Why A Depth Approach is a Game-Changer in Personal Growth Therapy
Have you ever felt stuck, like you're running into the same life problems over and over? Or maybe you have patterns that don’t make sense. For example, do you notice you keep pushing people away when you actually want closeness? That’s where a depth psychotherapy approach works beautifully for transformation and personal growth therapy. Unlike quick-fix solutions or surface-level advice, this kind of therapy digs deep. It helps you uncover the hidden stories and unconscious forces shaping your life.
What is a Depth Approach to Therapy?
Depth psychotherapy, also known as Jungian therapy, explores the unconscious mind, past experiences, and hidden emotions to uncover the root causes of personal struggles. It often uses symbols, dreams, and myths to provide insight and healing. Depth therapy helps individuals make sense of deep-seated patterns and transform them into meaningful personal growth.
What is Personal Growth Therapy?
Personal growth therapy focuses on self-improvement, emotional well-being, and reaching one's full potential. Because the two are so aligned, elements of depth psychotherapy are often incorporated in personal growth therapy. The connection to spirit and soul is so often helpful in developing new skills, changing negative thought patterns, and fostering a healthier mindset. When we understand ourselves we can navigate life’s challenges more effectively.
Neither depth psychotherapy nor personal growth therapy are focused on managing symptoms. Both are about transformation. They get to the root of why we do what we do, why we feel what we feel, and why we struggle with the same things again and again. Depth therapy often includes dreamwork and exploration of myths. The ancient stories passed down through mythology have shaped human understanding for centuries and are packed with wisdom. They help us make sense of our own journeys. Let’s dive into how working with myths in therapy can unlock personal growth. We'll have a look at five examples: Sisyphus, Orpheus, Odysseus, the Monkey King, and the myth of Inanna’s descent.
Sisyphus: The Endless Struggle (That Might Have a Way Out)
Sisyphus, in Greek mythology, was cursed to push a boulder up a hill, only to watch it roll back down every time he reached the top. Sound familiar? Maybe you keep dating the same kind of toxic person, or you’re always trying to prove yourself but never feel good enough. That’s the Sisyphus pattern—doing the same thing over and over, hoping for a different result.
In depth psychotherapy, working with the Sisyphus myth can help you recognize the cycles in your own life. A Jungian therapist might ask you, “What’s the boulder you keep pushing?” Maybe it’s perfectionism, self-doubt, or a need for control. The goal isn’t just to notice the pattern—it’s to change how you relate to it. What if, instead of struggling against the boulder, you paused and asked, “Do I have to keep pushing this, or is there another way?” See how this is helpful for your growth? Personal Growth Therapy helps you see possibilities and explore options you may not have even considered before.
Orpheus: Looking Back and Losing What You Love
Orpheus was a musician whose love, Eurydice, died. He charmed Hades with his music in order to journey to the underworld to bring her back. The deal he made with Hades? He could lead her out, but he wasn’t allowed to look back at her until they left the underworld. Of course, he couldn’t resist and looked back right before they reached the surface. At that moment he lost her forever.
This myth speaks to grief, trust, and the struggle of letting go. In personal growth therapy, people who have lost loved ones, relationships, or even old versions of themselves can relate to Orpheus. Maybe you’re caught in memories of a past relationship. Are you replaying every moment, wondering what you could have done differently? Or maybe you’re trying to move forward in life but keep romanticizing the past.
A depth therapist might help you explore the emotions tied to looking back. “What are you afraid of losing? What does it mean to step into an unknown future without clinging to what’s gone?” Through this work, you can learn to honor what you’ve lost without letting it keep you stuck.
Odysseus: The Long Journey Home
Odysseus, the hero of The Odyssey, spent years trying to return home after the Trojan War. He faced trials, temptations, and setbacks along the way. His journey symbolizes resilience and adaptability. It also represents the psychological struggles of finding one’s way back to a true sense of self.
If you’ve ever felt lost in life, you might relate to Odysseus. Moving through a crisis, identity shift, or personal struggle is like a Trojan War. Therapy for personal growth can help you navigate these long, winding journeys. The depth approach to therapy reminds you that personal growth is rarely a straight line. A depth therapist might ask, “What are the trials you’ve faced, and how have they shaped you?” Through this lens, you can see that every setback is part of the journey home to yourself.
The Monkey King: Learning Humility and Growth
The Monkey King, from the Chinese epic Journey to the West, starts off as a mischievous and arrogant figure who believes he is invincible. He defies the heavens and is ultimately trapped under a mountain by Buddha as a lesson in humility. Only through service, wisdom, and personal growth does he earn his freedom and become a force for good.
If you’ve ever struggled with ego or impulsiveness you might connect with the Monkey King’s journey. A depth therapist might ask, “What lessons are hidden in the times you’ve been humbled?” The Monkey King reminds us that sometimes setbacks are opportunities to grow into a wiser version of ourselves.
Inanna’s Descent: Facing the Darkest Parts of Yourself
Inanna was the Sumerian goddess of love and war. She descends into the underworld to visit her sister, Ereshkigal. To enter, she must pass through seven gates, shedding layers of clothing and power at each one. Eventually, she is stripped bare and killed. Her journey continues though, as she is resurrected and returns transformed.
This myth is a powerful metaphor for deep psychological work. Sometimes, growth requires confronting our deepest fears, stripping away our defenses, and sitting with uncomfortable truths. A therapist might ask, “What are you afraid to let go of?” or “What part of yourself needs to die so that something new can be born?” Working with this myth can help people embrace transformation instead of fearing it.
Why A Depth Approach Works in Personal Growth Therapy
Working with myths in therapy helps you see your struggles in a new light. Instead of feeling alone in your challenges, you realize humans have been dealing with these same issues for centuries. Myths offer a sense of meaning and connection, making it easier to navigate life’s ups and downs.
Depth therapy for personal growth invites you to rewrite your personal myth. Maybe you don’t have to be Sisyphus, endlessly struggling. Maybe you’re not doomed to Orpheus’s fate of living in the past. Maybe, like Odysseus, you can embrace the journey as part of your growth. Like the Monkey King, you can learn from your mistakes. Like Inanna, you can emerge stronger after facing your darkness.
So if you’re tired of surface-level solutions and want real personal growth, depth psychotherapy is worth exploring. It’s not about quick fixes—it’s about uncovering who you really are and finding the wisdom in your own story.
Transform Yourself in Personal Growth Therapy in Pasadena, CA
Learn about the power of expanding and growth in individual therapy. Tap into ancient myths to find wisdom, strength, and courage for your personal growth therapy journey. Our compassionate personal growth therapists at Rezak Therapy are here to guide you toward transformation. Embrace a depth approach to personal growth. Follow these three simple steps to start your :
Schedule a free 15-minute consultation to see if personal growth therapy is right for you.
Begin meeting with a skilled personal growth therapist.
Start down the path back home to yourself.
Other Services Offered at Rezak Therapy
At Rezak Therapy, we’re here to help you align with your most authentic self. Our holistic therapy approaches include talk therapy, somatic therapy, and depth therapy. In addition to holistic therapy to help you manage and heal from your unique needs, we also offer services for those struggling with post-traumatic stress, couples looking to increase intimacy in their relationships, and The Artists Way Group which is a 12-week adventure of artistic discovery and personal exploration. Our services are available both in-person in Pasadena and online for clients in Los Angeles and throughout California. For more on holistic therapy and our other services check out our blog.
