The Creative Psyche

Abstract This paper presents Carl Gustav Jung’s theoretical model for the use of creative methods in psychotherapy. An overview is provided of applications of this model in the fields of Sandplay Therapy, art therapies, and therapeutic dream work. An overview is given of empirical studies in these fields investigating the effectiveness of such therapeutic approaches; to some extent, also the validity of the theoretical model has been tested. There is solid support for both effectiveness and the theoretical model in the field of Sandplay Therapy, to some extent also in the field of dream work. In contrast, there is still a need for more research in the field of art therapies. The specific needs for future research and some potential perspectives are outlined.