Therapist Profile

My Approach to Helping

Did you know that discussing your dreams with a therapist may lead to better decision making? What does a dream represent? Edward Whitmont a Jungian Analyst states that a dream represents the dreamer's situation as it currently exists, externally or internally or both; and it compensates the one-sidedness of the conscious view, that is, it relates a message which is unknown to the dreamer but is potentially vital, and in need of being known(Whitmont, 1991, p 38).

June Singer, a Jungian Analyst, advises that when evaluating a dream it is helpful to notice where the strongest feelings are, and what elements in the dream stand out as most impressive. Women could ask themselves what the setting suggests, and how the characters in the dream reflect aspects of their own being that may be unfamiliar. It would also be important to look at the role of the person in the dream that represents the woman who is having the dream (1998).

Another Jungian Analyst, Robert Johnson, has developed a four step method to assist his reader's in analyzing their dreams. He calls this Inner Work, since it is through understanding the symbolization in dreams, that one learns what the unconscious mind is trying to communicate. Johnson relates two basic assumptions regarding the functions of dreaming. First, the dreamer needs to realize that dreams are an expression of the unconscious; and next, that the images in dreams are symbols and should not be taken literally. It is important to remember that the symbols represent the parts of the dreamer and the dynamics within the dreamer's inner life (1986).

References:
Johnson, R. (1986).Inner work: using dreams & active imagination for personal growth. San Francisco: Harper Collins Publishing.
Singer, J. (1990,1998). Modern woman in search of soul. York Beach: Nicolas Hays, Inc.
Whitmont, E. (1991). The symbolic quest. New Jersey: Princeton University Press.

I am a Registered Marriage Family Therapist Intern. I provide Individual Therapy for adults, adolescents, and children, at an affordable rate. I also offer Pre-Marital & Relationship Counseling. As an Intern, I can offer my clients lower cost therapy service, which many times equals the co-payment of many Insurance Companies, without involving the Insurance Carrier. My fees are negotiable and based on Client Income. I have committed to see 10% of my clients on a hardship basis, for as low as $50.00 a session.

I use a Jungian orientation to assist my client's sort through the difficulties that life has presented. This approach could lead to fullfilling one's potential in life. Jung referred to this as Individuation. This orientation may include dream work, journaling, & spiritual development. The goal is to get in touch with who you are at the core of your being, beyond the role of parent, spouse, child, sibling or employee. Jung also realized that a life without a spiritual dimension is often behind the sense of alienation many people feel within society today. The Jungian approach to therapy will be especially helpful to those who are Experiencing anxiety or depression Needing to take a step back and look at life from a different perspective Experiencing a loss of personal meaning in life Anticipating/experiencing a change in their personal/professional lives Exploring a decision, opportunity or challenge Wanting to discover a spiritual path in life. Recovering from emotional or physical abuse Experiencing envy or jealousy Lack the ability to make good decisions

More Info About My Practice

I accept payment on a sliding scale.

See my website for fee summary, or you ma call me.

MARIE KERNS, Psy.D 949-285-5199