Abstract
The transition to becoming a mother carries challenges to role, identity, and self-image. Myths and archetypes related to motherhood connect societal and personal expectations with individual experiences. The fairy tale “Snow White” emerged within a single session of Guided Imagery and Music (GIM) therapy for a young mother in the postpartum phase. Although previously written up as a clinical case report, this example is now explored as a research case study, which is seen as a unique case with intrinsic qualities and explored via an explanatory approach. The systematic methodology developed for this research case study follows a typology of eight key elements of the Snow White fairy tale, comparing this pattern to the individualized narrative of this young mother. In doing so, variations to the original tale are explored in light of Jungian interpretations, which inform the experience of motherhood. In doing so, this contributes to a further understanding of the changes in role, identity, and self-image experienced by the new mother undergoing both outer and inner change, where the new mother works to fully reframe themselves into their new motherhood role. By understanding this change, additional support can be offered broadly to women during this important transition, and in turn, influence the experiences of current and future generations.