Mid-Term Paper – Linking Theory to Vocation

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Nov 24, 2024

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1 Introduction As a future psychologist, it is important to have a foundational understanding of the different schools of psychology that have shaped the field over the years. Three such schools of thought are Depth Psychology, Existential Psychology, and Humanistic Psychology. Each of these approaches offers unique insights into the human psyche and the ways in which individuals experience the world around them. Depth Psychology emphasizes the role of the unconscious mind and childhood experiences in shaping an individual's behavior and mental health. Existential Psychology, on the other hand, emphasizes the human experience of existence and the search for meaning and purpose in life. This approach emphasizes individual freedom and choice in creating one's own life and finding personal meaning in a seemingly chaotic world. Humanistic Psychology is a more recent school of thought that emphasizes the unique potential and inherent worth of every individual. This approach emphasizes personal growth and self- actualization and encourages individuals to live in a way that is authentic to their true selves. As a future psychologist, these schools of thought will be invaluable in helping me to understand my clients better and to work with them in a way that honors their unique experiences and perspectives. By incorporating the insights of Depth Psychology, Existential Psychology, and Humanistic Psychology into my work, I can help my clients to achieve greater self-awareness and personal growth and to find meaning and purpose in their lives. Ultimately, my vocation as a psychologist is to help better this wounded world by helping individuals to heal and to thrive. 1ST Theory: Depth Psychology Depth Psychology is a theory that seeks to understand the deeper and more unconscious aspects of the human psyche. It emphasizes the importance of exploring the symbolic and

2 metaphorical aspects of our experiences, dreams, and emotions to gain a deeper understanding of ourselves and our sense of vocation. This theory has helped me connect with my true calling as a psychologist, and it has provided me with a framework for exploring the unconscious motivations, desires, and conflicts that influence my thoughts and actions. One of the key concepts of Depth Psychology is the idea of the unconscious mind. According to this theory, our conscious thoughts and behaviors are just the tip of the iceberg; below the surface lies a vast reservoir of unconscious thoughts, emotions, and memories that influence our behavior and shape our sense of self. By exploring these deeper aspects of the psyche, we can gain a greater understanding of ourselves and our sense of purpose in life. One of the techniques used in Depth Psychology to explore the unconscious mind is dream analysis. Dreams are seen as a window into the unconscious, revealing hidden desires and conflicts that may be influencing our waking lives. Through the process of dream analysis, individuals can gain a deeper understanding of their own psyche and work through unresolved issues that may be holding them back. Another important concept of Depth Psychology is the idea of symbols and metaphors. Jung (1939) states that "Man is in need of a symbolic life." Symbols are images or objects that carry deep psychological meaning, often beyond the conscious awareness of the individual. For example, the image of a snake may represent wisdom or danger, depending on the context in which it appears. Metaphors, on the other hand, are linguistic expressions that use one concept to describe another. For example, the metaphor of the journey may be used to describe the process of self-discovery and personal growth. By exploring the symbols and metaphors that appear in our dreams, fantasies, and everyday life, we can gain a deeper understanding of our unconscious motivations and desires. Another important concept in Depth Psychology is the idea of the

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3 shadow. The shadow refers to the parts of ourselves that we deny or repress, such as our fears, insecurities, and negative emotions. According to this theory, these repressed parts of ourselves can manifest in destructive ways, such as addiction, anger, and violence. By recognizing and integrating these shadow aspects of ourselves, we can become more whole and authentic individuals. When I think about my sense of vocation to become a psychologist, I see how Depth Psychology has influenced my journey. There have been many times in my life when I felt a strong pull toward psychology, even when it did not make rational sense. For example, I have always been drawn to exploring the deeper layers of human experiences, such as emotions, beliefs, and motivations. This has led me to study psychology in college and pursue a career in this field. Another way that Depth Psychology has influenced my sense of vocation is through the use of symbols and metaphors. For example, the image of the wounded healer has always resonated with me, as it suggests that our own wounds can be a source of healing for others. This idea has inspired me to approach my work as a psychologist with empathy and compassion, recognizing that my own struggles and experiences can be used to help others. As a psychologist, it is important to recognize and work through our own shadow aspects in order to be effective in helping others. By acknowledging and accepting our own flaws and limitations, we can become more empathetic and compassionate towards our clients and help them to work through their own struggles. 2ND Theory: Existential Psychology Existential psychology is a school of thought that focuses on how individuals come to discover meaning and purpose in life. This theory emphasizes the importance of individual

4 experience and recognizes that each person has a unique sense of meaning and purpose. According to Viktor Frankl, a leading pioneer in existential psychology, the meaning of life varies from person to person and circumstance to circumstance (Frankl, 1959). He said that because everyone has a unique purpose in life, there is no universal meaning that applies to everyone. Self-transcendence is a fundamental idea in existential psychology. This is the notion that by focusing on something or someone other than themselves, people may find meaning and purpose in their lives. Frankl argued that self-transcendence is a fundamental aspect of human existence and that individuals can discover meaning in life by transcending themselves (Frankl, 1959). Self-transcendence, as described by Hatt (1965), is linked to the notion of the super- meaning, which is an ultimate meaning beyond the comprehension of human beings. A number of philosophers have argued that it is necessary for humans to accept the pointlessness of existence. However, Frankl argues that humans must deal with the challenge of not being able to fathom the super-meaningfulness of meaning's boundless potential (Frankl, 1959). In other words, humans cannot fully comprehend the ultimate meaning of life, but they can strive towards it by directing their attention toward others and transcending themselves. Applying the theory of existential psychology to my sense of vocation, my calling to become a psychologist aligns with the concept of self-transcendence. As a psychologist, my ultimate goal is to help others by guiding them toward discovering their own sense of meaning and purpose in life. By doing so, I will be transcending myself and directing my attention toward the needs of others. As Frankl notes, "The meaning of life is to give life meaning" (Frankl, 1959). By helping others discover their own meaning in life, I will be contributing to the super- meaning, which is the ultimate meaning that exceeds the intellectual capacity of humanity. Moreover, existential psychology can also provide insight into how individuals can discover their

