The Self in Psychotic Process: Its Symbolization in Schizophrenia

by John Weir Perry

C.G. Jung started as a psychiatric learning from schizophrenic patients. Among the Jungian school, only John Weir Perry has continued this line of Jung's work with such depth of understanding, clinical acumen, and the ability to write beautifully.

Perry's therapy in the California Bay Area with acute episodes in young psychotic patients brought him national and international renown. The case of the young housewife diagnosed catatonic schizophrenic demonstrates the interpenetration of collective symbols and individual processes as they come to light in 'breakdown' (Part One), and extends knowledge of the psyche by elucidating symbols of the Self (Part Two).

This second edition includes a new preface by Dr. Perry, as well as the original Foreword by C.G. Jung, scholarly apparatus, illustrations, and index.

Paperback

First published July 2, 2011

Reviews

[Andreas Bodemer · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book because I’m making my way through The Exegesis of Philip K. Dick, and I found that he was influenced by Jung and Perry. I am a longtime Jungian fanboy, and I had never heard of Perry before, so I figured I would get acquainted. Perry’s thesis, which is a typical Jungian thought, is that in order for a person to change, they tend to experience some form of psychosis or schizophrenic symptoms that contain patterns that can be understood within a framework of mythology and religion; such patterns reveal the way forward through a process of psychological development.

This book makes a good introduction to Jungian thoughts on the self and how the collective unconscious may express itself through symbols and psychotic episodes.

I am already well-acquainted with Jung, and so I didn’t learn anything new from this book. However, it makes for a more succinct introduction into Jungian thoughts on the the self and the process of individualism. Excerpts of this books could be useful for teaching or referencing.

Like most Jungian thought, it’s totally dubious to call it a work of science. However, that doesn’t take away from its valuable insight into the mythological undercurrents of human nature and development.

I have one complaint. Perry has the bad habit of making digressions into mythology; he will be talking about his case study’s drawings, and then he’ll list numerous mythological parallels that become increasingly disconnected, and he often fails to explain how they’re related. But this is the exact sort of “shortcoming” I expect from a Jungian: they expect you to interpret symbols/myths for yourself.

[Arun · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good overview of the psychotic process, using a real life case-study of a patient who was affected by catatonic schizophrenia treated using Jung's analytic psychology. It explains well the central concepts like collective unconscious, symbolization, archetypes and the process of Individuation.

Psychosis or Schizophrenia occurs when the ego cannot find a solution to a life crisis and that prevents the self from further enfoldment or growth in the natural course of its life. This blockage causes the unconscious to take over the reins from the control of the ego. The goal of the unconscious is to find a solution to the blockage by either destroying the ego consciousness completely (thereby rendering the affected patient in a vegetative state) or repairing it to the point where ego consciousness can again take control of the life (at this point the patient is considered “cured” of the psychosis). According to Jungian analysts, this movement of unconscious force will take the form of archetypes. They are typically of religious character/symbols/myths that seem to be common across different cultures that are part of the “collective unconscious” psyche (Note, this is different and apart from “individual unconscious” ala Freud). “Collective unconscious” is highly rational/structured while at the same time it has high “psychic” energy and has a “plan” towards the end when it is performing the surgery. When the unconscious tries to repair (or make surgery) the fabric of the split psyche, to the conscious mind it appears “fearful/uncontrollable/intrusive/otherness” thereby confusion/paranoia/nightmare/vision ensues (e.g., The ego identifying itself with the “god” or “creator” archetype). If the ego consciousness were not guided or given help during this intrusion, potentially a permanent split can happen thereby becoming a danger to the patient and the surroundings. Here, the goal of the analyst is to assure the patient the validity of these paranormal “visions” but also guide them forward without suggesting any interpretation and allow the patient to draw these symbols seen in their “visions” and provide their own interpretation of what it could be. The symbols the patient drew were always one of these archetypes and her interpretation were very similar to how these archetypes are interpreted in other cultures (as a way of making sense of the world and the relationship of the self with god, nature, other fellow human beings etc.). The author acknowledges that analytic psychology is not an exact science but argues that in treating a patient, one should also consider the totality of the patient’s experience including the inner world of the psyche in addition to the external symptoms. Shock therapy was given to the patient in addition to psychoanalysis using Jung’s analytic methods. The appendix mentions the patient's full report of the psychosis and her progress over a period of many months and at the end it was informed that the patient has come to terms with her past psychosis, and was fully cured, leading a happy life with her family.

[J · Rating 5 out of 5]

It makes sense why Perry is considered Jung’s heir. Fascinating read that reshaped how I view schizophrenia:

“Thus it became evident, as is usually true of catatonic schizophrenia, that the disorder is a natural process working in its own strange way toward a goal of greater consciousness, even though it may end in disaster more often than in success if it is left unaided.”

[Michael Neal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great material on the application of the Jungian approach to schizophrenia.