ON-DEMAND COURSE

Engage The Shadow

Jungian Psychology
TEACHERS
James Hollis, Polly Young-Eisendrath, Alexander von Schlieffen, Dariane Pictet, Craig Chalquist, Tina Stromsted, Ashok Bedi, Charlie Morley, Patricia Berry, Machiel Klerk
TOPIC
Archetypes
Format
10 Class Course
DURATION
8 hours

Payment options: Credit Card or PayPal.

Shadow work: Learn to know yourself more intimately with ten Jungian experts

In Jungian psychology, the Shadow is a significant topic for reflection. The Shadow refers to the unknown and hidden dimensions of our being. We may either suppress the Shadow or overlook it throughout our personal development journey.

When learning about the Shadow, our sense of self expands. By acknowledging these parts of ourselves that sometimes are perceived as negative or undesirable, we may develop a more conscious relationship to it. We cultivate greater wholeness as a result of Shadow work.

Ten expert speakers in depth psychology will talk about the Shadow in this inspiring and soulful course.

Engage the shadow Course


What is the Shadow and how is it a part of our personal lives and society at large? What is the function of the Shadow? How can we recognize it in ourselves and learn its impact on our daily lives? What is the benefit of integrating the Shadow parts of ourselves for our personal life’s journey?

In this course, our knowledgeable group of experts will shed light on the concept of the Shadow. You will learn about practical tools for shadow work that you can apply on your own. The speakers will go into the personal as well as collective Shadow, the Shadow in relationships, and how the Shadow manifests in dreams, among other topics. 

This course is interview-style. Machiel Klerk and Akke-Jeanne Klerk – Jung Platform founders and siblings – will be in conversation with experts. Each of the experts brings a unique perspective on the Shadow. Together, they offer a vivid depiction of the Shadow and its appearance in our everyday life. 

Explore our Shadow Work Learning Path to discover more programs on the shadow and deepen your inner work.

Note: The interviews of this program were recorded for the Jung Platform summit ‘Engage the Shadow’.

This program is ideal if you want to be able to

  • Learn about the Shadow and shadow work.
  • Explore aspects of personal Shadow and how it shows up in your day to day life.
  • Learn about personal and collective Shadow.
  • Recognize the Shadow in close relationships with others.
  • Gain awareness and practical tools to help you work with your own Shadow aspects.

engage the shadow Class Descriptions

Class 1: Introduction to the Shadow – James Hollis

One of the greatest contributions of Carl Jung is the idea of the shadow. The shadow refers to the parts of ourselves we are unaware of. Those parts of our own being often act independently of our wills and can be threatening to our ego. In this class, world famous Jungian Analyst James Hollis offers an introduction to the shadow. The shadow in itself is not the problem, but it is how it plays out. We need to ask ourselves what does the shadow make us do and what does it keep us from doing? As James Hollis will illustrate, shadow work helps us to become who we truly are by becoming ‘whole’.

Class 2: Shadow in Relationship – Polly Young-Eisendrath

In this class, Buddhist and Jungian Analyst Polly Young-Eisendrath explores ways to deal with the shadow in relationships. She talks about a method she has pioneered called Real Dialogue, which is an effective way to deal with conflict. We tend to dehumanize the other, make the other an enemy, and devalue another person’s perspective when we feel unseen or unheard. Real Dialogue helps us to be aware of these destructive tendencies we bring into a relationship when we are emotional. Polly’s method helps to create a mindful space so that a real dialogue can take place.

Class 3: The Shadow in Astrology – Alexander von Schlieffen

Psychological astrology is a way to look at personality and its dynamics via the placement of the stars. Shadow work is a part of our personal evolution and there are many ways to address your personal shadow. One way is through studying your natal chart. In this class, masterful astrology teacher Alexander von Schlieffen shares his discovery of the influence the North Node and the South Node have on shadow aspects in a person’s life. This depends on their location in one’s chart, planet relation and house they reside in. Alexander will expand on Pluto and its influence and direct connection to the Shadow. By understanding these areas of the chart we are able to clearly see the necessary actions or non-actions one must take to lead a life of transformation and personal growth. He gives you practical suggestions on how to identify their placement in your chart and ways to understand how Shadow can affect your life.

