Kenneth Blanton, UKCP Accredited Psychotherapist

Kenneth Blanton

BA1
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Kenneth Blanton, UKCP Accredited Psychotherapist

Kenneth Blanton

BA1
Shortlist Share

My Approach

As a psychological treatment, individual analysis (psychoanalysis) is considered to be a method of psychotherapy that can be very useful if you are struggling with enduring issues related to the way you feel/think about yourself, the world, and those you are close to: friends, colleagues, partners, parents, children.

After all, it is not at all unusual for anyone to experience a sense of anxiety or depression due to a life event that has caused one to feel “disconnected,” or simply “overwhelmed.” You might be experiencing a recent bereavement or loss (a job, a relationship, a marriage); or issues may have arisen related to dating, getting married, or ageing and retirement.

Alternatively, the issues may be simply about being able to be “yourself,” and the desire to nurture other aspects of your personality that seem underdeveloped: a lack of confidence to take risks and engage life, an ability to slow down, or an ability to be honest about your feelings. The relationship with the analyst allows you to begin to risk being yourself in a safe environment, regardless of the issue.

From a Jungian perspective, therapy (analysis) begins with the understanding that every person (including you) is unique and has the potential to become fully “individual.” This will often entail looking at the way your past experiences may have affected you and the way those might continue to get in the way of “you becoming you.”

Suffice it to say, the fundamental goal of Jungian analysis is to build a vital relationship between the conscious and unconscious parts of the mind so that psychic development can be on-going. Rather than regarding the unconscious merely as the storehouse of repressed memories, Jung viewed it as the wellspring of psychic energy and healing. He acknowledged the importance of understanding how the deficits and trauma of our history influence us, but stressed the need to look to the future as well, to understand our inner urge to become the unique individuals that we each have the potential to be.

For Jung, dreams were of the utmost importance to this, suggesting that dreams serve as a bridge between our unconscious and conscious lives, and doing the work of integrating them help us move toward what he called individuation, the mind’s quest for wholeness, and what we might consider wisdom. And while dreams are not required, they can most certainly assist the journey of analysis.

In this context, analysis is a dialogue between two people – the client (analysand) and the therapist (analyst), whose aim it is to help get in touch with inner sources of healing and growth, uncovering personal solutions and answers.

Again, everyone is unique, including you, and it is important to remember that the relationship between the analyst and the analysand is one built upon trust, collaboration and process. In fact, most all schools of psychology and psychoanalysis see the relationship that develops as a critical factor in the change and healing processes.

With this in mind, ideally the analyst and analysand (client) would want to meet at least once a week, with each session lasting an hour.

About Me

“I am not what happened to me, I am what I choose to become.” ~ Carl Jung

An analytical psychologist and psychoanalytic psychotherapist, I am a member of the the Independent Group of Analytical Psychologists (IGAP), the International Association of Analytical Psychologists, and of course registered with the UKCP.

I hold an empathic interest in people and the genuine sense of struggle that people can experience, both emotionally and the ways in which it is understood. This, coupled with a strong affinity for the study of psychology, philosophy and religion led me to complete undergraduate studies in Philosophy & Communications at Texas Lutheran University (USA) as well as to graduate and post graduate studies in Pastoral Theology at Yale University (USA) , Counselling and Psychotherapy at the University of California (Berkeley) (USA, the Psychology of Religion at the University of London (UK), and Group Analysis at the Institute of Group Analysis in London (UK).

Over the past 25 years, I have practiced in the United States and the United Kingdom, both privately and in all aspects of the healthcare sector, including acute care, mental health, and palliative care, every where promoting a holistic approach to personalised & person centred approach to care.

My research interests lay in alchemy as a psychological process; the role of spirituality and pain; dreams & hallucinations in palliative care; the neuro-psychology of religious experience; religion’s role in mental health issues, including religious ideation, intrinsic and extrinsic religiosity at end of life, and death as an archetype.

I have lectured in both the United Kingdom and the United States, and have served as a regular contributor to the BBC, most recently co-producing “Being Human: Life and Death in a Hospice.”

Now based in Bath, I offer and recommend ‘in person’ sessions, although I do also offer virrtual sessions for those in other parts of the UK/world where opportunities for ‘in person’ analysis may be limited.

I work with

  • Companies
  • Individuals
  • Private healthcare referrals

Special Interests

Like all UKCP registered psychotherapists and psychotherapeutic counsellors I can work with a wide range of issues, but here are some areas in which I have a special interest or additional experience.

Types of Therapies Offered

  • Analytical Psychologist - Jungian Analyst

Types of sessions

  • Face to Face - Long Term
  • Face to Face - Short Term
  • Online Therapy

Office


Northend
3 PROSPECT GARDENS
BA1
United Kingdom (UK)

  Wheelchair accessible View Map

UKCP College

  • Council for Psychoanalysis and Jungian Analysis College (CPJAC)
Kenneth Blanton

Kenneth Blanton

BA1

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