Zoom, Embodiment, and the Analytic Third

Abstract

The rapid expansion of video-conferencing in response to the COVID-19 health crisis introduces challenges and benefits to the psychoanalytic encounter. Carl Jung considered the phenomenon of the analytic third, and theorised that this mysterious constellation of a transformative liminal field emerged from the interpersonal dynamic between analyst and analysand. Implicit in the canon of related literature is the assumption of shared physical space. Today’s wide use of video-conferencing offers an opportunity to explore whether physical proximity is essential to the creation of this vital psychotherapeutic phenomenon. Three Jungian analysts explore ideas and experiences in a condensed, edited version of a podcast episode from This Jungian Life.