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Patty's avatar

Fascinating article, thank you for your wisdom! The separatio process reminds me of the process of differentiating from one’s family of origin. According to family systems theory, a low level of differentiation (or fusion) with one’s family of origin will cause problems in other relationships (particularly with our romantic partners). It’s important to engage in this deep work of “differentiation of self” in order to sustain healthier relationships.

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Alyssa Polizzi's avatar

How does family systems theory suggest one go through the process of differentiation? I'm curious how it contrasts or overlaps with that of Jungian theory.

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Patty's avatar

Family systems differentiation focuses on interpersonal relationships within an individual’s family of origin, and it’s the basis of family therapy. The ultimate goal of differentiation of self is to gain emotional autonomy while still fostering connection within the family.

Self awareness is a huge piece in achieving this… taking a step back and observing our familial patterns and the role that we play in our families of origin. If we are fused with our families, we may feel responsible for their emotions, need their approval to feel secure, or carry multigenerational anxiety. This level of fusion often impacts our other non-familial relationships.

I’m less familiar with Jung’s theory (but learning 😊) but my understanding is that Jung’s individuation process is an intrapersonal focus. I could see these going hand in hand, though!

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Alyssa Polizzi's avatar

Yes, individuation is an inner process, but one that also challenges us to consider how we participate in the world. Being able to be grounded within oneself in turn makes us more conscious of relationships, how we show up, interact, etc. But the focus is definitely on building a dialectic between conscious and the unconscious to grow the personality first and foremost.

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Patty's avatar

That makes so much sense! I could definitely see them overlapping then — like perceiving the same problem from different angles. I'm very interested in Jungian theory and excited to keep diving in more with The Artemisian!

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Alyssa Polizzi's avatar

Are there any Jungian topics you’re particularly interested in?

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Patty's avatar

I'm very interested in dream work and how to work with one's shadow. I also love the concept of archetypes. I am particularly interested in learning them in a way that feels applicable to the day to day. I'm studying to become a psychotherapist and very interested in using depth psychology in my future practice :)

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