Woman in the Mirror: The Puella

"Puella is a term in Jungian Analytical Psychology representing the young, naive female resisting aging, becoming serious and committed to her life. As Carl Jung, Swiss psychiatrist of the twentieth century, commented, "She started out in the world with averted face...and all the while the world and life pass by her like a dream-an annoying source of illusions, disappointments, and irritations" (Jung, 1959, para. 185). This phrase further describes the puella."

"For many, looking into the mirror shows their flaws, the negative, the difficult and she might stop in defeat. There is a search for place, recognition, and freedom. Yet when this is not found, it parallels the cultural loss of direction for women, especially for those called 'puella' in Jungian analytical psychology. Masochism, loss of will, and the woman controlled are typical themes of these women, resulting in aggression turned against themself."

"This woman can be aligned with the imposter syndrome or 'as-if' personality, a type who feels inadequate and insecure but cannot access why. She hides both her pearls and shadows, appearing other than how she feels within. Depression results from repressing what is real for her as she anticipates rejection (Schwartz, 2023, p. 18). She is a complex blend of outward confidence and inner distress. The reasons are deep-seated and require delving into the past to bring them into awareness."

Puella denotes a young, naive female who resists aging and struggles to become serious and committed. She experiences self-critical mirror reflections, searches for belonging and freedom, and may stop in defeat when recognition is absent. Cultural loss of direction can manifest as masochism, loss of will, and self-directed aggression. The puella often shows an 'as-if' or imposter stance, hiding strengths and shadows while appearing composed. Repression of inner reality produces depression and anticipatory rejection. Therapeutic work requires patient exploration of past wounds, linking shadow and self to ground creativity, mature commitment, and authentic life expression.

Read at Psychology Today