Sacred Psychoanalysis - etheses Repository - University of ...

unconscious … metaphors contain the derivatives of unconscious processes. Metaphors are
mirrors that reflect all aspects of a person’s being’ (Marshall 1999: 45). Interviewees
variously used metaphors of: conflict and religious intolerance (Islamic fundamentalism,
Nazi Germany); co-operation and competition (soccer); the need for continuing learning
(Sunday school); balancing exhilaration with fear - being on the edge (surfing);
acknowledging the negative (Republicanism); 388 suffering and death (tolling bell, the
singing detective) and the struggle of good and evil (Narnia). The dream was a personal
replica of a prior dream of JG that included angels and Scotland representing vital aspects of
my autobiography and spiritual journey – which can be interpreted as a father-son
transference. Such metaphors reveal unconscious layers to the conscious exploration of
religion and spirituality in psychoanalysis addressing the fundamental issues of being.
Working with the unconscious in contemporary psychoanalysis has a particular focus on the
nature of intersubjectivity and the generation of a shared encounter that incorporates a
potential sacred dimension.
The shared present – intersubjective presence
What was enabled by my presence with the interviewees that would not otherwise have
occurred? Some experienced fresh insights into themselves. Several remarked how they
had not thought of something that way before or made the connection. This may simply be
due to the demands on their time that there is not always the time to think about new areas
therefore the interview gave space to explore ideas, to try words out in an unfamiliar
language. It gave me new insights into myself. Several interviewees drew me out in terms
of talking about myself encouraging me to be self-revealing which included my relationship
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This same metaphor and meaning was also used in my informal conversation with Eigen in the same week I
was in New York to interview JB, JJ and JR.
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