From Illusion to Conscious Suffering: A Jungian View of Politics, Inflation, and Redemption
Vlado Šolc, LCPC, CSAC, ICS, Jungian Analyst

This lecture explores contemporary QAnon conspiracy theory not as purely irrational beliefs, but as symbolic expressions of deeper psychological and cultural dynamics. In an era of polarization and political extremism, narcissistic split increasingly shapes both individual and collective life, leading to grandiosity, denial of vulnerability, and distorted perceptions of reality. By viewing conspiratorial narratives through a Jungian lens, we can better understand their mythic unconscious structures. Rather than dismissing them, a symbolic approach helps reveal the unconscious complexes at work and offers pathways toward dialogue, integration, and greater psychological awareness in divided communities.

A Diplomate Jungian Analyst practicing in Wisconsin and Illinois. He is an analyst, consultant, educator, and co-director of the Jungian Psychotherapy and Studies Program at the C.G. Jung Institute of Chicago. Vlado lives in constant awe of the miracle of existence. His clinical focus includes psycho-spiritual crises (loss of meaning and direction in life), the mind-body connection (psychosomatic issues), immigration and cultural adaptation among others. His research includes narcissism, collective psychology, religious fundamentalism, illusion, and transformation among others. He has presented at conferences across North America, Asia, and Europe and has authored numerous peer-reviewed articles and seven books in the area of depth psychology. He is co-author of Dark Religion: Fundamentalism From The Perspective of Jungian Psychology. Learn more at therapyvlado.com.