve catches and heal wounds that keep you stuck. The process of individuation can connect you to resources within yourself to weather storms and grow throughout your lifetime. Jungian coaching is particularly well suited to people doing this work in the second half of life.
3. Meaning – The work of Dr. Todd Pressman reveals that loss of meaning is one of our 5 core fears. He explains that without meaning there is a sense of emptiness and being cut off from life. University of Toronto professor John Vervaeke identified a crisis of meaning as a big cause of depression and anxiety in the current age. The good news is that a crisis of meaning gives you the opportunity to explore new practices and traditions to help reacquire your relationship with your true Self and in so doing, map out a path to a meaningful life.
If this sounds like something you have been looking for, reach out for a 15 min conversation with me — stillinthestream@outlook.com
[1] “The purpose of a Jungian coach is to honor the individuation process.” - Handbook of Jungian Coaching by Akke-Jeanne Klenk.