What is ‘Shadow Work?’
Shadow Work is a transformative process that delves into the unconscious aspects of the self, often referred to as the "shadow." This practice is rooted in Carl Jung's shadow psychology and is designed to help individuals uncover, understand, and integrate these hidden parts of themselves. It is an enabler of self-discovery and personal transformation, it helps individuals explore their unconscious mind and integrate their shadow aspects.
It’s a powerful tool for change and personal transformation through deep emotional healing. It helps individuals move beyond unhelpful behaviours or unfulfilling relationships that no longer serve them, leading to a more authentic and fulfilling life.
Shadow Work goes beyond superficial changes to create lasting, fundamental transformation of your inner world.
What to expect:
Client-Centered Approach: it is client-centered and led, with a focus on creating a safe and accepting space for clients to explore their unconscious mind.
Embodied Process that engages the head, heart, hand, and body. This holistic approach creates profound changes in how individuals experience life and relate to others.
Archetypes: Use archetypal coaching, focusing on the Sovereign, Warrior, Magician, and Lover archetypes, to help clients understand and transform their limiting beliefs and unhelpful behavior patterns.
Addresses Various challenges: including anger, low self-esteem, relationship problems, addictions, anxieties, and healing from childhood wounds.
What is ‘The Shadow?’
Have you ever felt an inexplicable surge of anger or jealousy, only to wonder where it came from? Or perhaps you've noticed traits in others that really irritate you, only to realise they might reflect parts of yourself or your history that you do not like? These experiences often point to what Carl Jung, called "The Shadow."
“The Shadow” represents the unconscious parts of our personality that we repress and deny, or parts we may be more aware of and actively supress. These aspects can include emotions, desires, and traits that we find unacceptable or uncomfortable. Often, these parts of ourselves are hidden because they conflict with our self-image or societal expectations
How does it form and what is it made up of?
From a young age, we learn what behaviours and traits are acceptable or unacceptable in our family, culture, friendship circles and society. As we strive to fit in and be accepted, we push the unacceptable parts of ourselves into our unconscious mind. This process of repression forms “The Shadow.”
The Shadow can contain all kinds of traits; some perceived as negative by society, for example anger, jealousy, greed, or fear. However, “The Shadow” can also hold positive qualities that we have suppressed, such as creativity, assertiveness, and spontaneity. By ignoring or continuing to supress these aspects, we limit our potential and miss out on a fuller, more authentic life.
Unacknowledged and unintegrated shadow aspects can influence our behaviour, relationships, and emotional well-being in ways that do not serve us. They can manifest as projections, where we see these traits in others (our external world) rather than ourselves (our internal world). For example, if we repress our anger, we might become irritated by others who express anger openly.
The Journey to Integration
Shadow Work involves bringing these unconscious aspects into our conscious awareness. This process requires courage and honesty, as it means facing parts of ourselves that we might prefer to ignore and the rewards are immense. By acknowledging and integrating the shadow, we can achieve greater self-awareness, emotional healing, and personal growth.
It helps us understand and accept all parts of ourselves, leading to healthier relationships and a deeper sense of inner peace. By embracing our shadow, we unlock our potential and live more fully. Integrating “The Shadow” can lead to a more authentic, balanced and intentional life.
The journey to embrace the shadow is not always easy, but it is profoundly rewarding. By facing and integrating the hidden parts of ourselves, we can transform our lives and achieve a deeper sense of wholeness. So, take the first step today and begin your journey into the transformational world of shadow work.
Hannah Johnson
Transformational Coach and Inner Child Healing Guide
About me:
Hi, I’m Hannah, a dedicated transformational coach with a passion for deep inner work and emotional healing. With a background in psychology (BSc in Psychology and Msc in Business and Occupational Psychology) as well as applying psychology within business, I have spent years guiding individuals toward self-discovery, personal empowerment, and meaningful life shifts. I work with individuals to reveal a greater depth to themselves and explore strategies that lead to a more fulfilling life.
Currently training in shadow work and inner child healing, I’m expanding my expertise to help clients explore the unconscious patterns, emotional wounds, and limiting beliefs that shape their lives. Through a compassionate and holistic approach, I create a safe space for individuals to reconnect with their inner child, integrate their shadow self, and step into greater self-acceptance and wholeness.
Combining coaching techniques with deep process psychotherapy, guided reflection, and mindset work, I support clients in:
- Uncovering and transforming self-sabotaging patterns
- Healing unresolved emotional wounds with self- compassion
- Releasing shame, fear, and limiting beliefs
- Embracing their authentic, empowered self
Let’s work together
Interested in working together?
Let me know what you are looking for support with and I will be in touch shortly,
I can't wait to hear from you!