The individuation process is an individual endeavor but not a process conducted nor perhaps best pursued in isolation. To live humanly with each other is exciting, challenging and often a struggle. The difficulties, fears, attractions and joys that relationships evoke are grist for our personal mill. By viewing relationships as teachers and mirrors we learn about ourselves. When appreciated in this manner, relationships can become agents in our individuation process. A natural outgrowth of approaching relationships as teachers and mirrors to one's self is the development of appreciation, concern and empathy for others. These are qualities essential to relationship-building, whether intimate, work, or social.
In this lecture we will explore community, family, and the nature of relationships in greater depth and look more closely at how we can view our relationships as agents for personal development and ultimately the growth of the greater community. We will explore some typical areas of difficulty that people experience in relation to family and community. We will also discuss ways one can more effectively come to terms with and navigate through the often turbulent waters of relationship.
Carl Robinson, Ph.D., is a licensed psychologist with a private practice in Seattle. He has been involved in the field of psychology for over twenty years. As a Jungian therapist and as a founding member of the Jungian Psychotherapists Association he works with individuals, couples and organizations. One of his passions has been working with people about the nature of relationships and he lectures frequently on this subject in a variety of venues.