“Stream work,” refers to the work you do to create better flow in your life. This occurs when you examine unconscious aspects of yourself that were repressed or rejected and create a better connection to your true self. Techniques such as unburdening of parts and individuation improve inner communication between your parts and allow your thoughts and creativity to flow more naturally.
Another kind of flow is when you feel rapt attention and enjoyment because you are fully immersed in energized focus, often oblivious to the passage of time. Psychologists discovered that this kind of flow is experienced most when you face a challenging or complex 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 is the the empathic support of a coach who has practiced these skills.
A big component of stream work is individuation, a process first described by renowned Swiss psychoanalyst, Carl Jung.
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]
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.
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.
Spirituality and Science –Psychiatrists and Psychologists tend to favour a scientific approach to mental health. Those of us in the dynamic psychology tradition take a broader view. We question traditional medical models that pathologize and medicate, even when we recognize the benefit of medication and therapeutic techniques like cognitive behavioural therapy.
Many people have experienced life in a repressive religion and have grown to distrust anything spiritual, but often grieve the loss of the positive aspects of a faith tradition.
Having spent many years within Christianity, while also exploring other traditions such as Buddhism and Stoicism, I now take an integral view. Integral theory[2] lets us value both spirituality and science, identifying where we can make breakthroughs to integrate them and also leverage them for personal growth and development.
If you are interested in exploring these topics further, I will soon be offering coaching sessions based on this approach. Reach out to me at streamworkcoaching@outlook.com for more information.
[1] “The purpose of a Jungian coach is to honor the individuation process.” - Handbook of Jungian Coaching by Akke-Jeanne Klenk.
[2] A model of development based in the research of Clare Graves, and popularized in such theories as Spiral Dynamics.
