Abstract: Active Imagination is a unique clinical technique which was developed by the late Swiss psychiatrist C.G. Jung (1875-1961). This article generalizes the definition, practical conditions, application and arguments of and for active imagination. Active Imagination has been developed in many forms. It could be integrated into art therapy, body movement therapy, used in individual or group clinical work, as well as being applied in the understanding and working through the transference and counter-transference in clinical work or case supervision. Even though there are some theoretical disputes regarding active imagination, we suggest that it should be applied widely in practice based on its essential features. We further assert that this method can be further developed by fostering the integration and constructive dialogue between the technique and theory of analytical psychology and aspects of Chinese Culture.

Key words: active imagination, unconscious, image, Sandplay, dream, psychoanalysis