Archetypal, Mythic and Cinematic Perspectives on Vocation

A unique 6 week intensive online course

course instructor:

Suzanne Cremen PhD, MA Depth Psychology (Jungian & Archetypal Studies), MA Engaged Humanities & Mythological Studies (Pacifica, USA), LLB, BA (UNSW)

From a depth psychological perspective all products of the human imagination have an archetypal basis, including the most sublime art, ingenious ideas and cathartic social movements. 

Appreciating how archetypes move within and structure our lives can awaken a wellspring of creativity and ingenuity in our work.  For an individual’s creative potential and calling to bloom, it is necessary to have a vital, dialectical engagement with the archetypal realm.  Yet how can this be cultivated?

This 6 week intensive course builds on the previous course Career as a Journey of Soul: Introduction to a depth psychological approach to vocation (CJS1).  In this new course, we will look at ways in which understanding Jung’s concept of archetypes and archetypal patterns can enable individuals to make more conscious vocational choices that are profoundly resonant and potentially healing to the psyché, or soul.

Reading from key works and drawing upon selected myths and films as a gateway into the imagination and the unconscious, participants will deepen their understanding of Jung’s theory of archetypes, and their relevance for perceiving the source, trajectory and fulfilment of vocation, as a calling from the psyché or soul.   We will look at ways by which individuals can gain insight into their particular archetypal pattern(s) or ‘personal myth’, with a view to illuminating their larger calling.

In a small group format, this course employs a fun mix of stimulating lectures, readings, real-life stories, films, reflective work, narrative activities and online discussion, to address topics including

• Identifying one’s dominant and shadow archetypes and understanding how these relate to vocation

• The effect of archetypal fields in occupations and workplace cultures

• The significance of the split archetype for revivifying one’s work in the helping professions

• Incorporating an archetypal approach in career development and vocational guidance – benefits and risks.

In addition, this course will examine the relevance of the ancient Platonic idea of a daimon, or what the Romans called the genius, as a soul companion who guides an individual vocationally.  “Anyone with a vocation hears the voice of the inner man: he is called.  That is why the legends say that he possesses a private daimon who counsels him and whose mandates he must obey.” (Jung CW17, para. 299).  In recent years the idea of the daimon has been revived by James Hillman and Donald Kalsched in psychotherapeutic practice as a hybrid form of existence within the mytho-poetic world, participating in both material and spiritual reality.  We will explore how childhood recollections can hold the key to connecting with one’s daimon, as well as the paradoxes and difficulties that arise when attending to one’s daimon as a vocational guide.

Each week includes a lecture/ presentation, readings from selected authors, activities and online discussion with personal feedback from the instructor.   A reading list of books will be provided on registration.

Convenient online format

The online format is so convenient as you can work each week at a time and place to suit you.  Students are frequently surprised by how conducive the online space can be for personal reflection, deepening connection with others and soulwork.  Each online course is limited to 8–10 participants to ensure personal attention from the instructor, Dr Suzanne Cremen.

What past participants have said about this course: 

“I thoroughly enjoyed the Archetypes, Myth and Cinematic course with Suzanne. I had some familiarity with Jung before I began but this course led me much more deeply into his work. I really enjoyed learning about the archetypes and the impact they can have on our lives as well as how myths can provide new insights into our understanding of ourselves. The course was well organized, well paced with plenty of time to engage in the material. Suzanne offered excellent support every step of the way and the inclusion of the two Zoom calls to meet the other participants was greatly appreciated. I particularly enjoyed the exercise of reflecting on our earliest memories and the role models we had as children. I found this very insightful. I would highly recommend Life Artistry courses and I am keen to participate in future courses.” – Dr. Kristen Hobby, Singapore, August 2020

" I have so enjoyed the Archetype, Myth and Cinema course. Suzanne has a wonderful way of bringing to life the hidden meanings and impulses in her commentary to our posts. I have found all the Life Artistry courses and seminars immensely enriching and life changing. The work goes on long after each module or course has finished." -- Diane, Artist and Therapist

"This course has been very helpful, both on a personal and professional level.

Personally, I was raised in a monotheistic tradition and I think that despite developing a broader spiritual perspective, I had subconsciously dismissed mythology and all its gifts. This course gave me a new and deeper perspective and I am sure the gifts from this will continue to unfold.

Professionally I have always been most interested in client's stories and helping them identify their personal themes (as opposed to the sharper job-search side of things) so your approach has given me another layer to tap into which I am very grateful for.

