Embracing the Midlife Crisis: A Jungian Guide to Finding Purpose
“The midlife crisis is an important part of your journey. It’s okay to question, to feel lost, or even to grieve what no longer feels true for you. This isn’t a failure, but an opportunity to explore deeper parts of you.”
Self- Reflection Can Lead to Growth
When we reach our midlife, it is not unusual to question the values that have guided our life choices thus far. Have we lived according to our own beliefs or those imposed by society? Or have we lived according to external dictates that no longer feel aligned with who we are? This reflection can lead to emotional and psychological turbulences, what is often referred to as a “midlife crisis”.
Midlife is often experienced as a time of crisis and upheaval, but according to Jungian psychology, it can be a profound opportunity for growth and transformation. While the external achievements of the first half of life—building a career, raising a family, or social attainments —tend to dominate our early adulthood, the second half of life invites us to turn inward and ask deeper, more existential questions: Who am I beyond my roles? What truly matters to me? How can I live in alignment with my authentic self? Which personas or false selves do I need to shed to live in congruence with my true self?
For many of us, this process may feel confusing, unsettling, even painful at times. It can involve questioning your long-held beliefs, grappling with a sense of disconnection or dissatisfaction, and mourning the loss of youth or opportunities that never materialized in your life. You may be feeling a deep pull to change career path or to take on new, unusual hobbies, and feel a sudden need to travel. Such a profound paradigm shift may trigger a sudden increase in anxiety or depression, and feelings of nostalgia for the past.
Seeing the “Crisis” as an Invitation
From a Jungian lens, we look at the so-called midlife crisis as an invitation to get to know the deeper layers of your true self and what demands to be seen and transformed. Here are some signs that you may be going through a midlife crisis:
You feel an ongoing sense of disconnection or lack of fulfillment, even after achieving external success.
You may suddenly feel an intensified focus on mortality, leading to questions about the meaning of life.
You experience nagging discontentment with roles or identities that once felt comfortable to you.
You may have a sudden desire to explore creative or spiritual pursuits that were previously ignored.
Jungian psychotherapy can provide you with a meaningful roadmap to navigate this transformative period. Rather than viewing midlife struggles as something to "fix," we would explore and decode the messages of this crucial time for you.
How Jungian Therapy Can Help With Midlife Crisis
In Jungian therapy for a midlife crisis, our work together might include the following explorations:
Reflecting on Your Life Story
We would explore the chapters of your life, identifying significant moments of joy, regret, and lessons learned.
Together, we’d uncover recurring themes and patterns, as well as address any "unfinished business" that may still hold emotional weight.
Exploring Your Inner World
Through keeping a dream journal, we would decode symbols and messages from your unconscious, using these insights as a guide for self-understanding.
We’d engage in practices like active imagination to connect with inner parts of yourself, such as your inner critic or younger self, fostering dialogue and healing.
Revisiting Long-Forgotten Passions
We would reflect on hobbies, creative pursuits, or dreams that might have been set aside. The goal would be to integrate these elements into your life in a meaningful way.
Cultivating New Archetypes
We would explore which archetypes resonate with you in your current phase of life—perhaps the Sage, Creator, or the Artist—and use these archetypes to guide your intentions and priorities.
Seeking Meaning Beyond Achievement
Shifting focus from external validation to intrinsic fulfillment, we would explore ways to deepen your relationships, engage in spiritual practices, and find purpose through meaningful contributions to your community.
Schedule an Appointment Today
If you are experiencing a midlife crisis and would like help and support while navigating this challenging time, the therapists at Wasatch Family Therapy are here for you. Schedule your initial appointment by texting or calling 801.944.4555.
