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So says James Hollis, a PhD and Jungian analyst who is still in private practice in Washington D.C. Hollis started his career as a professor of humanities before a midlife crisis brought him to his knees—and to the Jung Institute in Zurich. The author of 19 books, Hollis is one of the best interpreters of Carl Jung’s work, making it accessible for all of us who want to understand how complexes, archetypes, synchronicities, and the shadow drive our lives.
Hollis’s books are very meaningful to me—you’ll find a long list in the show notes—and the chance to interview him did not disappoint. In fact, at one point, where he describes what we do to boys as we turn them into men, I actually started to cry. Meanwhile, James Hollis still lectures—you can go to his site to find a way to see him live. The fact that he’s 84 and does not seem inclined to retire—in fact, he told me he has another book coming out next year—is a testament to how a vocation doesn’t feel like work. This is one of my favorite interviews to date. I hope you love it as much as I do.
MORE FROM JAMES HOLLIS, PhD:
James Hollis’s Website
Connie Zweig, “Embracing the Shadow”
Satya Doyle Byock, “Navigating Quarterlife”
Terry Real, “Healing Male Depression”
Niobe Way, PhD, “The Critical Need for Deep Connection”
EPISODE TRANSCRIPT:
ELISE:
It is such a pleasure to be with you and honestly, interviewing you is daunting even though I know you'll guide us through, but you manage—and I also say this as someone who I see a Jungian therapist and I love Jungians—and yet I have so much trouble reading the source. I cannot, it's too difficult for me. So you are one of my very favorite translators. Thank you for your service.