There is an idea, proposed by Carl Jung, that the purpose of life is to become who we truly are. This is known as the process of individuation. This involves integrating various elements of the personality such as the Ego, Shadow, Anima/Animus, and the Self, to achieve wholeness, balance and psychological maturity. Individuation is seen as a lifelong journey of personal growth, where one transcends societal roles and expectations to uncover one’s unique individuality.

According to this perspective, from childhood onwards we develop a persona to help us navigate the world. This is shaped by parental expectations, social norms, and our desire and need for acceptance.

Examples of persona identities include:

The People Pleaser: who prioritises other peoples’ needs and desires, often at the expense of their own. Seeking approval and validation and sacrificing authenticity to maintain harmony in relationships.

The Perfectionist: who strives for success and excellence, often driven by fear of failure or a need for recognition. Pushing relentlessly to meet impossibly high standards set by themselves or others.

The Chameleon: who adapts their behaviour, opinions, or interests to fit in to the social context or the people they are with. They frequently switch masks to blend in and lose touch with the true self.

The Joker: who uses humour to deflect attention from deeper emotions or vulnerabilities. Making others laugh creates an image of being carefree and fun-loving, which can hide underlying insecurities or sadness.

Persona Identities protect our vulnerabilities and help us to fit in, but wearing them can lead to a disconnect from our authentic selves. As time goes on people can find themselves living according to the values and beliefs of a false self while losing touch with their true emotions, wants, and needs. This disconnection can manifest as feelings of emptiness, anxiety, or self-doubt.

Within the safety of the therapeutic setting, the psychotherapeutic journey involves peeling back the layers of the false self, exploring and embracing the authentic self beneath, and developing a deeper understanding and acceptance of who you truly are.

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