Matthew Harwood
Jungian Analysis, Psychotherapy, Internal Family Systems
‘Life has long been recognised and often declared to resemble dream.
And indeed, this comparison with dream permits us to perceive …. how the “hidden power” that directs and moves us toward its intended goals by means of the outward circumstances affecting us, might yet have its roots within the very depths of our own unfathomable being.’
(Schopenhauer)
About Me
I was born in 1951. At the age of 16, I read Jung’s autobiography and immediately sensed that here was something of vital importance for my life. However I was well aware of Jung’s advice that, before becoming a Jungian Analyst, it was best to go out and make a career in the world. At 18 I travelled to Kenya and worked as a volunteer teacher in a rural secondary school. A year later I returned to the UK and embarked on a law degree and then trained to become a barrister. Between 1976-88 I was back in Africa as a member of the Attorney General’s Chambers in Nairobi. During this period I represented the Kenya Government as counsel in a number of high-profile trials including corruption, murder, anti-poaching and state-treason.
Towards the end of my time in Africa I started to receive a series of life-changing dreams. Guided by my dreams, I returned to the UK, gave up the law, and in 1991 travelled to Zurich to train to become an Jungian Analyst.
Meditation has been an important part of my life ever since university and I have a daily practice.
My Jungian Training
My Jungian training (1991-96) was at the CG Jung Institute in Küsnacht, Zürich. My training analyst was Dr Hermann Strobel. He had analysed with Dr Marie-Louise von Franz, Jung’s closest disciple, for over 30 years. My dissertation was a study of Jung’s concept of the ‘Self’ as seen in the story of Parzival and his search for the Grail. During my time in Switzerland I also studied Psychodrama and Sand-Tray therapy and experienced at first-hand how the practice of Jungian Analysis could be enhanced by the use of many different creative tools & techniques.
The CG Jung Institute, Kusnacht, Zurich
Private Practice in Bath & Bristol
In 1996 I completed my training, returned to the UK, and opened my private practice as a Jungian Analyst. I also started giving lectures, leading workshops and running dream groups.
During this time I also learnt how to do Focusing and EMDR. It became clear to me that working in trauma required specialist knowledge above and beyond my original training. Further trainings in Pesso Boyden Psychotherapy and Internal Family Systems (IFS) soon followed and seemed like a natural development.
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