Narratives of Individuation

In Narratives of Individuation, Raya A. Jones and Leslie Gardner present 12 cutting-edge essays that bridge Jungian and narrative approaches to self-understanding, and offer critical appraisal of both approaches. Exploring the Jungian concept of individuation and the related interest in dreams, as well as the premise of the narrative self and the related interest in life-stories, this innovative volume interprets the topic in unique and unprecedented ways.

An outstanding selection of contributors cover several overarching themes to provide a comprehensive understanding of these two powerful narratives. The contributors explore historical and conceptual issues concerning the narrative self, as well as applying it, including to Jung’s autobiography. Chapters also examine how Jung developed his theory of individuation, and engage with contemporary thinking in anthropology, psychology (including the dialogical self) and Jungian psychotherapy, towards refiguring how people arrive at self-understanding. Written by leaders in the field, Narratives of Individuation is a valuable interdisciplinary resource that illuminates a multitude of perspectives on individuation and self-realisation.

Owing to its original ideas and breadth of scope, Narratives of Individuation will appeal to academics and students of Jungian and post-Jungian studies, anthropology, psychology, literary studies and anyone examining concepts of selfhood and the significance of narrativity. It will also be of great interest to Jungian analysts and psychotherapists, and analytical psychologists.

Raya A. Jones, PhD, is Reader in the School of Social Sciences, Cardiff University, UK. Her academic interests include Jungian, narrative and dialogical perspectives on the self. She has authored, edited and co-edited several books in the field, as well as numerous journal articles.

Leslie Gardner, PhD, is Fellow in the Department of Psychosocial and Psychoanalytic studies at the University of Essex, UK. She was among the founders of the International Association of Jungian Studies, and its journal, International Journal of Jungian Studies. She has authored and co-edited several books in Jungian studies.