“I’ve always been extremely interested in Jung’s typology, despite my disappointment with most interpretations of Jung’s original ideas and available instruments for its assessment. James Johnston’s approach brings us back to Jung’s original insights and purpose, which contextualizes the eight functions of consciousness in terms of the whole psyche, rather than imposing theoretical principles or having a focus on classification. Johnston’s thorough study of Jung’s primary sources describes the essence of each of the eight types, clarifies some misconceptions of most post-Jungian interpretations, and contributes with new insights for a better comprehension and application of typology. It revolutionized the way I work with typology and its importance on my clinical work. The GCI is extremely valuable for working with clients, since it accurately characterizes their strengths and flaws, preferences and dislikes, which reflect the way they typically relate with themselves and the world at large. All of this is precious information for practitioners and clients during the joint venture that analytical work is.“

In the GiftsCompass I have found a highly creative and differentiated advancement of CG Jung's original ideas on psychological types. Being an image-based, user-friendly model, it appeals to soul and the imagination, to professionals and laypersons alike. Unlike other models I have worked with, it avoids the sense of "boxing in'' or stereotyping as it illustrates unrestricted type preferences and the possibility for individuals to hold preferences that seem contradictory or paradoxical. Perhaps most critically, the GiftsCompass remains true to Jung's idea of the individuation process in reminding us that psychological type does not constitute the personality as a whole, and that in-depth work with types by necessity involves one's active engagement with the realities of psychological one-sidedness, the shadow and the unconscious.

Gifts Compass provides a highly developed and theoretically well-founded tool that allows for an understanding of typology which is far more accurate than other typology models. The Gifts Compass Inventory is comprehensively based on Jung’s writings and follows his psychological understanding of inner and outer characteristics, which implies a necessary understanding of often contradictory preferences. Especially the link to Jung’s theories of the individuation process provides a dynamic model which is highly useful when considering developmental processes.

Gifts Compass has the outstanding merit of staying close to Jung’s original intention of linking psychological type theory to the individuation process. It is a brilliant contribution to the field of typological theory and practice. Of all the attempts to apply psychological type theory to models of counseling and coaching, this is by far the best

I have worked with CEOs and other organizational leaders for over 40 years and used a variety of assessments to help them along their developmental journey. Nothing compares to the Gifts Compass Inventory (GCI) for revealing the underlying patterns for both strengths and shadow. The GCI offers insights into how to help them develop and mature as persons and leaders in ways no other instruments have.

Having both helped to edit Jung’s Indispensable Compass and used the Gifts Compass Inventory in my analytical practice, I fully appreciate the sincerity and rigor with which James Johnston has stayed as true as possible to Jung’s intentions and the help this offers my analysands in deepening their understanding of the individuation process.

The GCI is a powerful instrument both in assessment and treatment. It is a dynamic tool and one can take the GCI along the analytical journey to see changes within the psyche and also in relationships in the outer world.

Clients gain a profound understanding of their typology, not as a blueprint, but as a means to navigate life’s waves. It shows them their unique gifts, how to bring them into the world and find the opposing qualities, quite often hidden in unconscious depths, to bring them to wholeness. Paving the path for a meaningful relationship with themselves and others, making career decisions that bring fulfillment.”

The GCI Provides a very clear overview of a person’s psychological makeup, in terms of types, on both the conscious and unconscious sides of the psyche. The overview is quite helpful for understanding the tension of opposites at work in the client’s individuation.

The GCI provides important insights into how to develop one’s natural talents and how to find greater fulfillment in life, both professionally and personally. It is a holistic tool that enables a clearer understanding of the need for personal growth at different stages of life. I love using the Gifts Compass with my coaching clients on their personal journeys of discovery.