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Greetings…I would like our meeting and discussion to be imbued with the atmosphere of a fireside chat. Initially I would like to share a tasting of Process Work. How, growing out of Jungian Psychology, it contributed marvellously to the mind-body connection and fits well with our current understanding, through neuroscience, of these as an inseparable and integrated whole. Arnold Mindell’s Process Work theory and model provides an elegant and operational way of working psychologically and somatically with people and the phenomena they are experiencing. We will discuss how Mindell, working as a Jungian with people close to death, developed his concept of the ‘Dreambody’, and how useful this then became in accessing our unconscious more easily, using our somatic and sensory experiences.

‘Process’ is our flow of sensory experience and information. In any one moment we connect with some parts of this and reject others. This creates polarities and dynamic tensions we can choose to flow with or resist and feel more stuck. This relates well with Daoism, along with Jungian psychology, a primary root of Process Work.

Depending on how we ‘flow’ with time and the conversation we may have an opportunity to discuss this relationship as well. I look forward to a warm and vibrant evening of sharing and discussion with your beautiful minds and bodies!

Andrew Lindsay

I began my professional life in Traditional Chinese Medicine and quickly became interested in Process Oriented Psychology, observing how practitioners effortlessly unfolded deep and authentic meaning and understanding from people’s experiences. I completed a psychology degree so I could practice Process Work and worked for Karuna Hospice as a counsellor for several years and then moved into private practice. I have taught Process Work in the Australian New Zealand Faculty, QUT and public workshops. Amongst many other things along the way I have helped raise 3 children, studied Aikido and currently do a daily Daoist Qi Gong practice.

Pam Blamey will facilitate another fairy tale workshop in March… This time she has chosen to focus on The Goose Girl. Why The Goose Girl? Well, it is intriguing in its portrayal of feminine, masculine and animal characters, deeds and the presence of magic and the underworld. In a podcast, Michael Meade speaks of the animal helper appearing when a person is in a liminal space, a threshold or the ‘betwixt and between world’. He says Western people have lost the ability to see into the Otherworld, but some peoples still can who are closer to Nature and Spirit.

Because fairy tales express processes of the collective unconscious, characters in a fairy tale represent ‘structures of a psyche working toward individuation’, and the tale usually describes different phases of the development or challenges of the Self.

The Goose Girl is a story of loss, redemption, and penalty, using graphic images such as the false bride, innocence and cunning, a magic talking horse, a wise king, and a simple boy – symbols crying out to be explored as symbols of the individuation process.

Pam Blamey

Pam Blamey is a retired art therapist and counsellor, having worked with couples, women survivors of Domestic Violence, people with drug and alcohol issues, adolescent girls in care, and refugees, as well as facilitating in writing retreats. Pam has been a committed member of the C. G. Jung Society of Queensland for many years, (as Secretary for eleven years), and has presented in Brisbane and Melbourne. Specialising in story and fairy tales in particular since 2008, she has run her own workshops, recorded stories online, presented to groups and conferences and published book chapters. Fairy tales remain a source of insight and delight.

Like fish who do not know they are in water, we unwittingly swim in a sea of archetypal images from the world of the Collective Unconscious. Archetypal images form the basis of myths and fairy tales and they also nourish art and poetry. We see how they operate in our everyday lives through analysis of our dreams. When we dip into a seemingly inexhaustible well of archetypal images, we bring up gems that add meaning and lustre to our lives.

In this talk, Anne will first describe C.G. Jung’s theory of archetypes within the context of his ideas of the nature of the psyche. She will then go on to show how archetypal images manifest themselves in all areas of our inner imaginative lives—in myths and fairy tales, in our art, in our poetry, in our dreams.

Anne di Lauro

Australian by birth, Anne obtained a B.A. from the University of Queensland and a Post-graduate Diploma of Librarianship from the University of NSW. After a period working at the State Library of Queensland, she sailed away to see the world. She spent 32 years living overseas, working in library and information sciences for international organisations in Italy, Geneva, Paris and New York, as well as for national institutions in the UK and Canada.

