Imagination As Space of Freedom: Dialogue Between the Ego and the Unconscious

The imagination has long been employed as a therapeutic tool, as imaginings help us understand our unconscious fears and desires. Typically, these are what we might call passive imaginings, in which fantasies arise that may be subsequently interpreted.Carl Jung radically developed this concept further by introducing Active Imagination, a process by which the creative powers of the unconscious produce images which are then addressed by the ego. This results in dialogues between the ego and the unconscious which have tremendous therapeutic value. These dialogues can be continued over long periods of time, and can ultimately heal body and soul.Professor Kast explains the imaginative method in clear, understandable terms. She vividly describes various kinds of images and presents many cases from her psychotherapeutic practice which exemplify Active Imagination at work. She introduces a plethora of intervention strategies, methods which the ego (or therapist) can use to control obstructive and threatening images.In Verena Kast's lively account, Active Imagination emerges as a powerful method which can initiate deep inner transformation. It is a method that enables us to change into who we really are inside, releasing the potential that lies within, and leading us into a space of freedom and independence.