Archetype and epigenetics – approximations: contributions of epigenetics to the clinical practice of analytical psychology

Abstract

In this paper we address the question of epigenetics by evidencing some mechanisms related to gene expression, which, we understand, can in a way be used as metaphors for movements occurring during the psychotherapeutic process.The possibility of a dialogue between epigenetics and analytical psychology begins with the hereditary and archetypal question and takes shape in the dimension of the analytical encounter. Through the Jungian attitude model, we propose a way of moving between the two sciences.This paper provides a brief review of the concept of archetype, covering recent publications. It then describes the main mechanisms of epigenetics and, finally, addresses the analytical process and presents the authors’ proposal to consider the archetypal expression in the light of epigenetics.