Having become an avid student of Jungian psychology, on her return to Australia she obtained a Master of Counselling from Queensland University of Technology and combined this qualification with her knowledge of Jungian psychology and her training in Robert Bosnak’s Embodied Imagination method of dream work, to enter private practice as a Jungianoriented psychotherapist in Brisbane. She retired at the end of 2018.

Anne served on the committee of the C.G. Jung Society of Queensland for 15 years, including a period as president. She has given talks to our Society on a variety of subjects including Pinocchio and the Hero’s Journey, James Hillman and the
Renaissance, Embodied Imagination, Alchemy, Marie-Louise von Franz, Jung and the East, Jung
and Pauli, The Nature of the Psyche according to Jung and The Use of Dreams in Psychotherapy.

Tonight Florence Forrest, the society’s new Communications and Library officer, will be outlining her vision on The Toad Pond and will be discussing the new arrangements with the Society’s library and bringing the library materials and borrowings back to life after a hibernation period.

The Toad Pond is a new initiative to stimulate the conversation and excitement in Jungian understandings in the Queensland wilds. It is intended to make a place in which to share, encourage and be stimulated by not only our local conversation in the Society but also by the wonderful wellsprings of interest in the psyche taking place around the world. No experience is required, only curiosity and a friendly desire to be “in the room” for what might ferment with our coming together over coffee in a convivial environment.

The name is inspired by Marie-Louise Von Franz. In a 1979 interview she shares her favourite place around her tower, the toad pond, which she dug out herself from a very small pool. She spoke of the special toads that lived there, called Unke, which exist nowhere else but in the pre-Alps area of Switzerland and Austria. What she loved most about these little people, who emerged from winter hibernation in spring, was their beautiful bell-like call that echoed enchantingly around her tower. It was the place she did all of her deepest thinking and writing. Like Jung’s own tower in Bollingen, her tower was the place she was most herself.

The Toad Pond gatherings will be held at the GOMA cafe in the Southbank Cultural Precinct at 10am on the Saturday morning following the usual first Thursday of the month’s Society lecture.

The gathering will last about an hour, with the probability of overflow based on the day’s energy. Meet at the elephant sculpture in front of the café beforehand. For regular updates about The Toad Pond gatherings see the e-news reports and the C.G. Jung Society of Queensland Facebook page
Enquires or RSVPs to Florence – (text) 0417 975 970.

About Florence Forrest
Florence is a Jungian enthusiast with over fifteen years of personal involvement with Jungian material primarily using dreams. She studied Economics and Arts (majoring in Art History) at the Australian National University, Canberra. Other areas of her life have involved: being a carer; an art-toy designer – exhibiting both in Brisbane and group exhibitions around the world; she’s been a member of art/craft collective – The Umbrella Collective; and a former dramaturge with OzFrank Theatre Praxis.

She’s also a poet, artist, arts writer/ speaker. Currently, Florence is building a practice as a cartomancy consultant – The Book of Hermes. Having a great many interests reaching across the arts, literature, spirituality, esotericism, psychology and community, she sees herself as a life-long learner.

Come along and have a healthy laugh at this completely hilarious film with two of the greats of the profession of acting, Richard Dreyfuss and Bill Murray, where the neurotic patient bites the vain Psychiatrist in all the funny places.

Christmassy supper afterwards.

For booking details – see October listing in the (current) July Newsletter

When Carl Jung sat on the shores of the lake at Bollingen, allowing himself to play with the sands and pebbles to construct imaginary worlds, he was not to know how this presaged a global group of soul-workers who would translate his analytical psychology through Sandplay.

Jung encouraged Dora Kalff to develop her Sandspiel, now called Sandplay Therapy, as a way of working in an analytic alliance with energies and image in the emergent elements of individuation.

