My Work & Carl Jung

From the depths of the psyche which cast up the powers of destruction the rescuing forces will also come.

C.G. Jung, CW 18:532

Hello, my name is Wade Poulson. I am licensed by the California Medical Board to practice in the field of psychoanalysis, a form of therapy that seeks to pay attention to how a person’s unconscious is influencing their outer life. This is often called ‘Inner Work’ and it includes working with dreams and related content.

I am currently in training for certification as a Jungian Analyst through the C.G. Jung Study Center of Southern California, an institute authorized by the IAAP, the certifying and regulatory organization for all professional analytical psychologists.

My work as a therapist is rooted in an empirical analysis of the client’s psyche, particularly the contents of the unconscious as manifest into their life. This science of analytical psychology was developed by the world-renowned Swiss physician, Carl Gustav Jung. Sometimes referred to as Individuation, therapeutic analysis requires significant courage and commitment to a lengthy process of self-confrontation. But as Jung wrote, “When you keep in close touch with the unconscious you can turn many a difficult corner.” (CW 18:349.)

This work is not suited for everyone. I typically work with persons 30 years of age and older who are experiencing loss of meaning or other forms of existential crises and for whom the world and its collective norms no longer offer acceptable answers. I bring my own life experience of navigating these challenges to my work with clients without judgment. It may be important for you to know that I have undergone hundreds of hours (many years) of my own therapy with a Jungian Analyst before your first meeting with me. I share this because most therapists are only required to complete 20 hours of their own work before being licensed; knowing this about me may provide some confidence about my lived experience and commitment to helping you from a depth perspective.

There is a life force within you that seeks expression. And strangely enough, what may be troubling you could actually be signals or hints at how to answer the call. Therapeutic analysis has nothing to do with outward achievements or obeying dogmas or man-made laws or commands. It is not about checking boxes on a list of expectations demanded of us by whatever collective we find ourselves in. This is true regardless of how good that collective may be: family, religion, work/economy, party, or some other creedal container. Your own inner voice holds the answers. And dreams are the royal road to that help!

I am committed to understanding what your unconscious is saying. This works as a collaborative effort between client and analyst. We will work with whatever is going on in your life. Whether you are just curious about a dream or feel like you need serious help, I will take you seriously. I will apply my experience and training to help you find or bring forth whatever it is your soul may be asking of you.

You can contact me through my Psychology Today profile here.