Tara

Dates and Registration Information

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Dates and Locations Throughout California

  
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CE Credit information

The material is presented at an introductory level, requiring no background in mythic studies, narrative theory, or Jungian psychology.

The following CE credits are available:

  • Psychology, MFT, LCSW, NBCC : 6 CE hours

  • Nursing : 7 hours

Most teachers must get credits approved by their school administration. Center courses meet the requirements in most states. Contact us if you need more information about receiving credit in your state.

For more information, call the Center at 805 687-7171, check the date and location of upcoming workshops or via webmail: folkstory mail. You may also register online.

Movie Poster

The Center for Story and Symbol

Movies and the Mythic Imagination

Using Films in Depth Psychology

The course explores uses of movies to increase understanding of emotional life. It is an introduction to how popular culture can reflect adult psychological challenges. The plots and characters in movies reflect a broad range of human concerns and difficulties. The training includes how to detect psychological themes in stories as presented on screen - and how to use examples from movies in discussions of personal issues. Examples illustrate the value of modeling actions on those of significant fictional characters such as heroes, mentors and allies. Discussion points out parallels between dreamwork and cinematherapy. The seminar also considers how movies can show individuals that others face the same problems.

About the Presenter

Jonathan Young, PhD is a psychologist (PSY10231) who assisted Joseph Campbell at seminars and served as founding curator of the Joseph Campbell Archives and Library. As a professor, Dr. Young created and chaired a doctoral level department of mythological studies. His books and articles focus on personal mythology. Dr. Young currently teaches symbolism at universities and consults with organization leaders and creative artists.

Other presentations on Mythic Stories

Dr. Young also gives frequent media interviews, public talks, workshops, and in-service trainings throughout the U.S. and internationally.

Learning Objectives
Discern parallels between interplay of characters in films and emotional conflicts
Assess which movies might be useful in mirroring psychological experiences
Discuss parallels between archetypal roles in films and the work of identity formation

Reading List

This seminar is taught at the introductory level and requires no advance preparation. However, participants are provided with a recommended reading list as part of their class materials. See selections from the recommended reading list for this seminar.

Workshop Information

Mythic Realm of Jonathan Young

Communicate

Day Schedule

9:30 Checking-in begins.
10:00 am - Introduction to archetypal symbolism in films
- The cinema narrative as window to the unconscious
- Gaining distance to reflect on pressing problems
11:15 - Break (approximate time)
11:30 - The quest story as developmental journey
- How adult psychological challenges are presented in movie plots
- Tapping resilience by identification with characters
12:30 - Lunch Break
1:30 - Story and symbol in cinematic narratives
- Mythological understanding of the main genres of movies
2:30 - Break (approximate time)
2:40 - Unconscious dynamics and the mythic imagination
- Using films like dreams - as mirrors of adult issues
- Withdrawing identification with dysfunctional narratives
3:50 - Break (approximate time)
4:00 - Deepening the therapeutic relationship
- Selecting appropriate videos for homework
- Limits and cautionary considerations
5:00 - Course concludes - Total 6 hours (RNs 7 hours)

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