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In Jungian therapy, a form of psychotherapy that uses the principles from the work of Swiss psychiatrist Carl Jung, Jungian archetypes provide a way to understand the human psyche. These archetypes represent universal patterns and images that reside within the human collective unconscious, influencing thoughts, behaviors and emotions. 

Here are some of the most common Jungian archetypes.

Persona

The persona is the mask some people wear in society, representing the roles they play and the image they present to the world. It conceals deeper aspects of the psyche. However, an overidentification with the persona can lead to inner conflict and a disconnection from one's authentic self. Therefore, it is important to maintain balance.

Shadow

The shadow covers the darker, repressed aspects of the psyche that people often deny or reject. It contains qualities such as anger, envy and greed. Integrating the shadow involves acknowledging and embracing these aspects, leading to greater self-awareness and psychological wholeness.

Anima/Animus

The anima, present in men, and the animus, present in women, represent the unconscious feminine or masculine qualities within people, respectively. These archetypes influence relationships and personal development. Integrating the anima/animus involves recognizing and integrating the complementary aspects of gender within oneself, which helps promote inner harmony.

Self

The self represents the center of the psyche, symbolizing unity, integration and wholeness. It includes both conscious and unconscious aspects of the people and serves as a guiding force towards personal growth and individuation. Achieving self-realization involves acknowledging and integrating all aspects of the psyche under the umbrella of the self.

Other Jungian archetypes

Aside from these four, Jung identified numerous other archetypes, including the ruler, the creator/artist, the sage, the innocent, the explorer, the rebel, the hero, the wizard, the jester, the everyman, the lover and the caregiver. Each archetype carries unique symbolic meanings and influences various aspects of human experience and behavior.