In this one-day workshop participants will experience the power of Dora Kalff’s foundational work, in a non-confrontative manner. They will gain a comprehensive understanding of Kalff’s Sandplay Therapy, and the parameters of the growing global Sandplay international society. This Society, affiliated with IAAP, has now officially embraced Kalff’s Jungian heritage in Australia and New Zealand through STANZA, a new professional body of trained therapists. Heather Lesley-Swan, Teaching Member of ISST and Jungian analyst will co-present this workshop. Participants will see for themselves a full Sandplay Therapy case, presented by our former President, Marie Makinson, analyst and ISST Certified Sandplay Therapist. They will emerge with a deep understanding of the mysterium of which Jung spoke:

“Often the hands can solve a mystery the intellect has struggled with in vain”
CW 16, p.181

Heather Lesley-Swan, Jungian Analyst and Teaching Member of the International Society for Sandplay Therapy, reviews the worldwide diagnosis of autism, particularly in children, which is currently
flooding our society. She will show through a client’s images in art and sand how the Self seeks to emerge from psyche even where the neuro-typical elements of relatedness and emotion are truncated.

This talk will offer evidence to encourage those who are working with clients with autistic diagnoses to hold a temenos beyond popular behavioural education techniques and to respect the voice of the
Self. It will encourage all to enhance their understanding of the burgeoning rise of spectrum disorders, and to evaluate our collective response.

About Heather Lesley-Swan
Heather Lesley-Swan is a Jungian Analyst trained at the CG Jung Institute in Switzerland, and a member of the International Association for Analytical Psychology. She was the first Certified Sandplay Therapist, then Teaching Member of the International Society for Sandplay Therapy in Australia/New Zealand. She has held senior corporate roles, led her own global consulting company and educational organisation, and trains in-house counselling teams.

Heather has a particular interest in autism spectrum implications, bringing her knowledge of current neuroscience and the development of the capacity to symbolise. Her work is also informed by attachment and trauma research, including proven pathways for individual transformation and well-being.

About Marie Makinson
Marie Makinson is a Jungian Analyst and certified Sandplay therapist. She has a private practice at The Channon in Northern NSW. Marie is a former president of the CG Jung Society of Queensland and has presented many times for the society over the years. She is very much looking forward to being part of this in-person workshop and sharing some of the extraordinary things she has observed and learned in the practice of Sandplay.

“Everyone carries a shadow, and the less it is embodied in the individual’s conscious life, the blacker and denser it is. At all counts, it forms an unconscious snag, thwarting our most well-meant intentions.“
(Jung CW11. Para. 131)

In this seminar Dr. Beth Foley will explore the Jungian concept of The Shadow in clinical work. The everyday, autonomous and involuntary emergence of the shadow will be discussed. How the shadow presents in the consulting room and how it might be worked therapeutically in an ongoing way will be explored.

About Dr. Beth Foley
Dr Beth Foley completed her analytic training with the C.G. Jung Institute of ANZSJA and works in private practice as a Jungian Analyst in Coffs Harbour. Beth is an experienced clinical psychologist having practised for over 20 years. Her PhD researched the therapeutic effectiveness of mindfulness-based therapies in psychiatric and oncology settings and resulted in a number of academic papers. She has provided training and lecturing on acceptance-based therapies, existential issues and psychodynamic therapy for many years.

In this talk, the focus will be to narrate the defining milestones in Saibal’s journey through childhood in India, from being an introverted child to becoming the person he is today through many landmark events and incidents that were possibly triggers to bring out the unconscious need to explore, to seek and to find himself. Why did he become a Psychiatrist? Why did he change countries? Why was he ‘running’ throughout his life? What were the unconscious triggers? Was there synchronicity and acausality in his life progression?

Saibal always associated his inner restlessness as an impetus to seek salvation through achievement. His efforts have been conscious and sometimes strategic. But deep down, like Carl Jung believed, he always felt an unconscious need to push forward. The journey followed an ill defined and unchartered path, with inevitable twists and turns. However, Saibal always knew each destination he reached was only the beginning.

