The therapeutic power of Myth

Psyche with the lamp

The importance of Myth and Story as a healing tool in therapy:

In today’s world, we’re constantly flooded with different versions of reality. Social media, news outlets, and personal opinions all collide, and it’s up to us to sift through it all and figure out what’s true and what aligns with our beliefs. It’s a lot to navigate, and honestly, it can feel overwhelming. Let alone our own issues we are struggling with.

So, what can we do when the world feels like it's spinning too fast? I turn to something timeless and powerful: myths and storytelling. There’s something deeply resonant about ancient myths and fairy tales—they speak to the very heart of what it means to be human. These stories tackle our inner and outer struggles, joy and pain, triumphs and challenges. And in a world full of chaos, they can offer a sense of connection, relief, and wisdom.

Storytelling has always been a big part of human life. Think about it—so many of us have fond memories of bedtime stories, family tales around the dinner table, or ghost stories at camp. What was your favourite story?There's something special about gathering at the end of the day or at certain times of the year to sit together, listen, and share stories. Stories have always helped us understand ourselves, our communities, and the world we live in. Myths have preserved wisdom and passed down cultural identity across generations. Even Indigenous Australian traditions have used storytelling for thousands of years to pass on knowledge and keep their culture alive.

The power of Myth in therapy

But why are myths so powerful, especially in therapy? Well, for many reasons: They offer a container, they are grounding and offer play space for the client as well as help navigate old and negative beliefs, they help bypass long held defences so the client can start to make changes in their life. Help them to Right a new story and a new Myth!

There are two big myths I like to use in my practice:

1Psyche and Eros

2 Isis and Osiris.

These myths explore the human condition in rich, deep ways, and I find they help clients uncover new insights into their own journeys.

The story of Psyche and Eros:

In this Myth Psyche must face four impossible tasks on her journey to wholeness. This is a decent in the true meaning of the word. To be reunited with her beloved she must succeed in these tasks. The first task is “sorting the beans”. Psyche must sort a room full of different types of seeds by morning or else! She manages to do so with the help of the ants that come to her aid. This is a huge task and one we face all the time. Life is demanding and can be very overwhelming and stressful for many different reasons. I share the Myth of Psyche and eros and get the client to sort a big pile of beans I have in my room. Without fail clients report feeling calm and less overwhelmed after engaging with this exercise. There is more to it of course but this is just an example of how I use the power of myth as a therapeutic tool. Clients often take beans home to help them regulate when stressed.

 As well as the ancient myths I also love telling fairy tales and folklore to help clients tap into their imaginations and unlock new layers of understanding. There is a sense of stepping in to the play space with story that is vital to our younger selves.

Myths Reflect the Collective Human Experience

Carl Jung’s idea of the collective unconscious helps explain why myths feel so universal. They capture experiences we all share—things like life transitions, emotional struggles, and the search for meaning. Archetypes like the hero, the innocent, the orphan, or the warrior resonate with us because they reflect our own inner challenges and triumphs.

A good myth isn’t just entertainment; it’s a window into our psyche. Take Joseph Campbell’s idea of the hero’s journey, for example. It’s the story of someone who goes through adversity, learns something profound, and emerges transformed. This pattern shows up in so many myths and can help clients see their own struggles as part of a larger, meaningful process. When someone hears a myth that mirrors their own life, it can be incredibly comforting. They realize, "I’m not alone—this story has been told for centuries, and it’s part of a bigger narrative." Myths also work as metaphors, helping us make sense of our lives in new ways.

Myths as a Safe Space for Healing

In therapy, stories create a safe, non-judgmental space to explore tough issues. Many clients come in with shame, confusion, or walls up around their experiences. By introducing a myth that mirrors their struggles, I can offer a metaphorical container for their pain and potential for change. Think of it as shining a light into the unconscious—just like in the myth of Psyche and Eros, where Psyche must face her fears and embrace the unknown.

For instance, a client who feels insecure or like they don’t belong or are working on early attachment and negative mother themes (think of the orphan archetype) might really connect with the stories of Snow White or Cinderella. As they see themselves and family members reflected in those tales, they start to understand their own struggles with more compassion. The myth helps them realize, "I’m not the only one who feels this way," and gives them permission to be kind to themselves.

Myths also help clients step outside themselves and project their experiences onto universal characters. This distance lets them reflect and gain insight without feeling overwhelmed by their defences. By working with myths, clients can reframe their own stories and start rewriting their personal narratives, transforming the way they see themselves.

Using Myths to Navigate Life’s Changes

Myths are especially helpful when clients are going through big life changes. A young person stepping into adulthood, for example, might find guidance in a myth about bravery or self-discovery. The myth of Psyche and Eros offers incredible insights for those navigating relationships or personal growth.

The story of Psyche is all about transformation—the move from maidenhood to womanhood, from dependence to independence. Psyche faces four impossible tasks, each symbolizing inner work: confronting fears, embracing vulnerability, and trusting the process. This myth shows us that growth often requires us to face the shadow side of ourselves and emerge more whole.

By exploring this myth, clients can identify their own "tasks" and tap into the inner strength needed to face them. The myth becomes a source of inspiration, helping them see their challenges as opportunities for transformation—even when the outcome is still unknown.

Tapping into the Creative Unconscious

One of the reasons myths are so effective in therapy is that they speak directly to the unconscious mind. They bypass the logical, intellectual defence’s we often put up and instead resonate with our deeper emotions and truths. When I introduce a myth, I invite my clients into a shared imaginative space, where they can connect with the story, identify with the characters, and reflect on their own life experiences.

It’s kind of like working with trance or using metaphor to reframe the client’s story. For example, I once worked with a client who felt like they never quite fit in—whether with friends or family. They often felt like they were too much or not enough, which led to feelings of not being good enough. We worked through this by telling the Ugly Duckling story.

In the tale, the “ugly duckling” feels out of place and unloved until he goes on a journey and discovers he’s a beautiful swan. While the client’s life story was different, the themes of rejection and self-discovery really spoke to her. It helped her recognize her own value and learn to love herself more deeply. It was a powerful moment for her—a real “aha” moment that helped her understand that she’s worthy of love and belonging.

Why Myths Matter

The enduring power of myth lies in its ability to transcend time, culture, and circumstance. Whether you're in therapy or just navigating life, myths offer a way to make sense of the world and our place in it. They remind us that we’re not alone in our struggles—they’re part of a shared human experience.

As a therapist, weaving myths into my practice allows me to create a space for compassion, creativity, and transformation. Through stories, I help clients connect with their inner wisdom, find meaning in their challenges, and emerge with a deeper sense of self.