Numinose of Play and Its Healing Teleology

Jang, Mikyung; Lee, Yeo Reum

doi:2020.11.2.1

J Sym & San Therapy > Volume 11(2); 2020 > Article

ORIGINAL ARTICLE

JSST. 2020;11(2): 1-23. doi: https://doi.org/10.12964/jsst.20006

Numinose of Play and Its Healing Teleology

Mikyung Jang¹, and Yeo Reum Lee²

¹Professor, Department of Child Welfare at Namseoul University (Child Counseling & Psychotherapy) at Graduate School of Namseoul University
²Doctorate candidate of child counseling and psychotherapy, Department of Child Welfare Studies, Namseoul University

놀이의 신성성과 치유 목적성

장미경¹, 이여름²

^¹남서울대학교 아동복지학과 및 동대학원 아동상담심리치료 전공 교수
^²남서울대학교 아동복지학과 아동상담심리치료 전공 박사수료

Corresponding Author: Mikyung Jang ,Email: jangmiky45@gmail.com

Received: September 29, 2020; Revised: November 30, 2020 Accepted: December 22, 2020. Published online: December 31, 2020.

ABSTRACT

In this article, the numinosity of play in terms of the origin or unique essentiality of play was discussed based on analytical psychology, rather than the evolutionary necessity of it in terms of only biological instinct or innate nature or furthermore, something educated after birth. Attempts to explain play in this aspect lead to the reason why play is healing and play has a powerful relationship with healing in psychotherapy to achieve treatment through play. The still point experience and transference-countertransference and the relationship between the therapist and client which occurs in common, was also discussed with intersubjectivity, that are concepts related the numinosity of play. In conclusion, The essentiality of play which has an archetypal origin, is numinous and divine and has the ultimate teleology of integration and healing of personality, that is individuation. The constellation of archetypal energies by an individual is perceived by other people in close relationships due to the working principle of archetype and all mankind universally shares it and it, in turn, constellate archetypal energy to the other. This, of course, happens in therapeutic relationships, and finally it brings healing to both of the client and therapist who are being involved in archetypal play.