Class 4: Shadow in Fairy Tales – Dariane Pictet

This class with Jungian Analyst Dariane Pictet examines what we can learn about ourselves by reading fairy tales. Dariane will show that fairy tales contain deep lessons and can help us better understand human nature. Fairy tales give insight into the internal struggles we have in life and how this may play out in our own psychological development. They do also reveal dark sides of human nature, both individual and collective.

Class 5: The Shadow of Our Own Storytelling – Craig Chalquist

In this class, depth psychologist Craig Chalquist will illustrate the importance of storytelling, and how we live our stories. The stories we tell ourselves and others shape us more than we realize. They inform our behavior and our interactions with others as well as the world itself. We all tend to think of the key stories about ourselves and the world around us as solid truths, rather than fiction. And there we get stuck, in the literalizing of our own tales. This session explores why stories matter, how they shape our lives, and what the shadow aspect is of our own storytelling. Craig will end with some suggestions on how to get unstuck from our literalized truths by re-storying our lives.

Class 6: Shadow and the Body – Tina Stromsted

In this class, one of our beloved teachers Tina Stromsted focuses on how the Shadow manifests itself in the body, especially in the case of trauma. She’ll explore how we can access and work with these embodied Shadow states. Stromsted gives us examples on how we can do depth healing work through embodiment where we meet the elements of trauma and shadow through dreams, embodied active imagination, dance/movement & the creative arts therapies. She also explores how there are shadow elements in our addictive habitual patterns (not simply substances but a way of life that affects us all and impacts the planet). Through engaging the body we can bring creativity in life, nurture sexuality, develop the conscious/sacred feminine toward the sacred marriage, and live a meaningful, soulful, bodyful life!

Class 7: The Shadow and Addiction – Ashok Bedi

Carl Jung was instrumental in the founding of Alcoholic Anonymous (A.A.), even if Jung himself only learned about this at the end of his life. Jung thought that an alcoholic was searching for a spiritual experience and found that on a lower level in the spirits of the drink. In this class, Jungian Analyst Ashok Bedi explores with us how the Shadow shows up in addictions. The dark Shadow almost completely overtakes a person who is under the spell of addiction. Bedi also shows how working with one’s Shadow is one of the ways out of the trap of addiction. A.A. is based on the 12 Steps program. Those working through addiction are facing deep Shadow work in the initial steps.

Class 8: The Shadow and (Lucid) Dreaming – Charlie Morley

In this session Charlie Morley, Buddhist and Lucid Dream Teacher, talks about ways to deal with your Shadow. First, he talks about how the Shadow appears in dreams and next he goes into Shadow work. In this talk he combines wisdom from Tibetan Buddhism with Western psychology. He will explain how to use lucid dreaming to help you befriend your Shadow and unlock the inner gold which is your creative potential.

Class 9: A Critical Reflection on the Shadow – Patricia Berry

In this session Jungian Analyst and creative thinker Patricia Berry, is reflecting on Jung’s concept of the Shadow. She takes several intriguing positions on the Shadow. For example, she discovers what insights we gain when we take on the perspective of the Shadow itself. She also looks at the Shadow when the sun shines directly above a person. In this case the person and the shadow are merging, while the person is not seeing their Shadow.

Class 10: Unveiling Shadow Aspects in Dreams – Machiel Klerk

This last class is offered by Machiel Klerk (author of the book Dream Guidance). He will talk about the different ways the Shadow manifests itself in dreams. Machiel will show us how to engage with our dreams using two techniques: Active Imagination and Dream Incubation.

