Archetypal Healing
In my therapeutic work, I draw on a range of approaches to support healing, insight and self-awareness. One of the frameworks I return to often—both personally and professionally—is archetypal healing.
For nearly a decade, I have explored with clients, the ways archetypes can illuminate the patterns, roles, and inner narratives that shape our experiences. Archetypes provide a language for what we intuitively sense but may find difficult to express: our longings, defences, strengths, and inner conflicts. Through this lens, clients often discover new ways to understand themselves and navigate their personal growth.
Archetypes are universal patterns of character, emotion, and behaviour — symbolic figures we instinctively recognise, regardless of culture, gender, or background. The Mother, the Warrior, the Lover, the Perfectionist—these timeless inner figures appear throughout mythology, dreams, art, and daily life, reflecting the deeper truths of our human experience.
Archetypal healing invites you to explore the inner cast of characters that shape your thoughts, emotions, and choices. Through this symbolic lens, we identify the archetypes most active within you, uncover the narratives they carry, and gently examine how these patterns influence your sense of self and your life path.
By engaging with this rich symbolic language, you gain powerful insights that deepen self-awareness, release cultural or familial conditioning, and help you reconnect with your authentic essence.
As your inner landscape becomes clearer and more integrated, you naturally begin to access your gifts, navigate relationships with greater ease, reduce resistance, and make choices that align with who you truly are.
Carl Jung, the founder of Jungian psychology, is widely noted for introducing the concept of archetypes to the counselling world. He described archetypes as universal patterns, or themes—such as the Caregiver, the Rebel, or the Wounded Child—that reside within the collective unconscious and appear across cultures, myths, and stages of psychological development. Jung also acknowledged astrology as a key archetypal system, recognising its symbolic language as a valuable tool for exploring the psyche and understanding deeper, often hidden, inner dynamics.
I have closely studied the work of Caroline Myss, whose teachings on Sacred Contracts offer a powerful model for understanding the archetypes that shape our personal and spiritual evolution.
Her emphasis on shadow, choice, and energetic integrity continues to inform my approach.
I have also been deeply inspired by Clarissa Pinkola Estés, a Jungian analyst and storyteller whose work with myth and the feminine psyche, invites us to reclaim the parts of ourselves that have been silenced, forgotten, or fragmented.
I have always been drawn to the idea that our wounds are not just things to 'get over,' but invitations to look more closely into ourselves, our patterns, our resilience. In my experience, the stories we carry - especially the ones we've buried, or judged - hold a quiet wisdom. They often point us back to a deeper part of ourselves that's still intact, still whole.
I don't believe healing is about fixing what's broken. I see it more as a remembering - a gentle return to the parts of you that were never lost, only hidden. Archetypes bring these stories to life, offering symbolic language that allows us to see our patterns, our gifts, and our challenges in a new way.
When we can reframe these inner characters and narratives, we open the door to meaningful transformation.
"The doors to the world of the wild Self are few but precious.
If you have a deep scar, that is a door. If you have an old, old story, that is a door."
- Clarissa Pinkola Estés
Archetype Gallery
There are hundreds of archetypes, each representing different patterns of behaviour and personality. The archetypes shared here are offered as a resource for reflection and insight.
Each archetype is described with both light and shadow aspects, not to diagnose, or define, but to support a deeper understanding of how we relate, protect, express, and evolve.
You can also read about the Astrological archetypes here
Wounded Child
This archetype holds the emotional imprints of early pain and vulnerability. When healed, it becomes a source of deep empathy and wisdom. In its shadow, it remains reactive and dependent, stuck in cycles of mistrust and emotional reactivity.
Magical Child
The Magical Child sees the world with wonder, faith, and limitless possibility. It reminds us to believe in miracles and beauty. However, its shadow can be escapist, naïve, or disconnected from reality, avoiding adult responsibilities.
Orphan Child
Often marked by early feelings of abandonment, the Orphan Child longs for belonging. Its light brings resilience, inclusion, and strong empathy for others. In shadow, it mistrusts connection and may feel perpetually left out or emotionally guarded.
Nature Child
The Nature Child feels deeply connected to animals, plants, and the natural world. In light, they embody harmony, innocence, and a respect for life. In shadow, they may resist urban or modern realities, or become emotionally dependent on nature for peace.
