Book now!
Looking at the Therapy on the Sopranos from a Jungian Lens

Looking at the Therapy on the Sopranos from a Jungian Lens

by | Aug 23, 2024 | , ,

What if Tony Soprano had gone to a Jungian Analyst? The Sopranos is one of my favorite shows. In fact I often re-watch it while I write these blog posts and so I decided to write some blog posts on the show itself. I have said before that I think the shows enduring popularity is a result of its ability to show the macrocosm of a power structure and the microcosm of the individual psychologies that inhabit it. There is just one problem. Over the years I have drifted more post Jungian in my therapeutic orientation....

The Sopranos: The Psychology of Power, Empire, and Capitalism

The Sopranos: The Psychology of Power, Empire, and Capitalism

by | Aug 22, 2024 | , ,

Biederman argued that the show (The Sopranos) is, at its heart, about the bathetic nature of decline. “’Decline not as a romantic, singular, aesthetically breathtaking act of destruction,’ he said, but as a humiliating, slow-motion slide down a hill into a puddle of filth. ‘You don’t flee a burning Rome with your beautiful beloved in your arms, barely escaping a murderous horde of barbarians; you sit down for 18 hours a day, enjoy fewer things than you used to, and take on the worst qualities of your parents...

Freud: The Making (and Unmaking) of an Illusion

Freud: The Making (and Unmaking) of an Illusion

by | Aug 22, 2024 |

Dedication : The late author of Freud: The Making of an Illusion, Dr. Fredrick Crews was a pen pal of mine. He was an eternally interesting and a sardonic rapier sharp wit, with a shrewd eye for empirical hygiene but also a clear head and fascinating perspective up to the end of his life. His death in June '24 marks the end of our correspondence but not the influence of his work. I would highly recommend his book on Freud, as it is based on the most recent archive disclosures available and one of the best...

Freud’s Death Drive: What was Thanatos?

Freud’s Death Drive: What was Thanatos?

by | Aug 22, 2024 | ,

Why did Freud Abandon His Death Drive Theory? In the hit TV show Mad Men, ad executive Pete Campbell makes a daring pitch to Lucky Strike cigarettes. To sell their product, he suggests, they should embrace the subconscious "death wish" that drives people to smoke. While Campbell's pitch was shocking, the concept he based it on - Sigmund Freud's "death drive," or thanatos - is one of the most intriguing and controversial ideas in the history of psychology. Freud believed that just as humans have an innate drive...

Meeting the Diverse Needs of Birmingham Alabama’s Community

Meeting the Diverse Needs of Birmingham Alabama’s Community

by | Aug 20, 2024 | ,

Where Should Young People Get Therapy in Birmingham Alabama? Birmingham, Alabama is a city steeped in rich history, cultural diversity, and a tapestry of religious traditions. This multifaceted backdrop makes it an ideal setting for innovative and culturally-responsive therapy and counseling, which is exactly what Taproot Therapy Collective aims to provide. Diverse Cultural and Religious Landscape Birmingham's population reflects a diverse mix of races, ethnicities, and religions. Approximately 70% of the city's...

Dr. John E. Fryer’s Legacy and the Current State of Therapy

Dr. John E. Fryer’s Legacy and the Current State of Therapy

by | Aug 19, 2024 |

Who was Dr. H Anonymous? Dr. John E. Fryer, known as Dr. H. Anonymous, played a pivotal role in the history of psychiatry and the fight against the stigmatization of homosexuality. In 1972, Dr. Fryer delivered a groundbreaking speech at the American Psychiatric Association (APA) annual meeting, challenging the classification of homosexuality as a mental disorder. Wearing a mask and using a voice-altering microphone to protect his identity, Dr. Fryer spoke about the experiences of gay psychiatrists and the need...

Mindfulness and Mental Health

Mindfulness and Mental Health

by | Aug 19, 2024 | , ,

How Present-Moment Awareness Can Transform Your Life Mindfulness, the practice of bringing non-judgmental awareness to the present moment, has emerged as a powerful tool for promoting mental health and well-being. Psychologists, therapists, and counselors are increasingly incorporating mindfulness-based interventions into their work with clients struggling with issues like anxiety, depression, trauma, ADHD, eating disorders, and more. The Benefits of Mindfulness Research has shown that regular mindfulness...

How Therapy Can Help Heal the Mind and Body

How Therapy Can Help Heal the Mind and Body

by | Aug 19, 2024 |

Trauma and the Brain: Trauma, whether stemming from emotional abuse, narcissistic abuse, chronic pain, or other experiences, can have a profound impact on the brain and body. Psychologists and therapists are increasingly recognizing the importance of trauma-informed therapy in treating mental health issues like anxiety, depression, PTSD, and more. The Neurobiological Impact of Trauma Trauma can alter the brain's structure and function, particularly in regions like the amygdala, hippocampus, and prefrontal cortex....

The Karpman Drama Triangle

The Karpman Drama Triangle

by | Aug 19, 2024 |

A Comprehensive Guide for Therapists and Clients to The Karpman Drama Triangle The Karpman Drama Triangle, developed by psychologist Stephen Karpman, is a powerful tool used by psychologists, therapists, and counselors in various settings, including individual therapy, marriage counseling, couples therapy, family therapy, and group therapy. This model helps clients understand and break free from dysfunctional relationship dynamics that often contribute to mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, trauma,...

The History of Personality Psychology

The History of Personality Psychology

by | Aug 19, 2024 | ,

The History of Personality Psychology? Personality psychology is the study of the patterns of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that make each individual unique. Throughout history, philosophers, scientists and psychologists have grappled with questions of identity, self-concept, and individual differences that form the core of this field. In this article, we'll dive into the fascinating history of personality psychology, exploring the key theorists, tests, and typology systems that have shaped our understanding...