The Depth Psychology Academy

Certificate in Foundational Depth Psychology

The Certificate in Foundational Depth Psychology is the Depth Psychology Academy’s primary guided pathway into Jungian psychology. It brings together four substantial courses that introduce students to the major concepts, methods, and symbolic practices at the heart of Jungian and depth psychological study.

Courses Included

  1. Jung 101: Introduction to Jungian Psychology
  2. Jung 102: Applied Jungian Psychology
  3. Jung 103: Jung and Dreams
  4. Jung 104: Jung and Active Imagination

Each course may be studied on its own. Taken together, however, these four courses form a coherent foundational pathway. Students begin with Jung’s central concepts, then move into practical applications of Jungian thought, and finally into two of the most important ways Jung used to track the psyche’s symbolic life: dreams and active imagination.

Students who have already completed one or more of these courses do not need to begin again. Previous completion of Jung 101, Jung 102, Jung 103, or Jung 104 counts toward the certificate pathway.

Recommended Course Sequence

We recommend completing the courses in this order:

1. Jung 101: Introduction to Jungian Psychology

This course introduces the basic vocabulary and structure of Jungian psychology. Students encounter core ideas such as the ego, the unconscious, complexes, psychic energy, archetypes, the collective unconscious, persona, shadow, anima and animus, the Self, and individuation.

Jung 101 provides the conceptual foundation for the entire certificate. It gives students the language and psychological map they will need for the courses that follow.

2. Jung 102: Applied Jungian Psychology

Jung 102 moves from concepts into practice. This course explores how Jungian ideas can be applied to inner work, symbolic reflection, dream work, and active imagination. The course further explores how the symbols and patterns found in mythology, fairy tales, and alchemy can contribute to understanding dreams, active imagination work, culture, ancestry, spiritual practice, and ritual life.

The purpose of this course is not simply to define Jungian terms, but to show how these ideas illuminate lived experience.

3. Jung 103: Jung and Dreams

Jung 103 offers a sustained introduction to Jungian dream work. Dreams are approached as symbolic expressions of the unconscious and as important material for psychological reflection, self-understanding, and the individuation process.

Students explore the history of dream interpretation, Jung’s approach to dreams, methods of interpretation, amplification, trauma-related dreams, big dreams, and later developments in depth dream work.

4. Jung 104: Jung and Active Imagination

Jung 104 introduces active imagination, one of Jung’s most important methods for entering into conscious relationship with unconscious images, affects, and symbolic material.

The course explores Jung’s Red Book, the development of active imagination, basic techniques, art, movement, sandplay, alchemy, prayer, and other forms of symbolic engagement.

How the Four Courses Work Together

The sequence moves through four stages:

  1. Concepts - Jung 101 gives students the basic map of Jungian psychology.
  2. Application - Jung 102 shows how the map can illuminate psychological life.
  3. Dreams - Jung 103 studies one of the primary ways the unconscious communicates symbolically.
  4. Active Imagination - Jung 104 explores a more intentional dialogue with unconscious images and affects.

Together, these courses provide a foundation for further study in mythology, fairy tales, alchemy, depth psychology, religion, trauma, creativity, culture, and the arts.

Suggested Pacing

The courses are self-paced. Students are encouraged to move through the material in a way that allows time for reflection, note-taking, reading, and integration.

  • Intensive pace: Complete the four-course sequence over several months, with regular weekly study time.
  • Moderate pace: Complete one course every two to three months.
  • Extended pace: Move through the courses gradually over a longer period, especially if balancing study with professional, family, or creative responsibilities.

Depth psychological learning should not be rushed. The goal is not simply to consume lectures, but to develop a thoughtful relationship with the material.

Completion Requirements

To receive the Certificate in Foundational Depth Psychology, students must complete all four required courses:

  • Jung 101
  • Jung 102
  • Jung 103
  • Jung 104

Students should complete the required materials and completion requirements inside each course. Each individual course issues its own course completion certificate.

Before requesting the full certificate, students should make sure they have generated or received the individual completion certificate for each of the four required courses.

Once students have received the individual completion certificates for all four courses, they may submit the Foundations I Certificate Request Form. After the Academy verifies completion of the four required courses, students will be enrolled in the short hidden completion course, Foundations I Certificate Completion.

How to Claim the Certificate

After completing Jung 101, Jung 102, Jung 103, and Jung 104, students should submit the Foundations I Certificate Request Form:

Click Here to Access the Foundations I Certificate Request Form

The form asks students to provide the information needed for verification, including the name and email address associated with their course enrollment.

After the Academy verifies that the four required individual course certificates have been completed, the student will be enrolled in the short hidden completion course: Foundations I Certificate Completion. This final step allows the student to formally claim the full Certificate in Foundational Depth Psychology.

Students should use the certificate request form rather than sending a direct email, unless they are having technical difficulty with the form.

What This Certificate Represents

This certificate recognizes completion of a substantial independent-study program in Jungian and depth psychology through the Depth Psychology Academy.

It indicates that the student has completed a coherent sequence of courses introducing major Jungian concepts, applied Jungian psychology, dream work, and active imagination.

What This Certificate Does Not Represent

This certificate does not constitute professional licensure, clinical certification, academic credit, psychotherapy training, or authorization to practice therapy or counseling.

The program is educational in nature. It is designed for serious adult learners, helping professionals, creative people, spiritual seekers, and others who want a substantial foundation in Jungian and depth psychological thought.

After Foundations I

Students who complete the Certificate in Foundational Depth Psychology will be well prepared for further study in mythology, fairy tales, alchemy, and the history of depth psychology.

These areas form the basis of the Academy’s next level of certificate study. 

Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to take the courses in order?

We recommend taking the courses in order, because each course builds on the previous one. However, students who have already begun or completed the courses in another order do not need to restart.

What if I already completed one or more of the courses?

Previous completion of Jung 101, Jung 102, Jung 103, or Jung 104 counts toward the Certificate in Foundational Depth Psychology.

Do the individual course certificates count toward the full certificate?

Yes. Students should complete each individual course and generate or receive the individual course certificate for each of the four required courses. These individual course certificates are what allow the Academy to verify completion of the full pathway.

How do I claim the full certificate?

After completing all four required courses and receiving the individual course certificates, students should submit the Foundations I Certificate Request Form. After verification, the Academy will enroll the student in the short hidden completion course, where the full certificate can be claimed.

Is this a professional certification or license?

No. This is an educational certificate of completion. It does not constitute licensure, clinical certification, academic credit, psychotherapy training, or authorization to practice therapy or counseling.

How long do I have to complete the courses?

The courses are self-paced. Students are encouraged to move through the material carefully and reflectively rather than rushing through the pathway.

Is Foundations I required before Foundations II?

Foundations I is the recommended starting point for the Academy’s certificate pathways. If an advanced Foundations II certificate option is added later, Foundations I may function as the prerequisite for that advanced certificate.