5 vocation. According to this theory, discovering one's sense of purpose in life requires a deep understanding of one's own experiences, values, and beliefs. It is through this self-reflection that individuals can begin to identify their own unique sense of meaning and purpose. As Frankl (1959) notes, "Ultimately, man should not ask what the meaning of his life is, but rather must recognize that it is he who is asked. In a word, each man is questioned by life; and he can only answer to life by answering for his own life; to life he can only respond by being responsible". Existential psychology provides a unique perspective on how individuals can come to discover meaning and purpose in life. This theory emphasizes the importance of individual experience and recognizes that each person has a unique sense of meaning and purpose. Applying this theory to my sense of vocation, my calling to become a psychologist aligns with the concept of self-transcendence, as I will be directing my attention toward the needs of others and helping them discover their own sense of meaning and purpose. Moreover, existential psychology can also provide insight into how individuals can discover their vocation, as it emphasizes the importance of self-reflection and recognizing one's own experiences, values, and beliefs. 3RD Theory: Humanistic Psychology The theory of Humanistic Psychology is one that resonates deeply with my sense of vocation. As someone who wishes to become a psychologist to help better this wounded world, humanistic psychology provides an essential framework for understanding and nurturing human growth and development. According to the assigned reading, self-actualization is a core concept within humanistic psychology. In this context, "need" alludes to the ongoing, lifelong pursuit of self-improvement. Self-actualization is best understood through the lens of Maslow's hierarchy

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6 of requirements, which identifies the five fundamental wants of every person at different points in their development. Based on his theory of the hierarchy of needs, Maslow argued that people could only progress to higher goals if their most fundamental desires had been met (Maslow, 1997). For me, self-actualization is deeply connected to my sense of vocation. As I pursue my goal of becoming a psychologist, I am constantly striving to grow and develop both personally and professionally. By helping others to achieve their own self-actualization, I can contribute to the betterment of the world. One of the strengths that I possess, and that has helped me on my vocational journey, is empathy. Empathy is a core component of humanistic psychology, which emphasizes the importance of understanding and valuing individuals as unique and complex beings. As I have learned more about humanistic psychology, I have become increasingly aware of the importance of empathy in my work as a future psychologist. Another aspect of humanistic psychology that resonates with my sense of vocation is the focus on the individual's subjective experience. As humanistic psychology emphasizes the importance of individuality, it encourages psychologists to focus on the unique experiences and perspectives of each individual. This is something that is essential to my work as a psychologist. By valuing each individual's subjective experience, I can provide more effective and personalized care. In addition to empathy and a focus on individual experience, self-actualization is a crucial aspect of my sense of vocation. By striving for self-actualization, both for myself and for my future clients, I hope to contribute to a world in which individuals are able to grow and flourish. As Maslow noted, self-actualization is a lifelong pursuit, and my work as a psychologist will be enriched by my ongoing commitment to my own personal growth and development.

7 Conclusion In sum, learning about the philosophies and methods of Depth Psychology, Existential Psychology, and Humanistic Psychology is a great approach to get a handle on the human condition and the unique ways that people see the world. As a burgeoning psychologist, I believe that adopting the lessons learned from these philosophies into my practice would allow me to better connect with my clients and assist them in a manner that respects their individuality. Individuals' behavior and mental health are largely shaped by their unconscious minds and their experiences as children, according to depth psychologists. The field of Existential Psychology is concerned with the human condition and the pursuit of meaning and purpose. Humanistic psychology encourages people to develop into their full potential and to behave in ways that are true to who they are as people. Using the theories' insights, I am able to guide my clients toward increased self-awareness, personal development, and the discovery of their lives' meaning and purpose. As a psychologist, it is my calling to see people get well and flourish, and learning about various schools of thought will help me do that. It is true that these theories shed light on the human condition, but more study and investigation are always warranted. More research might explore the synergies among these three schools of thinking and the ways in which they can be incorporated into a unified psychology. Example: bringing together Depth Psychology's focus on the unconscious mind and symbols with Existential Psychology's investigation of how people create their own meaning and Humanistic Psychology's emphasis on self-development and self-actualization can help us gain a more complete picture of the human condition. Keeping an open mind is crucial as the study of psychology develops and changes. Maybe one day a new school of thought will arise, providing novel understandings of the mind's intricate workings. Until then, we may draw on what we have learned from the histories of Depth, Existential, and

8 Humanistic Psychology to better serve our clients and enable them to live happier, more satisfying lives. In the end, as noted by the psychologist and humanist philosopher Abraham Maslow: "The chronicle of the human race is the tale of men and women selling themselves short." Let us collaborate to bring out the best in one another and make the world a better place.

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9 References Frankl, V. E. (1959). Man’s Search for Meaning . Beacon Press (MA). Jung, C. G. (1939). The Symbolic Life . Routledge. Maslow, A. H. (1997). Maslow’s hierarchy of needs . Norderstedt Grin.

Mid-Term Paper – Linking Theory to Vocation

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