Imagine an image of a large black raven perched on top of a carefully balanced stack of stones. The raven gazes off to the side, its beak slightly open, while in front of it a green plant with a blooming pink flower stands in contrast. Behind them, the cloudy sky provides a dramatic backdrop. At first glance, the scene seems straightforward—a bird, stones, and a plant. But as you take a closer look, the stacked stones start to form the profile of a man with an expression of detachment, perhaps even emptiness.
This image plays with perception, inviting different interpretations depending on what catches your eye first. Some might immediately notice the raven, while others focus on the man’s face. These initial impressions, formed almost instantaneously, offer more than just a glimpse into the visual elements of the scene—they reveal something about how our unconscious minds shape the way we understand the world around us.
Perception and the Unconscious: Understanding the World in a Flash
When we encounter an image like the raven perched on stones, our brains automatically and quickly attempt to make sense of what we see. This process happens so fast that it often bypasses conscious thought, relying on patterns, past experiences, and our emotional state to guide us toward meaning. The striking thing about this kind of perception is that it not only reflects the external image but also reveals something internal—our unconscious biases, emotions, and even self-perceptions.
In psychodynamic psychotherapy, which I (Ari Sotiriou) practice at the Online Therapy Clinic, we often explore how unconscious forces shape behaviour and emotions. Similarly, interpreting ambiguous images can offer insights into the thoughts and feelings that lurk beneath the surface. When someone sees the raven first, for example, they might unconsciously associate the bird with transformation or mystery, reflecting deeper concerns about change or the unknown. Alternatively, those who are drawn to the human profile might be tapping into emotions around detachment or isolation.
Symbolism in the Image: What Do You See?
The elements in the image are rich with symbolism. Ravens, often associated with death, transformation, and the unknown, evoke a sense of mystery or foreboding. Stacked stones, on the other hand, represent balance, patience, and human intervention—suggesting a delicate, purposeful arrangement. The blooming flower introduces a note of life and vitality into an otherwise stark scene. For some, the contrast between the living plant and the motionless stones or raven can evoke feelings of tension between life and emotional stagnation.
More intriguingly, the human profile formed by the stones brings a distinctly psychological dimension. The man’s expression may appear detached, even soulless, depending on the viewer’s interpretation. Some people might be drawn to this figure, interpreting it as a reflection of their own emotional state. If you are experiencing a period of emotional numbness or isolation, the man’s expression might resonate deeply with how you feel inside.
As a psychodynamic therapist, I often explore these kinds of connections in therapy sessions—how external perceptions, like images or experiences, reflect internal realities. The human mind has a remarkable way of projecting inner emotions onto what we see, revealing unconscious thoughts that are otherwise difficult to access.
Unconscious Reactions and Self-Perception
What we see when looking at an ambiguous image like this can tell us a great deal about ourselves. The immediacy of our interpretation—whether we see the raven, the stones, or the profile of the man—offers a glimpse into our unconscious mind. Often, this quick response is influenced by deeper emotions or past experiences that we might not be consciously aware of.
At the Online Therapy Clinic, Dr Ruxandra Ion, a highly experienced Cognitive Behavioural Therapist (CBT), works with clients to help them recognise the automatic thoughts and unconscious reactions that arise from these split-second interpretations. In CBT, we focus on understanding how these thoughts impact our emotions and behaviours, and we work to challenge and reframe them where necessary.
If someone tends to focus on the human profile, for instance, they might unknowingly be confronting feelings of emotional disconnection or isolation. Dr Ion would explore these automatic thoughts with clients to help them recognise any cognitive distortions influencing their view of themselves or the world around them.
Ambiguous Images in Therapy: A Path to Self-Discovery
Ambiguous images are often used in psychotherapy, as they can help uncover unconscious thoughts and feelings in a way that words sometimes cannot. In psychodynamic psychotherapy, which I specialise in, we often work with symbols and images as a way of accessing hidden aspects of the self. The raven and the stone-man profile, for example, may represent different parts of your psyche—the raven symbolising the unknown or transformation, and the man reflecting a sense of emotional withdrawal. These unconscious elements, once brought into awareness, can be explored and understood in a deeper therapeutic context.
In CBT, ambiguous images may also be used as a tool to identify automatic thoughts or cognitive biases. Dr Ruxandra Ion helps clients develop greater awareness of these unconscious reactions, enabling them to better understand their thought patterns and challenge any negative or unhelpful interpretations.
At the Online Therapy Clinic, we offer a unique combination of psychodynamic psychotherapy and CBT. Through our online services, you can explore both approaches from the comfort of your home. Whether you are looking to delve deeply into your unconscious mind or challenge automatic thoughts and behaviours, we have the expertise to guide you on your journey to greater self-awareness and emotional well-being.
Perceptual Priming: How the Mind Shapes What We See
Another aspect of visual perception to consider is the phenomenon of perceptual priming, where recent experiences influence what we notice first. For instance, if you’ve been thinking about change or transformation recently, you might be more inclined to focus on the raven. Similarly, if feelings of emotional detachment have been at the forefront of your mind, you might be drawn to the man’s profile. This cognitive bias demonstrates how easily our unconscious mind shapes our immediate reactions to what we see.
In CBT, understanding how perceptual priming influences our thoughts can be key to changing the way we respond to different situations. Dr Ion helps clients recognise these unconscious influences, allowing them to challenge and reframe their perceptions. Together, we help clients build more balanced and constructive ways of interpreting their environment.
Conclusion: Exploring the Depths of Perception
Ambiguous images like the raven and stones offer more than just visual intrigue—they provide a unique opportunity to explore the depths of our unconscious mind. By reflecting on what we see first and how we interpret the symbols within, we can gain valuable insights into our emotional and psychological states. These quick, automatic responses reveal how our unconscious shapes our understanding of the world around us.
At the Online Therapy Clinic, we believe that exploring these unconscious processes, whether through psychodynamic psychotherapy or CBT, is key to achieving emotional well-being. Dr Ruxandra Ion and I are here to help you understand yourself more deeply and to guide you through the process of self-discovery. If you’re interested in learning more about how our therapies can support you, visit us at Online Therapy Clinic.
By Ari Sotiriou M.A. psychodynamic psychotherapist co-founder Online Therapy Clinic