Carl Jung – Archetypes, Shadow Work, and Counseling Applications

Episode Description:

In this episode of the NCE Study Guide, we take a deep dive into the foundational ideas of Carl Jung—his theories, legacy, and practical relevance for the National Counselor Examination. This module was inspired by Lily, a forward-thinking member of our Saturday study group who requested a focused exploration of Jungian psychology.

You’ll learn how concepts like the collective unconscious, archetypes, the Shadow, and individuation can show up on the NCE—not just in theory questions, but embedded in case vignettes that require symbolic, spiritual, or depth-oriented interpretation. We also explore Jung’s influence on transpersonal counseling, multicultural sensitivity, and personality assessments like the MBTI.

This resource is part of a growing, collaborative study effort. If you’d like to join the weekly Zoom group (Saturdays at 11 a.m. PT), suggest a topic, or ask a question, send an email to [email protected]. And if you find this podcast helpful, please consider leaving a 5-star rating—it helps others find us!

At the beginning of this episode, you’ll also hear the voice of Carl Jung himself with a quote that invites self-reflection and curiosity—a perfect mindset for both the exam and the counseling profession.

Let’s get started.