Psychocatabolism refers to psychological trauma or suffering that results in the activation of unconscious archetypal energies. These energies cause the dissolution of the inauthentic worldview or ego object, previously conditioned by the social context. The dark night of the self is the descension and simultaneous recentering of the limited ego in the conscious/unconscious field. A cartography of the dark night of the self is discussed, as well as its relation to the process of psychocatabolism. Similarly, the transformation of the ego toward authentic selfhood is addressed as it relates to the human existential situation. Therapeutic applications and contraindications are also considered.
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