Animus and creativity in psychotherapy: A position statement

Journal/Book: J Anal Psychol. 1997; 42: 11 New Fetter Lane, London, England EC4P 4EE. Routledge. 317-324.

Abstract: Calling attention to what the author calls the 'maternalization of our profession', a warning is sounded to psychotherapists, and women practitioners in particular, not to neglect their own creativity in the course of professional development undertaken to take better care of patients. Development of the animus, here reformulated as 'an archetype of the capacity for non-relationship', is seen as a balancing alternative to the usual training in the capacity to contain object relations. A literary parallel can be found in Ibsen's play, The Woman from the Sea. It is hoped, too, that through her own initiation into a creative life, the analyst will be better able to help the analysand find a connection with a 'creative centre'.

Note: Article Liotta E, LOC Torre S Severo 51, I-05018 Orvieto, TR, ITALY

Keyword(s): analyst; animus; creativity; individuation; psychotherapy; relationship; technique; training; women

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