This article presents the scientific background for the introduction of the international conference in Freiburg (“The Process of Transformation”, Catholic University Freiburg, October 4–6, ). On the basis of a thorough analysis of archetype theory, it is first established that there is confusion regarding the definition of archetypes in analytical psychology. In fact, Jung's archetype theory contains not one, but four distinct theoretical strands. While Jung's biologistic and anthropological arguments in particular must be regarded as refuted, the idea of a universal form of a transformation process in psychotherapy is examined in more detail. It was Jung's endeavour to create a map of this universal transformation process in order to inform psychotherapeutic work. However, there is a glaring lack of solid research on Jung's conceptions and a concerted effort is called for in analytical psychology to develop appropriate research strategies. As an example of such research, results from the Structural Dream Analysis research project are reported.