Divine Child
The Divine Child carries the potential for purity, joy, and spiritual innocence. In its light, it radiates trust, hope, and divine connection. In shadow, it may feel abandoned, unworthy of love, or reject the human condition in favour of fantasy.
Victim
The Victim archetype reveals where we feel powerless or wronged. When conscious, it teaches us to reclaim personal boundaries and inner strength. Left unhealed, it can fall into blame, helplessness, or manipulation through suffering.
Saboteur
Acting as an internal alarm system, the Saboteur reveals how fear or self-doubt hinders our success. When integrated, it brings sharp awareness and accountability. In shadow, it undermines progress, procrastinates, or sabotages joy.
Prostitute
This archetype symbolises the parts of us willing to trade integrity for survival, comfort, or validation. Its light side helps us honour our true values. In shadow, it compromises authenticity, selling out for approval, safety, or control.
Inventor
The Inventor dreams up new possibilities, combining vision with resourcefulness. In light, they are inspired, curious, and future-focused. In shadow, they may be impractical, scattered, or disconnected from reality.
Warrior
The Warrior protects what matters, standing strong in loyalty and purpose. When expressed positively, they are disciplined and brave. In shadow, they can become aggressive, domineering, or rigid in their righteousness.
Mentor
The Mentor offers wisdom, guidance, and encouragement, uplifting others through their presence. In light, they are humble and empowering. In shadow, they may become authoritarian, overbearing, or assume they know best.
Healer
Deeply attuned to suffering, the Healer brings emotional, spiritual, or physical transformation. They hold sacred space for others, yet their shadow may neglect their own healing, over-identify with wounds, or carry the pain of others as their own.
Visionary
The Visionary sees potential beyond the present, often inspiring others to dream bigger. When grounded, they are innovative and prophetic. In shadow, they become lost in ideals, disconnected from practical reality, or obsessed with unattainable futures.
Alchemist
The Alchemist transmutes pain, emotion, or experience into power, wisdom, or beauty. Their gift is transformation. In shadow, they may bypass reality, misuse their influence, or manipulate under the guise of change.
Mystic
Seeking communion with the divine, the Mystic embodies inner stillness and spiritual depth. Their light shines in serenity and insight. But they may become withdrawn, dissociative, or overly detached from the physical world.
Sage
A truth-seeker and keeper of knowledge, the Sage values clarity and understanding above all. In light, they are wise, discerning, and humble. In shadow, they become emotionally distant, arrogant, or lost in analysis.
Caregiver
The Caregiver lives to support, nurture, and protect others, offering deep compassion and generosity. In their light, they are selfless and devoted, creating safety and healing. In shadow, they may neglect their own needs, become overburdened, or fall into martyrdom and resentment.
Lover
The Lover longs for connection, sensuality, and intimacy. When healthy, they are present, devoted, and deeply expressive. In shadow, they may become enmeshed, obsessive, or emotionally dependent.
Creator/Artist
The Creator brings inner visions into form, expressing soul through beauty, design, or innovation. At their best, they are inspired and authentic. In shadow, they fear exposure, doubt their worth, or become paralysed by perfectionism.
Rebel
The Rebel challenges norms, dismantles outdated systems, and fights for change. Their light is liberation and originality. Shadow Rebel becomes destructive, reactive, or addicted to conflict and disruption.
Seeker
Always on a quest for truth or deeper meaning, the Seeker is curious, adventurous, and open. When aligned, they guide themselves and others to new horizons. In shadow, they resist settling, become lost in longing, or avoid commitment.
Queen
The Queen rules with confidence, compassion, and grace. She embodies leadership and dignity. In shadow, she can be manipulative, status-obsessed, or wield power to control rather than serve.
King
The King embodies wise authority and structured guidance. He protects, leads, and creates stability. Shadow King becomes controlling, tyrannical, or emotionally repressive.
Priestess
Channeling sacred wisdom, the Priestess moves between seen and unseen realms. She holds ritual, insight, and intuitive knowing. In shadow, she becomes aloof, dogmatic, or overly mystical to avoid reality.
