Some quotes on Complexes from Verena Kast’s book, The Dynamics of Symbols (Fromm, New York, 1992) [Left: Picture of Verena Kast]
“Complexes are not visible. But the emotions that belong to the kind of complex it is can be observed and, the stereotypical patterns that belong to the complex can be observed. Complexes can become visible in symbols through fantasy”.
“The Complex obviously arises from the clash between a demand of adaptation and the individual’s constitutional inability to meet the challenge. Seen in this light, the Complex is a valuable symptom which helps us to diagnose an individual disposition.”
• “A complex (from complexus – inclusion, enclosure, embrace) is defined as contents of the unconscious united by the same emotion and by a mutual core of meaning (archetype)”. She further notes:
• If the constellating complexes are not made conscious, they surface as projections.
• The ego needs to make contact with the complex, and at the same time experience and transform the emerging images and fantasies.
• Because emotion is experienced physically, we can also experience complexes physically.
About Leslie
Leslie Zimmermann is a Jungian Analyst trained in the philosophy and psychology of C.G. Jung in Zurich and is based in Johannesburg. She offers a range of services, which she integrates, to meet the needs and aspirations of people. In a word, her work is in the service of wholeness. Wholeness includes both our vulnerabilities and our strengths, becoming conscious of our own unique mix of these, honoring our own unique way of functioning and with this knowledge and confidence, contributing as only we each can in our own way, to this evolving world we find ourselves to be a part of.
Besides having a Diplomate qualification in Analytical psychology, which qualifies me to write about the theory and practice of dream interpretation, I also have an Honours degree in Applied Psychology and a Masters degree in Research psychology, which qualify me to write about theories of human development, personality, abnormal psychology, social psychology, sociology and ethics. Also, theories and knowledge pertaining to sleep and dreams from a perspective of neuropsychological and biological systems.
Leslie specializes in Analytical Psychology, Voice Dialogue, Life Coaching solutions for business executives. Consulting and coaching for family owned and home-based business
For an appointment Leslie Zimmermann can be contacted on:
Email: leslie.zimmermann@gmail.com
Mobile: +27 (0)83 384 9812
Member: SAPC (South African Psychoanalytic Confederation); AGAP (Association of Graduate Analytical Psychologists, Switzerland); SAAJA (Southern African Association of Jungian Analysts); IAAP (International Association for Analytical Psychology); International Association for the Study of Dreams