Symptoms are Signals: the Transcendent Function | Mysteries of the Psyche

Summary

In this video, Dr. G discusses the concept of the Transcendent Function, a psychological concept by Carl Jung. He explains that symptoms like depression or anxiety are not just problems but are Nature's way of signaling that something needs attention. The Transcendent Function is described as a homeostatic mechanism of the psyche, aiming to achieve wellness and help the conscious ego thrive. It's not about curing symptoms but rather finding a way to live with them better. Dr. G emphasizes the importance of paying attention to inner states, spontaneous thoughts, and dreams, which are all part of the psyche's attempt to solve problems. He also touches on the role of psychotherapy in enhancing this process and the idea that the self and the Transcendent Function originate from the genome, suggesting that modern psychodynamic therapies have independently arrived at similar conclusions.

Takeaways

• 🌟 The concept of the Transcendent Function is a psychological idea that suggests the psyche is constantly trying to achieve a state of wellness.
• 🧠 The psyche uses symptoms as a form of communication, indicating that there is an underlying issue that needs attention, whether it be biological, psychological, or social.
• 📈 Symptoms like depression or anxiety are not just problems to be solved, but also signals that the psyche is attempting to heal or address an issue.
• 🔄 The Transcendent Function is not about curing symptoms but rather about helping individuals live with their symptoms more effectively and find a balance.
• 🧘‍♂️ Paying attention to spontaneous thoughts and dreams can be a way for the conscious ego to participate in the healing process facilitated by the Transcendent Function.
• 🌱 The genome is seen as having an intentionality behind it, aiming for survival, thriving, and reproduction, which influences the Transcendent Function.
• 🧬 Evolution has shaped the genome to support thriving and survival, which is why symptoms often arise as a sign that something needs addressing for the individual's well-being.
• 💭 Spontaneous thoughts are considered as the psyche's way of actively trying to solve problems and plan for the future, which is part of the Transcendent Function's role.
• 💤 Dreams are an intensified form of spontaneous thinking that can help in addressing emotional challenges and planning for the future.
• 📚 Psychotherapy can enhance the Transcendent Function by focusing attention inwardly and helping individuals take better care of themselves.
• 🔍 The modern understanding of the self and the Transcendent Function is rooted in the idea of the genomic self, which is inherently present and not solely dependent on early experiences.

Q & A

What is the main idea behind viewing symptoms as Nature's attempt at healing?

The main idea is that symptoms like depression or anxiety are not just problems to be eliminated, but signals that the psyche is trying to address unmet needs or conflicts. They are seen as part of the psyche's homeostatic mechanism aiming for a state of wellness.

What is the Transcendent function according to Carl Jung?

The Transcendent function is a concept in Jungian psychology that describes the psyche's attempt to achieve a balanced state of wellness. It is a homeostatic mechanism that helps the conscious ego thrive and survive, influenced by the genome's drive towards thriving and reproducing.

How does the Transcendent function relate to the unconscious mind?

The Transcendent function is not so much about shifting the ego's orientation toward the unconscious, but rather about attending to inner states, feelings, and spontaneous thoughts, which allows the ego to participate in the psyche's natural healing process.

What role do spontaneous thoughts play in the Transcendent function?

Spontaneous thoughts, which emerge in the mind without deliberate effort, are seen as part of the psyche's attempt to solve problems, plan for the future, and deal with emotional challenges. They are a manifestation of the Transcendent function at work.

How do dreams fit into the concept of the Transcendent function?

Dreams are an intensified form of spontaneous thinking and are another way the Transcendent function operates. They can provide insights into the unconscious and help in addressing psychological issues.

What does the speaker suggest about the role of psychotherapy in relation to the Transcendent function?

Psychotherapy can help enhance the Transcendent function by focusing attention inwardly, allowing individuals to better care for themselves and take advantage of the psyche's natural problem-solving and healing processes.

How does the genome influence the Transcendent function?

The genome, through evolution, has a strong selection pressure towards thriving, surviving, and reproducing. This influence is seen as the origin of the Transcendent function, which is why it is considered a homeostatic mechanism.

What is the significance of the ego's free will in the context of the Transcendent function?

The ego's free will allows it to focus on practically anything, providing flexibility and cognitive power. This can be used to enhance the Transcendent function and the genome's goals, or it can be misused, leading to unhelpful behaviors.

How does the speaker relate the concept of the Transcendent function to modern psychodynamic therapy?

The speaker mentions that modern psychodynamic therapy, including psychos systems analysis and the idea of the genomic self, has independently developed similar concepts to the Transcendent function, emphasizing the importance of viewing symptoms as signals and focusing on the self's homeostatic mechanisms.

What does the speaker suggest is the key to effectively utilizing the Transcendent function?

The key is to access and use the Transcendent function by paying attention to inner states, feelings, and spontaneous thoughts. This involves not being oblivious to the psyche's signals and actively participating in the process of self-healing and self-improvement.

What is the speaker's position on the philosophical issue of the genome's intentionality?

The speaker acknowledges the philosophical complexity of the issue but chooses to view the genome as having an intentionality behind its drive for survival and reproduction for the sake of simplicity and clarity in the discussion.

How does the speaker describe the process of the Transcendent function in daily life?

The speaker describes the process as something that can be observed in real time, through spontaneous thoughts and dreams, which are actively working to help solve problems and plan for the future.