PERSONA

“Persona originally referred to the masks worn by the actors in ancient classical theatre, and in Jungian psychology, this term refers to the character that we use to face the world. Drawn from societal expectations, cultural norms and natural attributes, it is both the person we think we ought to be and the person we want others to think we really are. “

– G. S. Bobroff, Knowledge in a Nutshell: Carl Jung

The Persona is an easy Jungian concept to intellectually understand but its facing its scope and impact on our life, is for most, a complicated, long lasting, and often painful experience. As Jung suggests, half of the Individuation process entails the Persona.

The aim of individuation is nothing less than to divest the self of the false wrappings of the persona on the one hand, and of the suggestive power of primordial images on the other.

– C.G. Jung [CW 7, par. 269. ]

Saturdays
April 8th & 15th

Noon - 2pm Pacific / 3-5pm Eastern

+ Video recording will be available

Course Objectives:

1. With the support of reading material, we will define and help recognize what is meant by Persona in Jungian psychology.

2. Secondly, we will work on distinguishing between being identified with one’s Persona and not having a persona.

3. Finally, we will consider what it may look like when the persona is made conscious and a functional aspect of the whole personality.

david pressault, Iaap

David Pressault is a Jungian analyst with a strong background in the Arts. He has a Masters in dance from UQAM (Université du Québec à Montréal) and was a professional dancer and choreographer for 20 years. He developed a relationship to the unconscious through that art form. Today, he works in private practice and is a faculty member of the Ontario Association of Jungian Analysts.