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May 14, 2026Journal of Analytical Psychology0 citations

Coming to Terms with the Other: Entering the Unknown/Non‐Understandable

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APAudrey Punnett

Key Points

  • This analysis aims to understand the emotional and psychological journey of a child from an immigrant family adapting to a new culture while retaining traditions.
  • Qualitative case study of an immigrant family from a South Asian background over eight years.
  • Explored the psychological impacts of cultural assimilation and parental expectations.
  • Emphasized the therapeutic relationship between the child and caregivers.
  • The child's transition from feeling orphaned to developing a strong identity as a warrior reflects the importance of cultural understanding.
  • Findings indicate that strong familial support can significantly reduce feelings of isolation and enhance development.
  • The analysis highlights the role of entering relationships in healing and self-discovery.

Abstract

Abstract The quote from the stone at Bollingen begins, “Time is a child playing like a child playing a board game; the kingdom of the child.” It holds much value for those of us working with children: we are entering their world, their “kingdom” to understand and to help them develop so they will thrive in this world. The case of an immigrant family from a South Asian background who were trying to assimilate into the American culture, and yet hold on to their valued traditions, placed much pressure on their eldest male child to succeed. Like the orphanus sum quote on another side of the stone at Bollingen, he felt orphaned, and alone to face the disappointments he experienced from his parents. The eight‐year analysis presented in this paper follows his journey from orphan to warrior. To enter relationship and to know oneself is key to all healing: Jung said “… the process of coming to terms with the Other in us … helps us to know aspects of our nature” (1955–1956, para. 706), and this is particularly true in our work with the child, as we enter the relationship going from non‐understandable to understandable—a courageous journey.

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Cite This Study

Audrey Punnett (2026) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/6a0567a8a550a87e60a1fc26https://doi.org/10.1111/1468-5922.70054
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