Mother
Symbol of unconditional love, the Mother offers nourishment, safety, and grounding. In her shadow, she can be overbearing, overly attached, or defined entirely by care for others.
Father
Providing guidance and structure, the Father brings strength and security. When healthy, he empowers and protects. In shadow, he becomes rigid, emotionally absent, or authoritarian.
Virgin
The Virgin represents purity, wholeness, and untapped potential. In light, they are self-possessed, grounded, and sovereign. In shadow, they may be repressed, fear intimacy, or idealise innocence to avoid growth.
Witch / Shaman
The Witch or Shaman works with unseen forces and nature’s wisdom. In light, they are healing, intuitive, and wise. In shadow, they may be feared, secretive, or misuse power.
Addict
The Addict reveals our attachments and where we seek to numb or escape discomfort. In light, they are honest, self-aware, and committed to transformation. In shadow, they are dependent, avoidant, or consumed by cravings.
Servant
The Servant finds fulfilment in helping others and working behind the scenes. In light, they are humble, loyal, and capable. In shadow, they feel invisible, exploited, or attach their worth to being needed.
Magician
The Magician understands the power of intention and transformation. Light Magician creates real change through perception and presence. In shadow, they deceive, manipulate, or hide behind illusion.
Goddess
The Goddess embodies divine feminine power, beauty, and sensuality. She celebrates creation and flow. In shadow, she may become vain, competitive, or emotionally manipulative.
God
The God archetype reflects divine masculine strength, vision, and presence. When integrated, he leads with integrity and protection. In shadow, he becomes aloof, arrogant, or tyrannical.
Mediator
The Mediator seeks harmony and resolution. In light, they are diplomatic, fair, and a calming presence. In shadow, they avoid conflict, suppress their voice, or become overly appeasing.
Judge
The Judge discerns truth and weighs fairness. In its light, it upholds justice and clarity. In shadow, it is overly critical, self-righteous, or rigid.
Scholar
The Scholar is devoted to knowledge and learning. They pursue truth through study and discipline. In shadow, they disconnect from emotion, overanalyse, or lose themselves in theory.
Poet
The Poet expresses inner worlds through language, capturing emotion and beauty. In light, they are soulful and reflective. In shadow, they may become melancholic, overly romantic, or stuck in suffering.
Jester
The Jester brings joy, lightness, and truth through humour and playfulness. They remind us not to take life too seriously. In shadow, they may deflect pain with sarcasm, become emotionally evasive, or hide behind comedy.
Pioneer
The Pioneer ventures into unknown territory, driven by vision and originality. In their strength, they are brave and innovative. In shadow, they resist commitment, fear roots, or avoid stability.
Rescuer
The Rescuer instinctively helps those in need, offering care and safety. In light, they are dependable and compassionate. In shadow, they create dependency, avoid their own issues, or feel burdened by others.
Shapeshifter
The Shapeshifter adapts fluidly to environments and roles. In light, they are versatile and intuitive. In shadow, they lose authenticity, struggle with identity, or become manipulative.
Storyteller
The Storyteller weaves meaning from life through narrative. They help others connect and understand. In shadow, they distort truth, cling to old stories, or use words to manipulate.
Explorer
The Explorer craves newness, adventure, and experience. Their gift is freedom and expansion. In shadow, they become ungrounded, avoidant of responsibility, or resistant to commitment.
Student
The Student is open, curious, and committed to growth. They absorb knowledge and insight. In shadow, they defer too much to others, doubt their own authority, or remain passive.
Scribe
The Scribe records knowledge and preserves insight for future generations. They are meticulous, wise, and reflective. In shadow, they may become overly focused on detail or avoid action through over-documenting.
Hero/Heroine
The Hero is driven to overcome adversity and stand for what’s right. They are courageous, determined, and resilient. Yet, they may fall into overwork, arrogance, or a need to prove their worth through sacrifice or struggle.
Engineer
The Engineer solves problems with logic and creativity. They build what is needed and value structure. In shadow, they can become emotionally disconnected, overly analytical, or rigid.
Mediator / Negotiator
The Negotiator mediates tension and builds bridges through tact and diplomacy. In light, they are persuasive and fair. In shadow, they may manipulate, avoid directness, or lose their own stance.
