Founders of Therapy: Carl Jung and the Shadow We All Carry

The Origins of Modern Psychotherapy – Part 2

Have you ever surprised yourself by overreacting to someone? Or found yourself criticizing a trait in another person that, deep down, you recognize in yourself?

Swiss psychiatrist Carl Jung believed these moments might offer valuable insight into parts of ourselves we've pushed out of awareness. He called this hidden side of our personality the shadow.

Although many of Jung's theories are not considered evidence-based in the same way as today's psychological treatments, his work continues to influence psychotherapy, personality theory, literature, religion, and popular culture.

More than a century later, Jung's emphasis on self-awareness, meaning, and personal growth continues to resonate with therapists and clients alike.

"The shoe that fits one person pinches another; there is no recipe for living that suits all cases."
— Carl Jung, Modern Man in Search of a Soul (1933)

Who Was Carl Jung?

Carl Jung (1875–1961) was a Swiss psychiatrist who initially worked closely with Sigmund Freud. While both men shared a fascination with the unconscious mind, they eventually developed very different ideas about psychology, leading Jung to establish Analytical Psychology.

Rather than focusing primarily on psychological symptoms, Jung became increasingly interested in identity, symbolism, spirituality, personality, and what he called individuation—the lifelong process of becoming a more integrated and authentic person.

His work continues to influence psychotherapy, leadership studies, mythology, literature, art, and even modern personality assessments.

What Is the "Shadow"?

Perhaps Jung's best-known contribution is the concept of the shadow.

According to Jung, the shadow represents the parts of ourselves we tend to hide, deny, or reject.

These aren't necessarily "bad" qualities. The shadow may include:

• Anger we were taught wasn't acceptable.

• Confidence we learned to suppress.

• Creativity we never felt safe expressing.

• Vulnerability we believe others won't accept.

• Jealousy, fear, sadness, ambition, or other emotions we'd rather not acknowledge.

Jung believed that ignoring these aspects of ourselves doesn't make them disappear. Instead, they often emerge through emotional reactions, recurring relationship patterns, or internal conflict.

"One does not become enlightened by imagining figures of light, but by making the darkness conscious."
— Carl Jung, The Philosophical Tree, Collected Works of C. G. Jung, Vol. 13

Whether or not one accepts Jung's theory of the shadow literally, many therapists today encourage clients to become more aware of difficult thoughts, emotions, and behavioral patterns they may be avoiding.

Why Do We Hide Parts of Ourselves?

As children, we quickly learn which behaviors are rewarded—and which are discouraged.

Perhaps you were praised for being "the responsible one" but discouraged from expressing anger.

Maybe you learned to appear strong while hiding sadness.

Or perhaps you became the family peacemaker, putting everyone else's needs ahead of your own.

Over time, we may begin to believe that only certain parts of ourselves are acceptable.

Modern psychology recognizes that people often develop coping strategies in response to family dynamics, cultural expectations, trauma, or stressful life experiences. Therapy offers a supportive space to examine those patterns and decide whether they continue to serve us.

What Modern Therapy Says

Jung also proposed concepts such as the collective unconscious and archetypes—shared symbolic patterns that he believed exist across humanity.

These ideas have had a profound influence on literature, art, religion, storytelling, and cultural studies. However, they are generally not considered scientifically established in the same way as contemporary psychological theories that can be directly tested through empirical research.

Even so, many themes from Jung's work remain highly relevant to psychotherapy today. Modern evidence-based therapies often encourage clients to:

• Increase self-awareness.

• Recognize emotional and behavioral patterns.

• Accept difficult thoughts and feelings rather than avoiding them.

• Develop a more integrated and authentic sense of self.

• Respond thoughtfully instead of reacting automatically.

Approaches such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), and other contemporary therapies similarly encourage people to observe their internal experiences with curiosity instead of judgment, although they arise from different theoretical foundations.

Individuation: Becoming More Fully Yourself

Jung believed psychological growth wasn't about becoming perfect.

Instead, he described the lifelong process of individuation—developing a fuller understanding of who we are by recognizing both our strengths and our limitations.

