What Is Shadow Work?

Shadow work is the process of meeting the parts of you that you’ve hidden, rejected or pushed into the unconscious — often because you were told they were “too much,” “not enough,” or unsafe to express. These hidden parts make up what Carl Jung called the shadow which are the aspects of your personality you keep out of sight, even from yourself.

Rather than being something to fear, your shadow is full of valuable information and energy. When you turn toward it with curiosity and compassion, you open the door to deep healing and transformation.

Why You Hide Parts of Yourself

From an early age, you learned what parts of you were acceptable and what parts were not based on your family, culture, and lived experiences. Maybe you were praised for being quiet and easy-going but shamed for being angry. Or perhaps you learned to be the caretaker, always putting others first, and buried your own needs to stay safe and loved.

These hidden aspects don’t disappear. They stay alive in your subconscious, often showing up as strong emotional triggers, repeating relationship patterns, or an inner critic that never seems satisfied.

Shadow work helps you bring these hidden parts into the light, not to get rid of them, but to integrate them into a fuller, more authentic version of yourself.

How Shadow Work Supports You

Shadow work isn’t about digging up pain for the sake of it. It’s about creating a safe and supportive space to gently explore what’s been hidden so you can understand it, tend to it and reclaim the energy that has been locked away.

Together, you might:

• Notice what parts of you show up when you feel angry, jealous or ashamed

• Explore the stories these parts carry about your worth or safety

• Meet these parts with compassion and curiosity, rather than judgment

• Practice new ways of relating to yourself so you feel more whole and empowered

This process often leads to a profound sense of relief, self-acceptance and freedom.

My Approach to Shadow Work

I draw on Internal Family Systems, Relational Transactional Analysis, and Jungian psychology to guide you through shadow work safely and gently. Our circles create a non-judgmental space where you can feel supported in exploring even the most difficult feelings or memories.

Because shadow work is relational, we go at a pace that feels right for you. As trust builds, your nervous system can feel safe enough to explore what’s been hidden allowing real transformation to unfold.

The Gifts of Shadow Work

When you integrate your shadow, you reclaim parts of yourself you may have lost touch with: your creativity, playfulness, intuition, boundaries and power. The result is a deeper connection to your Self and the ability to show up in relationships and life with greater authenticity and wholeness.