23rd International Congress of Analytical Psychology. Zurich, August 2025

"The Experience of the Incomprehensible:

Jungian Studies and Contribution"

This year's congress was dedicated to the 150th anniversary of Carl Gustav Jung's birth. That is why it took place in Zurich — the city where the ideas that transformed our understanding of the depths of the human soul were shaped.

For many participants, this was a true pilgrimage: visiting Jungian sites, the house in Küsnacht, the library, the legendary tower in Bollingen. These spaces came alive, revealing the presence of his spirit.

The congress began very movingly — with the presentation of the book about Emma Jung, "Dedication to the Soul: The Life and Work of Emma Jung." Her life, work, and contribution to the development of analytical psychology often remain in the shadows. But here, we saw her image in a new light. It was also symbolic that the book was presented by Jung's family — his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

It is worth noting the Congress Program and its scale.

Over 5 days, there were:

• 9 plenary sessions,

• 10 large breakout sessions,

• over 110 presentations by analysts from around the world,

• panel discussions.

It was a sea of ideas, voices, and discoveries, yet at the same time — a feeling of a shared search for meaning.

Jungian conferences always have their own rhythm and special atmosphere.

Every morning — meditations and the "dream matrix."

Every evening — concerts, theatrical performances, creative gatherings, and book presentations.

This balance of science, spiritual experience, and art creates a space that is both intellectual and profoundly humane.

Ukrainian Presence

The Congress in Zurich became an important milestone for the Ukrainian Jungian Association.

For the first time, we had such a powerful turnout — 5 Jungian analysts from the UJA, a delegation of Basic Program students, Training Program candidates, and colleagues — over 20 Ukrainian psychologists.

We were joined by colleagues from other Ukrainian Jungian communities. Ukraine was represented by a large and powerful delegation.

We want to congratulate our colleagues from the Ukrainian Association of Analytical Psychology on receiving the status of a Group Member of the IAAP with Training Status.

We wish you success and continued fruitful development!

It is significant that another event united us — the collaborative work that the entire international Jungian community has been doing for Ukraine as a sign of solidarity during the brutal war since March 2022. After 3.5 years, we gathered in the main hall of the congress and spoke about Ukraine.

Inna Kyryliuk and Olena Kovalenko delivered presentations. They spoke in Ukrainian (with translation into English), sharing their experiences and how this support project has affected all of us.

A special symbol was the Tree of Life. Participants from around the world stuck leaves of various shapes and colors onto it, leaving words of gratitude and their own reflections on the meaning of this project. Many leaves were from Ukrainians, but new ones appeared beside them — from all over the world. This became an image of unity and shared breath.

Another significant event was the presentation of the book "The Cultural Complex," edited by Jörg Rasche and Thomas Singer.

This international collection also includes the experience of the war in Ukraine. In particular, it features an article by our colleague Viktoria Roslik, in which she explores Ukrainian myths and the image of the Cossack Mamay — as a symbol of endurance, freedom, and the inner strength of our people.

We sincerely congratulate Viktoria on this significant publication and on the fact that Ukrainian mythology has resounded on the international stage in such an important context.

A special event was the meeting between Natalia Zhdanova and colleagues with the current head of the C. G. Jung Club London. This organization was founded back in 1922, and it was on September 15, 1922, in Esther Harding's house that the first Jungian club was opened.

In the conversation, words were spoken about the "libido of kinship" — the deep connection between people who underwent analysis with Carl Gustav Jung, Emma Jung, and Toni Wolff. Natalia had an interesting conversation about the club's modern forms of work, its values, and its role in preserving the tradition.

And most importantly — we want to express our great gratitude to the entire Ukrainian delegation. Over 20 psychologists from Ukraine were able to attend the Congress. Thanks to them, this event became not only international but also familiar, close, and filled with our presence.

The moments of meetings, hugs, joint discussions, walks, and coffee during breaks — all of this created an atmosphere of unity that will remain in our hearts forever. This was a space of kinship and life that we create together, even in the most difficult times .