abaissement du niveau mental
Definition:
Abaissement du Niveau Mental refers to a temporary lowering of the level of conscious mental functioning, a state where conscious defences are weakened, allowing unconscious material to emerge. This phenomenon is often associated with states of fatigue, relaxation, or altered consciousness, such as hypnosis or dreaming. Jung saw this as an important condition for accessing deeper layers of the psyche, where symbols, repressed emotions, and archetypal content can surface into awareness.
Example:
In Jungian analysis, this state is beneficial because it facilitates the expression of unconscious material, making it accessible for exploration and integration. For example, during free association or dream analysis, a client might access repressed feelings or symbols that are pivotal to understanding their psychological dynamics.