Advocate
The Advocate stands up for causes and the marginalised, using their voice to bring justice. In light, they are courageous and principled. In shadow, they can become rigid, dogmatic, or hostile.
Pilgrim
The Pilgrim embarks on spiritual journeys in search of deeper truth. They are devoted, humble, and open-hearted. In shadow, they can become self-denying, rigid in belief, or lost in spiritual bypassing.
Messenger/ Gossip
The Messenger delivers truth and clarity through communication. In light, they are articulate, insightful, and trustworthy. In shadow, they distort information, gossip, or become erratic.
Trickster
The Trickster stirs change through play, paradox, and disruption. They challenge norms with humour and insight. In shadow, they become manipulative, immature, or undermine sincerity.
Teacher
The Teacher shares wisdom, skills, and insight to support the growth of others. In its light expression, this archetype is generous, empowering, and committed to awakening potential. In shadow, the Teacher may become dogmatic, condescending, or misuse knowledge to control or elevate themselves above others.
Companion
The Companion is loyal, devoted, and emotionally supportive. They foster closeness and presence. In shadow, they become clingy, codependent, or defined by relationships.
Craftsman
The Craftsman brings dedication, precision, and artistry to form. In light, they are focused and masterful. In shadow, they may become perfectionistic or over identified with output.
Thief
The Thief challenges attachment and reclaims what’s been lost or hidden. In light, they awaken others to deeper values and authenticity. In shadow, they steal energy, ideas, or manipulate to take what isn’t theirs.
Genius
The Genius channels unique insight, creativity, or brilliance. In light, they are innovative, inspired, and visionary. In shadow, they may feel misunderstood, isolated, or become arrogant or emotionally detached.
Destroyer
The Destroyer brings necessary endings to outgrown structures. In light, they initiate transformation and clearing. In shadow, they may act out destructively, struggle with rage, or unconsciously sabotage what they love.
Peacemaker
The Peacemaker unites others and fosters serenity. In light, they bring harmony and compassion. In shadow, they avoid conflict, suppress feelings, or neglect authenticity.
Outlaw
The Outlaw defies norms and awakens dormant truths. In light, they are liberating and bold. In shadow, they are self-destructive, rebellious without cause, or hostile.
Exorcist
The Exorcist clears what is toxic, stuck, or spiritually invasive. In its light, it brings purification, courage, and liberation. In shadow, it may become obsessive, controlling, or project darkness onto others.
Knight
The Knight is devoted to honour, protection, and service. In light, they are loyal, courageous, and act with integrity. In shadow, they may become codependent, overly chivalrous, or use power to dominate rather than serve.
Martyr
The Martyr sacrifices for a higher cause or others' wellbeing. In light, they act from compassion and spiritual strength. In shadow, they suffer unnecessarily, seek validation through pain, or become self-righteous.
Hermit
The Hermit seeks solitude to find inner truth and clarity. In light, they are introspective, wise, and spiritually grounded. In shadow, they may isolate, disconnect from others, or avoid life through withdrawal.
Miser
The Miser holds tightly to resources, fearing loss or lack. In light, they value thrift, conservation, and security. In shadow, they become hoarding, greedy, or emotionally withholding.
Vampire
The Vampire archetype exposes patterns of emotional dependency and energetic drain. In light, it teaches us to set boundaries and reclaim energy. In shadow, it feeds on others’ vitality, manipulates emotionally, or resists self-responsibility.
Networker
The Networker connects people, ideas, and opportunities. In light, they communicate with integrity and uplift communities. In shadow, they gossip, manipulate information, or use connections for personal gain.
Samaritan
The Samaritan helps others selflessly, often in times of crisis. In light, they offer compassion and care without seeking reward. In shadow, they overextend, neglect themselves, or seek approval through sacrifice.
Detective
The Detective seeks truth through curiosity and observation. Their insight uncovers what’s hidden. In shadow, they may become intrusive, paranoid, or mistrustful.
Bully
The Bully challenges us to confront fear and reclaim personal power. In its light form, it helps build inner strength by teaching boundaries and resilience. In shadow, it uses intimidation, control, or emotional aggression to dominate, often reflecting unacknowledged vulnerability or insecurity.