Transformation is a common theme in mythology—one I resonate with—which explain the reality of change. The prevalence of the transformation myth is likely rooted in the desire for positive change in almost every human. Change is not an easy process and takes a lot of time and energy. The desire to change fast, to gain new skills and be free of whatever is restricting success is often sought by many people.  

Sometimes I think clients secretly come to counseling hoping to be done in three or four sessions. That’s definitely possible but not what usually occurs in a therapy. Despite the fact that change is inevitable most of the time we are driven by unconscious patterns, our shadows, inner terror, shame, rage that brings about life-depleting change instead of life-enhancing change.  

I see myself as the Alchemist, interested in the process of transformation: combining two distinct substances/states of being into a third one completely different. The Alchemist is not afraid to dive into the unconscious and bring up what needs to be changed and transmuted. The Alchemist gives me the confidence to carry my inner transformation out into the world to help create positive change. Each moment is an opportunity to grow, to show up differently, and to transform and be transformed. I often asked students to reflect on what helps them show up and what interfere with their ability to show up at school and in life. I believe this question sets forth a process of unraveling their inner alchemist.  

Jung himself sums up the importance of alchemy in his life as follows: “Alchemy, therefore, has performed for me the great and invaluable service of providing material in which my experience could find sufficient room, and has thereby made it possible for me to describe the individuation process at least in its essential aspects” (Memories, Dreams, Reflections, p. 205).