Course reviews

I was seriously stuck in shadow work and now I feel like I'm moving again. Jung Platform is doing vital work and doing it well. (Pat)

Thank you, I was thrilled to be able to watch all of the videos, and learned so much. I have a new and refreshed toolbox for working with my shadow and dreams. I am finding more creative ways to invite and include more shadow material with my clients since watching this series. (Marlon)

I appreciated the range of topics very much. Speakers were great & the interviewers were incredibly sharp with great questions and intelligent engagement with the speakers. (Devon)

I love Tina's depth and care in her approach. (Louisa)

It is a must-see for counselors. We live in a brief, solution-focused counseling world these days and the body is often forgotten. (Sheetal)

Course overview

What you will receive

*You will receive a certificate of completion, but it’s not from an official accrediting body. Please check if it will be accepted by the organization you wish to use it with.
10 video & 10 audio recordings
Transcripts
Auto-generated Subtitles
Certificate of completion*
Available in English

ABout the teachers

James Hollis

James Hollis, Ph.D., is presently a licensed Jungian analyst in private practice in Washington, D.C. He is also a Core Faculty Member at Jung Platform since 2016, and one of the best Jungian teachers of our age.

Polly Young-Eisendrath

Polly Young-Eisendrath, Ph.D., is a Jungian analyst, psychologist, and psychotherapist in private practice. She is Clinical Associate Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Vermont and the founder and director of the Institute for Dialogue Therapy. She is the author, co-author, or editor of nineteen books, ranging from parenting, adult development, intimate and parental love, Buddhist theory, Jungian psychology to women’s development, couple therapy, couple development, and various paths to awakening/enlightenment from meditation to personal love.
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Alexander von Schlieffen

Alexander von Schlieffen started studying astrology in 1991, after having been deeply impressed by the writings of the astrologer Thomas Ring. In 1996 he passed the examination of the Astrological Association of Germany (DAV) with excellence and became a teacher at the Astrology Center of Cologne. In the following years he lectured for various Astrology Institutes all over Europe. From 2001 – 2012 he was a regular tutor at the world renowned “Center for Psychological Astrology” (CPA) that was founded by Liz Greene and Howard Sasportas. Liz Greene mentored Alexander in astrology and published his first book “When chimpanzees dream astrology” in 2004.
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Dariane Pictet

Dariane is a Jungian Analyst born in Geneva, Switzerland. She attended Drama School in Paris, worked as a Poetry Editor then trained as a Psychotherapist. 
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Craig Chalquist

Craig Chalquist, Ph.D. is a depth psychologist and storyteller with a background in Family Systems Therapy. He teaches at the California Institute of Integral Studies and at Pacifica Graduate Institute, where he was formerly the associate provost. He has also presented at various Jungian institutes and societies. 
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Tina Stromsted

Tina Stromsted, Ph.D., MFT, LPCC, BC-DMT, RSME/T is a Jungian psychoanalyst, Board Certified Dance/ Movement therapist, and Somatic psychotherapist and educator. 
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Ashok Bedi

Ashok Bedi is a Clinical Professor in Psychiatry and a Training Analyst at the Jung Institute of Chicago. Trained in India, the UK, and the US, he is interested in the frontiers of spirituality and healing and where the mind, body, soul and spirit meet. 
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Charlie Morley

Charlie Morley is a lucid dreaming teacher living in London. He has explored Tibetan Buddhism extensively and has received the ‘authorization to teach’ from his Buddhist teacher Lama Yeshe Rinpoche over a decade ago
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Patricia Berry

Patricia Berry, Ph.D., is one of Depth Psychology’s best known and most innovative practioners. A founder of Archetypal Psychology with James Hillman, her career spans over fifty years during which she has taught extensively, written numerous articles, worked in private practice, led supervision groups, and lectured internationally.
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Machiel Klerk

Machiel Klerk is a licensed mental health therapist, with a specialty in working with dreams. He is also an international speaker and dedicated social entrepreneur.

Scholarships

We here at Jung Platform want to make these programs available to anyone. If you would love to participate yet can’t pay for the full course, then please send us an email at scholarships@jungplatform.com and describe why you feel you qualify for a scholarship, how much you can pay, and what you will do to help the Jung Platform promote this and other programs.

