by Sheri Bortz I have been a BAAPT member since 1995. I was introduced to BAAPT by Hillevi Ruumet, a Jungian analyst and professor at the institute of Transpersonal Psychology, where I received my master’s degree in Transpersonal Psychology. My original MBTI test was ambiguous except for a strong N, but with a little study I realized I had ENFP preferences. Along with understanding the implications of whole type, learning about all eight function-attitudes has been extremely useful in understanding myself and others. My introduction to function-attitudes was from (Henry) Dick Thompson who years ago, gave BAAPT a program on the topic. I then read his book Jung’s Function Attitudes, Explained, which explained a lot! My understanding of Function-Attitudes was built on by our own John Beebe. Beebe’s theory was made easier for me to understand when interpreted in a program by Adam Frey, a long time BAAPT member. With John Beebe’s theory I explored how to rank the eight functions in our psyche, and the archetypes associated with those rankings. Depending on our whole type, each function-attitude has different archetypical roles and ease of use in our lives. Dealing with the seventh or Trickster function, in my case Ti, has been particularly challenging, yet rewarding. It takes a lot of effort for me to use Ti consciously. Nothing else must work, before I sigh and grumble, and use careful logical analysis to solve a problem. But when pushed to the wall, I know I can do it, at least for a brief period of time! I have used Ti to do complex jigsaw puzzles, and sometimes to strategize managing challenging interpersonal relationships. Then there are the more disturbing times when I use Ti unconsciously. The recent program on “Failed Conversations: The Psychodynamics of Connection” by Kevin J. Woolums, brought up my unconscious, shadow use of the Trickster. During COVID, a close, decades-long friendship ended after a dramatic interaction where my friend became emotionally abusive and frightened me. After the incident, my friend and I worked at salvaging the relationship, but I was stuck in fix-it mode. My ENFP was cringing inside as my seventh function, Mr. Trickster-Ti, spoke on and on logically analyzing my friend's failings through the medical model. I knew that I was destroying what remained of the friendship as I spoke, but I could not stop. I revisited this “failed conversation,” in a breakout room during the Woolums BAAPT program. I realized that my ENFP persona was having a challenging time releasing a friendship whose time had passed. My shadow trickster, seventh function took over and created a long overdue conclusion to an outgrown life situation. It was a blessing in disguise. Thank you, Mr. Trickster Ti. ❖ |
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