In the early 1900s, psychoanalyst Carl Jung introduced an idea that has since become central to our modern understanding of human psychology: the shadow. According to Jung, the shadow represents the parts of ourselves we are unwilling to look at, own, or accept. It consists of unconscious material that holds the darkest aspects of who we are, while also containing a form of intelligence that can be highly beneficial and instructive as we navigate our lives.
As a therapist, the concept of the shadow is essential to the conversations I have every day. It works consistently behind the scenes in my mind, shaping how I understand the choices, struggles, and patterns my clients bring into our therapeutic conversations. And often, it shows up more overtly in our work together, as we deliberately explore shadow material to deepen their self-understanding and unravel ways of thinking and behaving that are no longer serving them.
On a personal level, shadow work has been a foundational part of my own self-inquiry and transformation. It has taken me on a decades-long journey of learning to shine light on my psychological blind spots and integrate the parts of myself I had suppressed, shunned, or cast into darkness. Through shadow work, I’ve learned to love myself in a fuller, truer way—and to move beyond the deep shame that once ruled my life and shaped my decisions.
As someone who regularly does this work and facilitates it for others, I can attest to both the power and the demands of shadow work. It requires emotional courage to face what has long been hidden from view. It takes strength to hold up the mirror and see the darkness that lives within. But the brave act of shining the light of awareness into the shadows can be profoundly transformative. Among many things, shadow work can help us:
- Become more self-aware
- Identify repressed emotions
- Reveal unconscious beliefs
- Reclaim disowned parts of ourselves
- Tap into intuition and inner creativity
- Break unhelpful patterns of thinking, behaving, and relating
- Reduce inner conflict
- Deepen our relationships
- Expand our emotional capacity
- Grow self-confidence and self-love
- Integrate painful or traumatic past experiences
If the idea of shadow work intrigues you, you might begin by exploring a few questions like these:
- What emotions do I have the hardest time sitting with?
- What traits or qualities in others do I most strongly reject?
- What do I have the hardest time forgiving myself for?
- How would I rate my self-esteem, based on how I behave in my life and relationships?
- What are my core values—and do my actions, relationships, and environment reflect them?
There are many ways to engage with your shadow. And now that shadow work has entered the mainstream, you’ll find no shortage of books, journals, and tools to support your exploration. Still, working with a therapist or guide can be invaluable—someone who can help you see what you might not be able to on your own. That’s how the shadow works, after all.
However you choose to begin, if you commit to this journey, you’ll discover not only clarity and growth—but also a deeper, more integrated version of yourself waiting on the other side.
