Is Shadow Work on TikTok a Transformative Tool for Mental Health?

Trending on TikTok are videos discussing "shadow work," which have garnered over 2 billion views. Many TikTok users find "The Shadow Work Journal" to be a valuable companion in their mental health journey. According to experts, engaging in shadow work, if you're interested, can yield various positive effects on mental well-being. The term "shadow" can metaphorically refer to a constant presence, akin to a devoted toddler by a parent's side, or describe someone who outshines another, such as a sibling or colleague.

But is there a shadow beyond the literal one cast by light? This is the premise of shadow work, currently a TikTok trend with videos surpassing 2.1 billion views. According to Jenn Kennedy, Ph.D., LMFT, founder of Riviera Therapy and The Pleasure Project, shadow work involves confronting the more challenging and often overlooked aspects of oneself, allowing the complex and typically avoided parts to the surface and be processed.

Kelly R. Minter, LMHC, of Anchored Counseling in Florida, also utilizes a similar approach called "parts work," particularly in eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy.

Even Minter has acquired the popular book among TikTokers, "The Shadow Work Journal: A Guide to Integrate and Transcend your Shadows" by Keila Shaheen. Minter mentioned, "I figured at some point my clients were going to read it if they hadn’t already."

While the concept of shadow work has been around for decades, its sudden surge in popularity prompts the question of why and whether it's worth trying. Mental health experts offer their insights and suggestions for independent or professional exploration.

What is Shadow Work: The Latest Tik Tok Trend?

Shadow work, at its core, involves delving into the depths of one's psyche to uncover and accept suppressed, denied, or rejected aspects of oneself, as explained by Amanda Stretcher, MA, LPC-S, of Choosing Therapy.

This concept, introduced by Swiss psychiatrist Carl Jung in the 20th century, centers around the notion that every individual possesses a "shadow self," which comprises psychological material that hasn't been integrated due to its distressing or unfamiliar nature.

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Stretcher emphasizes that the development of a shadow self typically begins in childhood as individuals internalize societal norms, parental expectations, and cultural conditioning.

As certain facets of one's personality become unacceptable or challenging to manage, they are pushed into the unconscious mind, collectively forming the shadow self. Shadow work aims to bring these hidden aspects into the light.

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"Parts work," an approach stemming from Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy, also delves into the idea that our psyche consists of distinct 'parts' or sub-personalities, each with its own thoughts, feelings, and motivations.

Parts work aims to identify and explore these different parts, understand their roles, and eventually facilitate inner peace and integration by fostering communication between them (1^✔ ✔Trusted Source
A Study of the Internal Family Systems Model Applied to Remarried Couples of Stepfamilies in Different Stages of Adjustment

Go to source).

While experts can't pinpoint why shadow work has become a social media sensation, they speculate that the growing interest in holistic well-being, self-awareness, and personal growth may be contributing factors. Additionally, shadow work offers a means for self-discovery and healing at a time when accessing mental health professionals may be challenging due to shortages.

Benefits of Shadow Work

Shadow work, whether pursued independently or with professional guidance, can yield several benefits:

1. Self-Awareness:

   By confronting suppressed emotions and hidden motivations, individuals gain a deeper understanding of themselves, enabling them to better meet their own needs

2. Recognizing Patterns:

   Shadow work helps individuals identify and address cycles that may be hindering their progress

3. Understanding Triggers:

   It allows individuals to pinpoint situations that consistently evoke strong emotional responses, shedding light on underlying issues

4. Emotional Healing:

   Though it involves unearthing repressed feelings, shadow work can lead to processing and releasing past traumas and emotional wounds, ultimately promoting emotional well-being

5. Personal Growth:

   By acknowledging and integrating repressed aspects, shadow work paves the way for personal growth, self-acceptance, and a more authentic and fulfilling life

6. Deeper Relationships:

   Unpacking internal thoughts and emotions can lead to greater authenticity in interpersonal interactions, strengthening bonds

7. Stress Reduction:

   A better understanding of oneself, improved relationships, and reduced inner conflicts contribute to lower stress levels

Despite its potential benefits, some individuals, such as those dealing with psychosis, active eating disorders, or substance use issues, may need to exercise caution when considering shadow work. The timeline for seeing progress can vary widely, from weeks to years, depending on the depth of the issues addressed and an individual's commitment to the process. Consistency and patience are key.

In conclusion, shadow work, originally conceptualized by Carl Jung, has gained newfound popularity on TikTok. It involves exploring and integrating repressed aspects of oneself for a more holistic sense of well-being. While it's not suitable for everyone, shadow work, whether pursued independently or with professional support, can yield numerous mental health benefits. The process may take time, but consistency and patience can lead to meaningful progress.

Reference:

1. A Study of the Internal Family Systems Model Applied to Remarried Couples of Stepfamilies in Different Stages of Adjustment - (https://digitalcommons.andrews.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1263&context=dissertations)

Source-Medindia