Psyche’s symbolism and its relevance to psychotherapy

A long, straight road stretching through a wooded landscape, with trees on both sides and a slight climb in the distance under a bright sky.

Journey of Transformation: Psyche's mythological journey—from mortal to goddess—parallels the transformative process of therapy. Just as Psyche navigated trials and challenges, individuals in therapy may embark on a journey of self-discovery by confronting and working through their own obstacles.

A tree with a brain-shaped canopy against a green background.

Union with Eros (Love): Psyche's union with Eros (Cupid) represents the integration of disparate aspects of the psyche—a reconciliation of the conscious and unconscious, as well as the rational and emotional. The therapeutic process often involves working to integrate fragmented parts of oneself and resolve inner conflicts to achieve a greater sense of wholeness and harmony.

Close-up of a monarch butterfly chrysalis hanging from a black support, with a newly emerged butterfly partially out of the chrysalis, showing orange and black wings.

The Butterfly Symbolism: In some interpretations, Psyche is depicted with butterfly wings, symbolizing transformation and the soul's journey through various life stages. This imagery reflects the transformative opportunity in therapy, where individuals may undergo profound inner changes by shedding old patterns and emerging with renewed clarity and purpose

Silhouette of a person pushing a large, spherical object uphill at sunset, with colorful clouds and lens flare in the sky.

Psyche's Trials and Resilience: Psyche's mythological trials, such as sorting grains and retrieving the beauty from the underworld, highlight themes of resilience and perseverance. Similarly, individuals in therapy strive to confront challenges, develop coping strategies, and cultivate resilience in the face of adversity.

A sculpture of two beige candles shaped like human arms hugging each other, with lit wicks on top, on a neutral background.

Psyche's Beauty and Inner Light: Psyche's beauty is described as divine and transcendent. As individuals work towards healing they are encouraged to recognize their inherent worth and cultivate self-compassion to uncover their inner light — the core of authenticity and strength that resides within each person.