Course Description

This course explores Gnosticism and its relevance to depth-oriented and psychodynamic clinical practice. Gnosticism was not only an early, unorthodox expression of Christianity, but—according to Carl Jung—it projected an intricate theology that provides us a psychological blueprint of the Western psyche as it emerged from the ancient world and gradually took the form of modern culture. From this perspective, engaging with Gnostic material becomes a necessary step in deciphering the unconscious conflicts and forms of psychological suffering that continue to trouble the modern Western psyche. Key themes include Gnostic creation myths, the archetype of Sophia, and Jung’s sustained engagement with Gnostic symbolism and cosmology. Emphasis will be placed on amplifying Gnostic thought through a Western psychological lens, highlighting its relevance for contemporary psychodynamic therapeutic work. Clinical implications for assessment and case formulation will be explored throughout. The material is presented conceptually rather than religiously, and no prior knowledge of Gnosticism is required.

Learning Objectives

Summarize the Gnostic myth of Sophia and explain its relevance to unconscious processes such as alienation, fragmentation, and the search for meaning.
Differentiate Gnostic psychological perspectives from orthodox theological frameworks and articulate their relevance for contemporary psychodynamic thinking.
Apply Gnostic symbolic concepts to psychodynamic assessment and case formulation, particularly in relation to experiences of dissociation, split-off affects, and psychic exile.
Evaluate how Gnostic perspectives on knowledge (gnosis), alienation, and awakening may inform the therapist’s stance and the therapeutic process.

The Aion Institute is approved by the California Psychological Association to provide continuing professional education for psychologists. The Aion Institute (AIO279) maintains responsibility for this program and its content.

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AION 415 The Gnostic Tradition and Psychodynamic Therapy