"Knowing your own darkness is the best method for dealing with the darknesses of other people."
— Carl Jung, Letters, Volume 1: 1906–1950

Today, therapists often help clients pursue similar goals—not by searching for a hidden "true self," but by building greater psychological flexibility, emotional awareness, and authenticity.

What Can We Learn from Jung Today?

Whether you're navigating anxiety, relationship challenges, burnout, grief, or a major life transition, greater self-awareness can be an important first step.

Understanding emotional patterns doesn't mean dwelling endlessly on the past.

Instead, insight creates more choices in the present.

Modern therapy combines self-understanding with practical, evidence-based skills that help people improve emotional well-being, strengthen relationships, and navigate life's challenges more effectively.

Did You Know?

Carl Jung introduced the terms introversion and extraversion in his 1921 book Psychological Types. Although modern personality psychology defines these traits differently than Jung originally did, they later became foundational concepts in personality research and influenced assessments such as the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI).

While the MBTI remains popular in workplaces and personal development, many psychologists prefer empirically supported personality models such as the Five-Factor Model (Big Five) for research and clinical practice.

The Bottom Line

Carl Jung encouraged people to approach themselves with curiosity rather than fear.

Although psychology has advanced considerably since Jung's time, his emphasis on self-reflection, meaning, and personal growth continues to inspire therapists, researchers, writers, and readers around the world.

Modern therapy generally doesn't focus on uncovering universal dream symbols or a hidden destiny. Instead, evidence-based therapies help people understand their emotions, thoughts, behaviors, and relationships while developing practical skills for lasting change.

Jung's legacy reminds us that growth often begins by becoming more aware of the parts of ourselves we've overlooked—and learning to meet them with honesty and compassion.

Ready to Better Understand Yourself?

Sometimes the patterns that keep us stuck aren't obvious until we have the opportunity to explore them in a supportive, nonjudgmental space. Therapy can help you gain insight into your emotions, relationships, and behaviors while also equipping you with practical tools to create lasting change.

At ThinkSpot Therapy, our licensed therapists use evidence-based approaches to help individuals, couples, families, and teens navigate anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship concerns, and life's many transitions. Together, we'll help you better understand yourself while building practical skills to support long-term emotional well-being.

If you're ready to move toward the life you want, we're here to help. Contact ThinkSpot Therapy today to schedule an appointment or learn more about our therapy services.

Editorial Note

This article is part of our Founders of Therapy educational series. It explores the historical contributions of influential psychologists while distinguishing those contributions from the evidence-based practices used in modern psychotherapy. Historical theories are presented in their original context and should not be interpreted as current clinical recommendations unless supported by contemporary psychological research.

Further Reading

Primary Works

• Jung, C. G. (1933). Modern Man in Search of a Soul.

• Jung, C. G. (1921). Psychological Types.

• Jung, C. G. (1959). Aion: Researches into the Phenomenology of the Self.

• Jung, C. G. (1964). Man and His Symbols.

• Jung, C. G. (1962). Memories, Dreams, Reflections.

Recommended Books

• Stein, M. (1998). Jung's Map of the Soul: An Introduction.

• Sharp, D. (1991). Jung Lexicon: A Primer of Terms and Concepts.

• Stevens, A. (1994). Jung: A Very Short Introduction.

References

Hayes, S. C., Strosahl, K. D., & Wilson, K. G. (2016). Acceptance and Commitment Therapy: The Process and Practice of Mindful Change (2nd ed.). Guilford Press.

Jung, C. G. (1933). Modern Man in Search of a Soul. Harcourt, Brace & World.

Jung, C. G. (1959). Aion: Researches into the Phenomenology of the Self (Collected Works, Vol. 9, Part II). Princeton University Press.

Jung, C. G. (1967). The Philosophical Tree (Collected Works, Vol. 13). Princeton University Press.

Jung, C. G. (1973). Letters, Volume 1: 1906–1950. Princeton University Press.

McCrae, R. R., & Costa, P. T. (2008). The Five-Factor Theory of personality. In O. P. John, R. W. Robins, & L. A. Pervin (Eds.), Handbook of Personality: Theory and Research (3rd ed.). Guilford Press.

Next in our Founders of Therapy series:Alfred Adler and Our Need to Belong—discover how Adler's belief that humans are motivated by connection, purpose, and community continues to influence modern psychotherapy and counseling today.