I found the structure and delivery of the course worked very well and helped motivate me on an ongoing basis; it was always a pleasure to open up the week’s content and see what might be next. I really appreciated reading everyone’s reflections and learnt much from them also." -- Michelle Mearns, Career Coach, New Zealand

"I was a bit uncertain as to what this course would be about and if I would get value. But I was ready for a new experience and learning something new so I thought I’d give it a go. I’m glad I did.

The Archetypal, Mythic and Cinematic Approaches to Vocation course was great and I am really glad to have learned so much about something that in retrospect I knew so little about. For the first time, I was able to identify a vocational leaning for myself that was not simply a product of my rational mind. Going back to early memories was much more powerful and insightful. Overall I have learned a lot about archetypes, which has contributed greatly to my ability with tarot and my work as an organisational change manager. Both were key focus areas for this study and the results have definitely come through for me. But I also realise that this is a beginning and that I have so much more to learn.

Thanks very much for this experience – it’s a life changer." -- Ché Broekman, Senior Organisational Change Manager

“I enjoyed the coursework thoroughly and I understood that the process in understanding the unconscious is slow. It made me stronger in my faith and helped me in understanding the role that epigenetics have in our lives. I was able to understand my archetypes a lot better as well as the role that they play in the pattern of life. I would recommend this course to anyone who is not afraid of soul searching!” — Vardah Baruchi, Associate Clinical Psychologist, Aga Khan University

Read more testimonials here

Will this course benefit me?

This program will particularly suit individuals who appreciate metaphor and imagination as modes of comprehension, and wish to further their understanding of archetypal psychology.  It's recommended that you have completed the Career as a Journey of Soul course first, for an introduction to both Jungian psychology and career development.   

 If you’ve achieved a degree of proficiency or success at work, but 

• feel yourself turning towards soul-making — what the Romantic poet John Keats and the archetypal psychologist James Hillman described as a process by which life and work deepens into meaning

• desire to tap a larger source of creative inspiration and imaginative potential in your work

• are seeking a sound approach to depth psychology with personal and professional applications

then this course will benefit you.  

The required reading and level at which our courses are taught is designed for adults with a tertiary education (any discipline). To ensure the program is suitable for your needs, course participants are requested to complete an online application form.

Continuing Professional Development
Members of the Australian Counselling Association (ACA) receive 10 OPD (ongoing professional development) hours on completion of this six-module course.

COURSE INSTRUCTOR:

Dr Suzanne Cremen  PhD (La Trobe), MA Depth Psychology (Jungian & Archetypal Studies), MA Engaged Humanities & Mythological Studies (Pacifica, USA), LLB, BA (UNSW)

Please contact Suzanne if you have any questions.

To ensure personal attention, each class size is limited to 8 - 10 participants. Upon registration, participants will receive a course syllabus, reading list and log in details.

A limited number of partial scholarships may be available for people in Australia and New Zealand who would benefit from this work and are unable to participate for financial reasons. Staged payment options may also be available. If this applies to you, please indicate your situation on the application form. 

2023 dates for this course have not yet been scheduled. 
Please contact us to express your interest and put your name on the waiting list for a future course.

registRation FEES – Australia & New Zealand (AUD)

ONLINE – winter 2020 (June 11 – August 5)

To register, please complete the online application form and make payment below. 

Online Course (Direct Deposit):

Full Rate AU$895
Jung Society & Concession Rate AU$845
Early Bird special only AU$795 if paid before 8 May 2020 (save up to AU$100!)

Pay by Direct Deposit (preferred method):
BSB: 313 140 (Bank Australia, Kew, Victoria) 
Account number: 14073170
Account name: eContent t/a Life Artistry

or Credit Card/ PayPal:

OR

REGISTRATION FEES – REST OF WORLD (USD)

ONLINE – winter 2020 (June 11 – August 5)

To register, please complete the online application form and make payment below. 

Full Rate US$615
Jung Society & Concession Rate US$575  
Earlybird only US$545 if paid before May 8, 2020 (save up to US$70!)

Pay by SWIFT Deposit:
BSB: 313 140 (Bank Australia, Kew, Victoria) 
Account number: 14073170
Account name: eContent t/a Life Artistry

or Credit Card/ PayPal:

Cancellation policy:

• AU$125 (US$75) fee per cancellation

• Prorata refund (less AU$125/US$75 fee) before week 3 of course

• No refund applicable from week 3.