Constructs of Time in Therapeutic Relationships

In my most recent session of the Peer Supervision Series: Expanding the Therapist’s Interior Landscape, sponsored by Onlinevents, we discussed “being the time weaver” in the therapy session and how constructs of time are conceptualized.

In our workshop today, I asked everyone to think of a recent client session. I had the group engage in contemplative writing, instructing them to write or type for 5 minutes, whatever came to the surface and not to stop- stream of consciousness- automatic writing.

The prompt for the first 5 minute writing exercise:

Thinking of this particular client session, how much of the session focused on the past, the future and the present moment?

After the writing experiences, they went into breakouts of 3 for 15 minutes to discuss what came up regarding their exploration of the session, followed by another 5 minute contemplative writing exercise.

The prompts were:

How do you bring your client into the NOW during session? Does a focus on the present moment align with your therapeutic orientation?

Again, after the writing exercise, they were placed into another 15 minute break out with 3 people to discuss.

Time as Linear

Time, as commonly understood, is linear—a succession of past, present, and future moments unfolding in sequence. However, Carl Jung and other depth psychologists have challenged this notion, proposing that time is more fluid, interconnected, and multidimensional than our linear perceptions allow. Jung’s work often emphasized the eternal “now,” where unconscious material, archetypes, and synchronicities converge. This perspective invites a reimagining of time, not as a rigid framework but as a dynamic, cyclical, and symbolic construct, particularly in therapeutic relationships.

In therapy, both clients and practitioners frequently anchor discussions in the past (e.g., traumas, formative experiences) or project anxieties and aspirations into the future. While these temporal orientations can provide valuable insight, they risk overshadowing the present moment, where healing and transformation occur. The past informs the present, and the future is shaped by it—but the “now” is where change unfolds.

Time as Nonlinear

Jung’s theory of synchronicity, which he described as “meaningful coincidences,” exemplifies time’s nonlinearity. A synchronistic event defies the cause-and-effect logic of linear time, offering moments of insight and connection that transcend ordinary temporal constraints. For example, a client reflecting on a past trauma may encounter a present-day symbol or event that provides clarity, validation, or healing. Such moments reveal the fluid interplay between time’s dimensions, illustrating that past, present, and future are not separate but interwoven.

From a depth psychological perspective, the psyche itself operates outside linear time. Dreams, fantasies, and archetypal encounters are timeless, drawing on collective unconscious material that exists beyond personal experience. In therapy, exploring these timeless dimensions allows clients to access a broader understanding of themselves and their lives, free from the constraints of a sequential timeline.

Keeping Clients in the Now

Despite the nonlinear nature of time, clients often struggle to remain present. The mind naturally oscillates between reliving the past and anticipating the future, creating loops of rumination or worry. The therapeutic relationship can serve as an anchor, helping clients ground themselves in the now. Jung viewed the present moment as the point of integration, where opposites—conscious and unconscious, past and future—could be reconciled.

Several strategies can facilitate this process:

Mindfulness and Somatic Awareness: Encouraging clients to connect with their bodies and sensory experiences can help them inhabit the present moment. Techniques such as deep breathing, grounding exercises, or guided visualizations can disrupt time-bound patterns of thought.
Symbolism and Active Imagination: Inviting clients to engage with symbols, dreams, or active imagination can bring unconscious material into the present. This approach not only honors the psyche’s timeless nature but also creates opportunities for immediate insight and transformation.
Synchronicity and Meaning-Making: Highlighting synchronistic events within the therapeutic process can validate a client’s experiences and foster a sense of presence. Recognizing the interconnectedness of time empowers clients to see meaning in their current struggles and triumphs.
Dialogue Focused on Integration: Rather than dwelling on “what was” or “what might be,” therapy can prioritize how past experiences inform the client’s current state and how present actions align with future intentions.

Ultimately, anchoring the therapeutic process in the now moment honors the timeless and transformative nature of healing. By weaving together insights from Jung’s theories and present-focused practices, therapists can help clients navigate the complexities of time, enabling them to embrace the richness of the moment as a gateway to growth and self-discovery.