Transforming Compulsion

What is it that compels us? What is a compulsion? Where does it come from and what is it for? This 8-week course will work with both clinical and personal material to re-imagine compulsive actions and ideas from within a Jungian framework. We will tease apart the difference between what is compelling in the sense of inspiring and how that can slide over into the compulsive in the sense of loss of agency and the question of fate. Historically, compulsions have been seen as signs of evil, as the lack of willpower, or as environmentally caused. In none of these explanations is the question of ‘what is it for’ ever asked. Our exploration will be guided by what Jung writes in Mysterium:

Compulsion is the great mystery of human life. It is the thwarting of our conscious will and of our reason by an inflammable sulphuric element within us, appearing sometimes as a consuming fire and at others as life-giving warmth. The efficient and final cause of this lack of freedom lies in the unconscious and forms that part of the personality which still has to be added to the conscious person in order to make them whole (Mysterium Coniunctionis 154).

Fall Trimester Learning Objectives:

• Attendees will learn the difference between the traditional and symbolic understanding of compulsion: it's genesis, development and function.

• Attendees will learn about the paradoxical nature of compulsion and inspiration .

• Attendees will be exposed to the Jungian idea that what arises against our will is itself an aspect of wholeness, and that what is transformed is ourselves.

• Attendees will develop a beginning facility with translation of literal compulsions into symbolic understanding, as well as examining their own unwanted patterns.

Morgan Stebbins, M.Div., D.Min, is a supervising analyst and former Director of Training at the Jungian Psychoanalytic Association in New York, where he also maintains a private practice. He has studied and practiced contemplative traditions for 40 years beginning with his residency at the SF Zen Center monastery in the late 70s. In seminary, he studied Christian contemplatives, then yoga, and later teacher training. His abiding interest is in helping people live a spiritual life in modern times.

10 CE Units/ semester available for Licensed Social Workers, Licensed Psychoanalysts, Licensed Psychologists and Licensed Creative Arts Therapists.

Jungian Psychoanalytic Association is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Mental Health Practitioners as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed Psychoanalysts - #P-0025

Jungian Psychoanalytic Association is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Social Work as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed Social Workers - #SW-0438

Jungian Psychoanalytic Association is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Psychology as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed Psychologists - #PSY-0097

Transforming Compulsion: Jungian Topics in Psychology 2025-2026