#ShadowWork
A psychological practice of integrating repressed or denied aspects of the self, based on Carl Jung’s concept of the “shadow.”
Origins
Jung introduced the shadow concept in the 1930s, but it remained academic until spiritual/wellness influencers popularized it in the 2010s. The hashtag exploded around 2015-2016 on YouTube and Instagram, often blending Jungian psychology with New Age spirituality.
Core Practices
- Journaling prompts (exploring disowned emotions, triggers, projections)
- Trigger work (examining what others do that bothers you)
- Inner child healing (reparenting wounded younger selves)
- Integration (accepting “dark” parts rather than rejecting them)
Controversies
Shadow work content ranges from legitimate Jungian analysis to vague spiritual bypassing. Critics note:
- Lack of professional guidance (self-directed shadow work can be destabilizing)
- Conflation with unrelated New Age practices
- Risk of re-traumatization without therapeutic support
When Done Right
Shadow work can complement therapy by:
- Increasing self-awareness
- Reducing projection onto others
- Healing shame around “unacceptable” emotions
- Building emotional maturity
Resources
- Owning Your Own Shadow (Robert A. Johnson, 1991)
- Meeting the Shadow (Connie Zweig, 1991)
- r/ShadowWork (Reddit community)