The Un-lived Life of Parents and its Impact on Children

Presented by Sherri Mahdavi, Ph.D. 

Nothing exerts stronger psychic effect especially upon children, than the unlived life of the parents. – Carl Gustav Jung

In this seminar we will examine the profound impact of a parent’s un-lived life on a child’s psycho-social development. We will address some of the ways in which parental messages are transmitted, whether directly or indirectly, and how these communications from the parental unconscious can serve to undermine or support a child’s healthy sense of self and unique individuality. Participants are encouraged to bring personal or case material for discussion. 

Course Objectives:

• Describe the effect of a parent’s un-lived life upon the psyche of the child.
• Give an example of how a parent’s projection onto their child can affect the child’s sense of self.
• Compare a direct vs an indirect parental message to a child and its effect on psycho-social development.
• Give an example of how a parent’s projection onto their child can affect the child’s choice of career or life partner.
• Give an example of how a parent’s unconscious conflict can manifest in the child.
• Give an example of how a parent’s unmet needs in the marital relationship can affect the child.
  
• Give an example of how a parent’s depression can affect a child’s sense of self.
• Give an example of how inter-generational trauma can affect a child’s sense of self.

Sherri Mahdavi, Ph.D., is a Jungian analyst and clinical psychologist in private practice in Irvine. She also serves as an Associate Professor of Applied Clinical Psychology at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology in Southern California, where she teaches courses in Depth Psychology.