What do we value? It is important to note that this article is only a thought experiment for the purposes of reconsidering our implicit assumptions and societal conceptions of the necessities for civilization and what is "normal" behavior for humans. In the article about mysticism I pointed out that I was a psychotherapist not a theologian. Here I need to point out that I am not an economist either. This thought experiment is not advocating for any kind of specific new political or economic reality. Instead it is...

The Relationship between Intuition and Trauma     Many artists that have spoken to describe their process as "tuning into a radio wave". One artist told me that she did not even know what she was making until it is all done. Many effective creatives explain that it does not feel like they create art. Instead it feels like their art is simply coming through them. Joseph Campbell used to say that the artist swims in the ocean that the psychotic drowns in. Art, wisdom, intuition, and our unresolved trauma...

One of the things that happens frequently in family therapy is that a person or group of family members will accuse the other person or group of family  therapy of being mean or hateful. Most of the time if someone is abusive or intentionally hurtful they won't deny ill intentions. Put simply, someone who has meant to be mean will usually admit that.  Other times one side denies intentionally trying to hurt the person accusing them of trying to cause harm. When this happens I usually draw a line down a piece of...

Who was Wilhelm Reich? Wilhelm Reich, a controversial figure cloaked in enigmatic complexity and untamed paradoxes, defied easy categorization throughout his extraordinary life. Born on March 24, 1897, in the mystical realm of Galicia, Reich embarked on a career marked by intellectual brilliance, radical ideas, and a destiny entwined with both triumph and tragedy. A child prodigy with a restless spirit, he immersed himself in the worlds of medicine and psychoanalysis, driven by an insatiable curiosity that defied...

Albert Ellis Albert Ellis (1913-2007) was an influential American psychologist and the founder of Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT). His impact on the profession of psychology and therapy was significant, as he challenged prevailing therapeutic approaches and introduced innovative techniques. However, his methods were not without controversy. Here is a brief biography highlighting Albert Ellis' impact and the controversial aspects of his work: Albert Ellis was born on September 27, 1913, in Pittsburgh,...

Carl Rogers In a remarkable response to the dominant therapeutic models of his era, such as psychoanalysis and behaviorism, Carl Rogers revolutionized the field with his groundbreaking Rogerian therapy, also known as person-centered therapy. With an unwavering commitment to client-centeredness and a profound empathy, Rogers forged a path that celebrated the subjective experience, self-determination, and intrinsic potential for growth within each individual. During the mid-20th century, psychoanalysis reigned...

The final chapter of the acclaimed television series "Mad Men" takes place at the Esalen Institute in Big Sur, California. Seeking solace and meaning, the protagonist Don Draper and other characters from the show find themselves at Esalen, a renowned retreat known for personal growth and introspection. Surrounded by the scenic beauty of Big Sur, the characters engage in therapeutic activities and workshops, confronting their inner demons and exploring their identities. The conclusion at Esalen reflects the show's...

Milton Erickson's Biography: Milton H. Erickson, born on December 5, 1901, in Aurum, Nevada, overcame significant challenges throughout his life and became one of the most influential figures in the field of psychotherapy. His journey and experiences with disability played a crucial role in shaping his intuitive and innovative approach to therapy. At a young age, Erickson contracted polio, which left him partially paralyzed and confined to a wheelchair for most of his life. Despite his physical limitations, he...

Fritz Perls: Exploring Gestalt Therapy Fritz Perls, an innovative psychotherapist and one of the key figures in the development of Gestalt therapy, made significant contributions to the field of psychology. His innovative approach to therapy, grounded in the concept of Gestalt, and his pioneering use of chair work and psychodrama, challenged traditional psychoanalytic practices and paved the way for experiential therapies. However, Perls' flamboyant style and controversial public demonstrations have sometimes...

Individual Psychology Alfred Adler, a renowned psychologist and a founding figure of individual psychology, had a significant realization during a childhood experience that shaped his profound insights into psychology. As he remembered running past a graveyard and a church, Adler developed a framework of ideas that have become common practice in contemporary psychology. Adler developed many key concepts, including compensation, interpersonal relationship problems, and the courage to be disliked. One of Adler's...