David's title suggests both a level of excitement and a quality of challenge that is at first counter intuitive. Yes, Jung is exciting to read. His take on life is one of a positive psychology … a striving toward wholeness, a sense of purpose, and a positive life story. A deeper reading, however, invites one to enter a world of ambivalence if not downright disturbance: a troubling place for the human spirit.
David will speak of his lifelong engagement with Jung. Even before meeting Jung’s work there was the poetry of St John of the Cross - perhaps the first depth psychologist - and John’s renunciation of the joys of the senses and of the spirit (David’s period in Rome studying at the Pontifical Theological Faculty “Teresianum”. And before Jung there was Freud with his claim that his work didn’t offer a cure but, rather, a most difficult and challenging philosophy of life. However, it is Jung more than anyone else who gently invites one to experience the underworld, the place where one’s psyche is nourished and thus can bring a gift of sorts back to the above world. During the talk David will make reference to both his personal and professional experience.
Join us after the talk to meet new friends and discuss the presentation & all things Jungian at the Jung Society Christmas party at noextra cost for Jung Society Members of attendees of David's talk at the nearby Downstairs Lounge in the Criterion Hotel 260 Pitt St Cnr Park Street. Everyone is most welcome.
David is a past president of the Society. He completed his undergraduate and postgraduate studies and research in psychology at the University of Sydney. Here he was introduced to the writings of Sigmund Freud (unusual for a Department of Psychology) and developed an ongoing enthusiasm for the history and philosophy of psychology. After a few years in private practice he moved into an academic career, which culminated in the establishment of the Master of Analytical Psychology degree at the University of Western Sydney. David has currently returned to private practice in Sydney CBD.
Date: 13 November 2015
Time: 7:00pm to 8:30pm
Venue: Mitchell theatre Level 1 Sydney Mechanics' School
of Arts, 280 Pitt St, Sydney
Cost: Members $15 Non-Members $30 Non-Member
Concession $25
*Psychotherapists and other practitioners can obtain credit for Professional Development hours recognised by CAPA, PACFA and ACA for this presentation.