Engage the Shadow - frequent asked questions

What is the Jungian shadow self?

In depth psychology, the shadow is not simply an assortment of negative traits or hidden vices. Rather, it represents everything within the psyche that has never become conscious. Carl Jung famously observed, "Wherever there is light, there is a shadow. The larger the light, the greater the shadow." The shadow includes parts of ourselves that we disown, neglect, or push away in order to fit into the expectations of our environment. This course offers a grounded framework to recognize these unconscious aspects, providing tools from multiple expert perspectives to bring what has been hidden into the light of awareness.

How does the shadow form?

As children, we naturally adapt to family dynamics, social structures, and cultural demands in order to ensure survival, safety, and belonging. This necessary process requires us to build a persona: a mask that allows us to function and succeed. However, this adaptation carries an hidden cost. Feelings, traits, or creative impulses that are labeled unacceptable by our environment do not disappear; they are pushed underground. This creates a kind of shadow government that quietly influences our choices, reactions, and beliefs, even when we believe our conscious mind is fully in control.

What is the relationship between the shadow and conflict in our personal relationships?

In our closest relationships, we often experience intense emotional triggers, disproportionate irritation, or a tendency to view our partner as an adversary when we feel unseen. From a Jungian perspective, this friction is rarely caused by the other person alone; it is the landscape of projection. We unconsciously attribute our own hidden, unacknowledged shadow traits onto those around us. In this course, Buddhist and Jungian analyst Polly Young-Eisendrath introduces her Real Dialogue method. This tool helps partners step out of destructive projection loops, creating a mindful space to navigate conflict with clarity and mutual recognition.

How can we track and interpret the shadow through the physical body?

The shadow is not merely an abstract concept; it is deeply embodied. When emotional wounds, fears, or authentic impulses are repressed during our personal development, they do not disappear. They become locked within our somatic structure as chronic tension, fatigue, or habitual patterns. Embodiment therapist Dr. Tina Stromsted illustrates how trauma stores shadow material directly within our bodies. She teaches you how to read these bodily states, utilizing movement, dreamwork, and creative expression to access and release the negative shadow, turning the body into an alchemical vessel for healing.

Why do fairy tales and personal storytelling serve as tools for shadow integration?

Long before modern psychology, humanity mapped out the complexities of the unconscious mind through folklore, myth, and oral traditions. Fairy tales endure because they are pure archetypal blueprints of the human psyche, featuring explicit battles with dark, hidden, or neglected forces. Analysts Dariane Pictet and Craig Chalquist demonstrate how examining these timeless tales and our own personal narratives reveals hidden patterns. By analyzing the shadow sides of the stories we tell ourselves, we discover the unconscious scripts that direct our behavior and reclaim our lost personal authority.

How do shadow figures present themselves in nightmares and lucid dreaming?

Dreams are the unvarnished language of the unconscious, making them a primary canvas for the shadow self. When we ignore hidden dimensions of our being in daily life, they often take the form of frightening, adversarial figures chasing or threatening us in nightmares. Experts Charlie Morley and Machiel Klerk break down how to approach these nocturnal visitations. Instead of fleeing from an inner adversary, you will learn how lucid dreaming and Jungian dream analysis allow you to consciously engage with these dream figures, unlocking their vital psychological messages to achieve greater wholeness.

Does this course include practical shadow work exercises I can use daily?

Absolutely. This is not just a theoretical study of Carl Jung’s concepts. Throughout the program, our experts share practical shadow work techniques that you can apply directly to your life.

Are there more courses on the shadow on jung platform?

Yes, you can explore our Shadow Work Learning Path for more programs on the shadow from renowned Jungian analysts and teachers like James Hollis, John van Eenwyk and Ashok Bedi. 

The Jung Platform Guarantee

We stand by our programs. If within 30 days of your purchase or the live course start, you're not satisfied, we offer a replacement or a full refund.

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