Is there any hope for authenticity? Today we speak with Jungian analyst Susan Schwartz who describes her work on the imposter syndrome and the fragility of the self. Dr. Schwartz starts out by describing how much energy our inauthenticity takes and yet we often are taught early to conform and deny ourselves. To learn to be more in tune with your inner impulses, Susan recommends starting to pay attention to Aha moments in waking life. While talking about the symbology of up vs down, Susan touches on what she calls the value of depression as well as the differences between persona and shadow.

In the second half, we get into a conversation about ageism and western views of aging and how we might go about finding a purpose beyond having a job and raising kids. We end by talking about finding a sense of belonging.

BIO: Susan E. Schwartz, PhD trained in Zurich as a Jungian analyst and is also a clinical psychologist. She presents in the US and worldwide. Her book “The Absent Father Effect on Daughters” has been translated into several languages. Her newest book also published by Routledge is entitled “The Imposter Syndrome and The ‘As-If’ Personality: Fragility of Self.” 

Find our guest at: susanschwartzphd.com

Show aired on November 4, 2023.

Intro music is Water over Stones and outro music is Everything both by Mood Science. Ambient music is created new every week by Rick Kleffel. The audio can be found at Pandemiad.com. Many thanks to Rick Kleffel for also engineering the show and to Tony Russomano for answering the phones.

Contact Katherine Bell with feedback or suggestions for future shows at [email protected]. Follow her on FB and IG @ExperientialDreamwork to find out about upcoming shows. To learn more or to inquire about exploring your own dreams with her go to ExperientialDreamwork.com.

The Dream Journal is produced at and airs on KSQD Santa Cruz, 90.7 FM. Catch it streaming LIVE at KSQD.org 10-11am Saturday mornings Pacific Time. Call or text with your dreams or questions at 831-900-5773 or email at [email protected]. Podcasts are available on all major podcast platforms and are released the Monday following the live show. The complete KSQD Dream Journal podcast page can be found at ksqd.org/the-dream-journal/. Now also available on PRX at Exchange.prx.org/series/45206-the-dream-journal

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