What Is Individuation?
The journey of becoming more fully yourself.
Part of the Explore Depth Psychology Series
Individuation is the process of becoming whole, not perfect, but whole. In Jungian psychology, it means integrating the parts of ourselves we've rejected, forgotten, or ignored. Through self-reflection, emotional honesty, and symbolic work, we reconnect with the Self - the deep, inner wisdom that remembers who we are.
What Is Individuation?
Most of us were taught to grow up.
Individuation invites us to grow in.
In Depth Psychology, Individuation is the process of becoming whole by integrating the parts of ourselves we’ve rejected, hidden, or forgotten.
It’s not about becoming perfect.
It’s about becoming real.
And if you’ve been drawn to working with your Shadow, you’re probably already on this path.
What Does “Individuation” Mean?
The word comes from Carl Jung.
He believed we’re all born with a Self - a rich, rich psyche of many parts. But as we grow, we split off parts of ourselves to survive.
You push down your anger to stay “good.”
You hide your sensitivity to stay safe.
You perform with confidence even when you’re lost.
Over time, you build a mask - a “me” the world will accept.
Individuation is returning to the parts you left behind and learning to carry them with consciousness.
Wholeness, Not Perfection
This isn’t self-improvement.
It’s self-remembrance.
You’re not trying to eliminate fear, shame, control, chaos, or doubt.
You’re learning how to be with them, without losing yourself.
Individuation says:
“What if you’re already whole - but scattered?”
The work is about integration. Not elimination.
How Individuation Happens
You don’t have to go to therapy or study Jung to individuate.
The path often unfolds through life itself:
Relationship conflict
Burnout and awakening
Crisis or loss
Unexpected triggers
Sudden admiration or envy
A deep longing for something more
Each can open a door to a part of you asking to be seen.
Working with your Shadow helps you walk through that door, one step at a time.
A Practice to Begin
Try this journal prompt:
“What part of me have I tried to grow out of - but still longs to be known?”
No fixing. No analysing. Just curiosity.
Final Thought
Individuation is a lifelong path.
It doesn’t mean you’ll never lose yourself again.
It means you’ll know how to come back.
Not just to the “you” you’ve shown the world … but to the whole Self waiting within.
You don’t need to be anyone else.
You just need to remember who you already are.
That’s the path.
That’s the work.
That’s individuation.
A Helpful Guide to Read Next
The unconscious is the hidden part of your psyche holding repressed emotions, memories, and untapped potential. Engaging with it - through dreams, symbols, and triggers - can unlock profound healing and growth.