The brutality of intellectual-ism

At this point it becomes easier to understand why Jung always required of analysts that they should ultimately work the most on continuing to make progress in their own individuation. In so doing, they take their analysands along with them on their journey, without trying to influence them directly (which would be an abuse of power). In an early letter, Jung even goes so far as to say that the therapist should only analyze the pathological aspect of the patient’s psyche. This is because intellectual understanding is destructive. Understanding (Latin comprendere), after all, means “taking hold of,” “grasping,” and thus corresponds to an exercise of power. When the patient’s being and destiny are at stake, one should relate to his unique mystery with wordless respect. As Jung said, “We must understand the divine in us, but not in another insofar as he is capable of getting on and understanding on his own.”

- Marie Louise von Franz, Psychotherapy, p. 8