Clinical approach of the themes "death" and "suicide" from the perspective of archetypal psychology

Abstract

Archetypal psychology is configured as a theoretical approach created from C.G. Jung analytical psychology, with James Hillman as one of its exponents. The author has a vast body of work that addresses diverse topics, among them death and suicide. Considering the importance of these two themes in the clinical sphere, this research is intended to discuss theoretical notes, aiming at a first systematization on clinical interventions to approach aspects concerning death and suicide from the point of view Archetypal Psychology. It is methodologically defined as a theoretical research, undertaken through the consultation of works by J. Hillman on the topics listed. Through this study, the great importance of the psychologist coming into contact with issues related to death and suicide can be perceived, so that he is able to offer a welcoming response that is not limited to pathologizing but to view psyche as an a priori autonomous entity. Thus, soul-making, as proposed by Hillman, is to be willing to relate to the phenomenon that arises rather than interpreting it; it is indispensable to the psychologist to recognize own fantasies and affections related to the issue so that the therapeutic process be possible in face of this demand.