Who was James Hillman?

James Hillman (1926-2011) was an American psychologist and one of the leading figures in archetypal psychology, a school of psychology that draws on the ideas of Carl Jung, mythology, and the humanities to understand the human psyche.

Hillman believed that the psyche is inherently imaginative and symbolic, and that our experience of the world is shaped by our unconscious patterns and archetypal images. He emphasized the importance of image and metaphor in psychology, and argued that the imagination plays a vital role in understanding and transforming our inner lives.

Some key concepts in Hillman's work include:

• Archetypal psychology: Hillman developed and expanded upon the ideas of Carl Jung, emphasizing the role of archetypes and the collective unconscious in shaping the human psyche.

• Polytheistic psychology: Hillman argued that the psyche is more complex and multi-dimensional than traditional monotheistic psychology would suggest, and that we should approach the psyche as a realm populated by multiple gods and goddesses, each representing different aspects of our inner lives.

• Soul-making: Hillman believed that the purpose of life is to cultivate the soul, and that the challenges and difficulties we face in life are opportunities for growth and transformation.

• Imaginal psychology: Hillman coined the term "imaginal" to describe a mode of perception that goes beyond the literal and rational, and instead engages with the world through the language of images and symbols.

Hillman's work has had a significant influence on the fields of psychology, mythology, and spirituality, and his ideas continue to inspire new perspectives on the human psyche and our relationship with the world around us.

We are three modern Jungian Psychotherapists that integrate the ideas of Hillman in our approach. Schedule a session to explore how we can help.