**1.2 Jungian archetypes and use of fairy tales**

Cultural myths emerge as artifacts of society in form such as stories handed down from generation to generation, often then being converted into dramatic and artistic multimedia artforms such as plays, movies, ballet, music, and film. These stories may include many elements which can be interpreted metaphorically. The universality of fairy tales in crossing cultural boundaries and addressing social and generational issues within the context of child and adolescent psychiatry is noted by Wallace and colleagues [36]. From a psychological point of view, fairy tales provide "grist for the mill" in human experiences, and have fascinated writers and practitioners in the therapeutic fields such as C.G. Jung. Myths and attitudes about mothers and motherhood are pervasive and foundational across all societies, and Jung describes the archetype of the mother within an array of archetypes [37–39]. An archetype may simply be described as a universal pattern in the psyche, in a similar manner to instincts [37]. Archetypes comprise key elements often in heightened imaginal form, providing the ingredients to understand human attitudes and behaviors which in turn assist the person with changes experienced in everyday life. Such archetypal patterns typically follow a distinct goal, "the meaning of which becomes more and more clear as they unfold in their actual expressions or images" [40]. Broadly from a Jungian stance, myths are seen as both particular and universal, needing translation into the language of the audience [41]. Archetypes typically address personal complexes linked to relationship issues, thereby enlarging awareness and empowering the living of an authentic life [20].

Archetypes are important in therapy, potentially echoing themes in the life experience of a person and bringing to consciousness what was previously unconscious or preconscious, in turn leading to transformation. Beebe lists a wide range of archetypal complexes which serve as patterns for internal dialogs within the self, including the hero, good father, trickster, divine child, good mother, and bad witch [42]. This internal process of development and transformation, terms individuation by Jung, is seen as a naturally occurring process within the human psyche where archetypal complexes are typically explored and ultimately resolved [20, 37, 40]. Therefore, the purpose of an archetype is to bring materials to consciousness and in doing so enlarge experience and make meaning for the person, contributing to the overall process of psychological growth and development. Clearly, issues from the primary family and their own experiences of being mothered affect progress toward individuation for any person. Additionally, significant issues occur for "replacement children" (after the loss of another child) as they grow and develop during adulthood, in turn affect their own attachment, identity, grief, and guilt [21].

The archetypal information carried by images can be worked with during progress toward individuation. Such images are found in the form of dreams and active
