Shadow Work

The Shadow is the collective term we use to describe the unconscious and often repressed parts of our personality that we may be unaware of or find it hard to acknowledge.

These aspects can include parts of us that we're not proud of, or carry shame around, or perhaps judge as weak or unacceptable in some way. Even qualities we may view more positively, such as our natural exuberance or spontaneity, can end up in shadow.

The parts of ourselves that we put in shadow are often the ones that conflict with the self-image we've created in order to be accepted or fit in socially. These might be thoughts, feelings, or desires that don't align with how we want to see ourselves or what our family, peers or the wider community expect from us.

If we don't take time to understand and integrate our shadows then they can end up running the show from behind the scenes and significantly affect how we act and interact with others.

The good news is that learning to understand and integrate these parts of ourselves can lead to significant transformation and healing. It's also a crucial step for anyone on a quest for more inner peace, self-acceptance, and wholeness.

Shadow Work has its roots in Jungian depth psychology and is sometimes described as Deep Process Psychotherapy. It involves shining a light on the hidden, unrecognised or suppressed parts of the Self and bringing them into conscious awareness.

It's about understanding why these parts ended up in shadow in the first place and then taking steps to recognise and resolve the patterns and dynamics that have played out since.

A good word to describe the purpose of Shadow Work then would be 'Integration'. Being both embodied and relational in nature, it can lead to profound shifts in our self-awareness and personal growth.

By getting to know the parts of us that live in shadow, we can better understand and appreciate who we are in our entirety. This naturally awakens a deeper, more authentic and balanced approach to life, as well as unlocking resources and capabilities we perhaps never knew we had.

The practice of Shadow Work also increases our emotional-energetic range, meaning that we can let more of us out and more of life in. By doing our inner work in this way, we open the door to greater levels of self-acceptance, emotional resilience, empathy and creativity.

In a Shadow Work session we're guided by the outcome you see as bringing the greatest benefit, or creating the biggest shift in your life. You remain the one in the driving seat as we determine both the overall direction and individual steps for the work.

During the session, you will be deeply listened to and heard, without being on the end of judgement, criticism or advice. Our starting point is the understanding that our personality is made up of many different parts. You will be given the opportunity to explore both the internal and external parts that are relevant to the issues, challenges or blocks that feel most pressing for you at this time.

A key component of Shadow Work is dedicated to inner exploration and supporting you to map out and better understand your inner world and its workings. This aspect of a session is often revelatory for many people.

If you wish to deepen the work further, you may choose to undertake some experiential and embodied process work. This is a powerful way of expanding your range and bringing resolution to areas you may have struggled with previously.

Although every session is unique, they are all underpinned by the philosophy that all healing has its time and all of you is welcome.