Saibal will present his perspective and understanding of his ill defined psyche, possibly unpacking the psychological construct of a Psychiatrist. This talk will be reflective, narrative and thought provoking. So he believes… And, those who come on this day to hear him speak will be part of his collective unconsciousness and his destiny to have your esteemed presence in his life. And Saibal’s story.

Saibal will unravel himself to you for the first time. So, if this talk evokes your interest, you are connected to Saibal and have always been.

About Dr Saibal Guha
Dr Saibal Guha is working at Marsai Clinic in Cleveland. Previously, he was at Belmont Private Hospital private practice for over a decade. His specific area of interest is Adult ADHD and Neuropsychiatry. He is also trained in TMS therapy and has set up a TMS clinic at his practice in conjunction with NeuroXcellTMS. Originally from an Armed Forces background in India, Saibal has been involved in this field of Psychiatry for over 26 years, trying to find pathways to enhance care, improve the quality of life and functioning of patients, and improve treatment parameters. He has recently published his first book.
‘Dying for Life – Defying Death and Destiny.’

This book is based on a real-life incident Saibal had been involved in as a child. This affected his later life choice of career and possible experiences with synchronicity and acausality. Saibal has a strong association with his family in Australia and also India. He works with a mental health foundation in India. This organisation Antara, has been involved since the 1970s in alleviating mental health for the poor and downtrodden in Kolkata. This is his birthplace. Saibal has a strong connection to exploring the unknown, the metaphysical and the spiritual aspects which are unseen and obscured.
Saibals’ core principle in life is –
‘Goodness is the key to Godliness.And seeking this is my destiny.’

Please note the CHANGE IN VENUE AND DATE for this meeting as renovations take place at our usual venue, St Mary’s Kangaroo Point, this month.

It is the simplicity of the dream, communicating to us in a language derived from the natural world that moves us so deeply.

Similar to the apparent simplicity of French composer Eric Satie’s music, we are mesmerized and taken to a realm far beyond everyday life into something that may be the domain of the Numinous. Just listening to the opening stanza of Satie’s Gymnopedie we sense that he was already transfixed, and needed to create music expressive of this world existing beyond the veil. Like the image, these sounds and rhythms convey the movement of the Self as it so gently transports us into relationship with the sacred.

In the dream, patterns of life, of growth, and of endings are revealed through a rich collective language. So too, the dream allows us to see that something in our life – perhaps a relationship, a job, or an attitude – is outdated, and that the Self, the soul is in need of renewal.

Carl Jung was once asked why the dream speaks through symbols and not in the language of everyday life. To this question Jung responded by saying that such a direct communication would fall on deaf ears, and that the Self speaks through an iconographic, pictorial voice of the ages, the language of the “Antique Soul”. So too he reminds us that from time eternal, humanity has been moved by images, by sounds, parables, and symbols.

Could the majesty and utter beauty of Satie and Debussy’s music or DaVinci and Michelangelo’s art ever be conveyed in words?

Offering a glimpse into the world of the archetypal, and closely aligned to Jung’s and von Franz’s work, this presentation promises to enrich your appreciation and understanding of the archetypal images in dreams and the relationship between our personally created meaning of symbols, to their innate, archetypal meaning

About Dr. Michael Confort
is a Jungian analyst and the Founder and Director of the Assisi Institute. He is a faculty member at the C.G. Jung Institute of Boston, the C.G. Jung Foundation of New York, and for many years served as a Senior Associate faculty member in the Doctoral and Master’s Programs in Clinical Psychology at Antioch New England. A pioneer in the field of matter-psyche studies, Dr. Conforti is actively investigating the workings of archetypal fields and the relationship between Jungian psychology and the New Sciences.

He is the author of Threshold Experiences: The Archetype of Beginnings (2007) and Field, Form and Fate: Patterns in Mind, Nature and Psyche (2002) and many journal articles. Dr. Conforti maintains a private practice in in Mystic, CT and consults with individuals and corporations around the world. He is also a Senior Fellow of the James MacGregor Burns Academy of Leadership at the University of Maryland.