Dr Theodora Volti: “Jung’s Analytical Psychology and Perls’ Gestalt Therapy”

Friday 10th April 2026

“Drawing Parallels Between Carl Jung’s Analytical Psychology and Fritz Perls’ Gestalt Psychotherapy”

Dr Theodora Volti

MacKillop Conference Centre, 50 Archibald St, Lyneham ACT 2602

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***In this talk, Theodora will juxtapose the personal lives of Carl Jung and Fritz Perls and explore how their formative experiences shaped both their personalities and their professional contributions. From the many possible points of comparison, she will focus on three key areas:

a. the role women played in each man’s life and work,

b. their differing understandings of psychological defence mechanisms, and
c. their approaches to dreams and the unconscious.

The presentation will also include a brief fictional dialogue between Jung and Perls to highlight their contrasting voices and perspectives.
No comparison would be complete without referencing the Gestalt Paradoxical Theory of Change - a concept that, while formulated within Gestalt therapy, finds intriguing echoes within Jung’s analytical psychology. Throughout the talk, I will highlight major similarities, significant differences, and the lasting legacies of both thinkers.

Theodora Volti was born in Athens, where she lived during her first 20 years. She studied geophysics at the University of Edinburgh, Scotland and also worked as a researcher in Japan and Australia.

Eight years ago she moved into counselling and psychotherapy and became a qualified Gestalt therapist. Theodora has extensive knowledge of psychology, and five years experience of offering advice and support to parents, children, young people, students and victims of sexual assault.

She worked in 2025 as a counsellor and educator in a mental health hospital, and now works as an EAP consultant part time and in Private Practice three days a week.

Cost for attendance (at macKillop House):
Jung Soc members free
Guests $20 (Seniors / Concession $15)
Pay cash at the door, or bank transfer or by credit card via TryBooking.

Cost for on-line access:
Jung Soc. members free (We'll send you a link),
Guests $10
Pay by bank transfer or by credit card via TryBooking.

We meet from 7:30pm for tea and coffee and snacks, music, discussion and library.
The Guest Speaker's presentation is at 8pm for an hour or so, then we break for supper,
then we resume for questions and discussion, finishing by 10pm.

Details: www.canberrajungsociety.org.au