Applying Mythology to Psychotherapy and to Psychological Growth and Development
Myths express characters and stories that are encoded into the human species that convey universal concerns and distress. In other words, myths speak about the wisdom that has been embodied in all humans, whether it be by means of natural evolution or realised through a spiritual process.
Myths can provide direction and insight for difficult times. They can also give hope and encouragement as we confront and grapple with life’s traumas and difficulties. In clinical work, and in our own journeys, it is useful to study mythic stories for hope as these tales can also provide hints on dealing with varying life crises or other difficult transitions.
Psychotherapists have always worked with stories, ie, clients bring the accounts of their journeys they are struggling with. A therapeutic exploration of these journeys can be likened to a literary endeavor which to some degree supports clients with an editing process. We are showing clients how to ‘re-story’ their life’s narratives, only this time they get to choose what kinds of roles they now wish to play and how to align themselves within the plot. This is sometimes called reframing. Introducing a mythological literary viewpoint can often just deepen what is already going on.
