Digging Deeper: The Transformative Power of Depth-Oriented Therapy

What is Depth Oriented Therapy?

therapist and client during session

Depth-oriented therapy is an approach that incorporates a range of therapeutic modalities focused on both the conscious and unconscious workings of the mind. Rooted in the early theories of pioneers like Sigmund Freud and Carl Jung, this school of thought was among the first to suggest that outward behaviors can be better understood, and ultimately transformed, by exploring the unconscious mind.

Depth psychologists work collaboratively with clients to uncover the deeper layers of the self. This process of exploration often leads to increased self-awareness, emotional insight, and personal growth.

What Does a Depth-Oriented Therapy Session Look Like?

A depth-oriented therapy session may involve various techniques designed to access and explore the unconscious. Some common methods include:

  • Socratic Questioning: The therapist poses open-ended, thought-provoking questions that promote self-reflection and critical thinking. This method helps clients become aware of the unconscious beliefs and patterns underlying their responses.

  • Active Imagination: A technique developed by Carl Jung, active imagination involves focusing on a specific image, memory, or feeling, and engaging in dialogue with the internal figures or symbols that emerge. This process opens up communication with the unconscious.

  • Free Association: Clients are encouraged to speak freely without censorship, sharing whatever comes to mind. This uncensored flow of thoughts can reveal hidden emotions, memories, and internal conflicts.

client during therapy listening

What Does Depth-Oriented Therapy Help With?

Depth-oriented therapy is a multidisciplinary practice, therefore it can be utilized when working with a wide range of issues. These include; Anxiety,  Depression, Emotional Regulation, Life Transitions,  Self Compassion,  Stress and Burnout, Personal Growth and Self-Improvement

Depth-Oriented Therapy at Summit

While many therapeutic approaches focus on answering the “what?” and “how?” of a problem, depth-oriented therapy is especially suited for those seeking to understand the deeper “why?”

At Summit Counselling Services, we offer depth-oriented therapy as an option for those interested in deeper self-exploration. Keira MacKenzie, who specializes in Jungian Psychology and depth-oriented techniques, is currently accepting new clients.

References:

Psychotherapy Denver. Mile High Recovery Center. (2025, June 27). https://milehighrecoverycenter.com/psychotherapy-denver/

Team, G. E. (2017, Feb 17). Depth therapy. GoodTherapy. https://www.goodtherapy.org/learn-about-therapy/types/depth-therapy

Wikimedia Foundation. (2025, June 9). Active imagination. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Active_imagination

What is depth psychology?. Pacifica Graduate Institute. (2025, August 19). https://www.pacifica.edu/about-pacifica/what-is-depth-psychology/

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