Who is Donald Kalsched? Donald Kalsched is a prominent Jungian analyst and clinical psychologist whose groundbreaking work has revolutionized our understanding of early childhood trauma, dissociation, and the inner world of the psyche. His theories provide a profound and nuanced framework for conceptualizing and treating some of the most challenging psychological conditions, including dissociative identity disorder, borderline personality disorder, and other complex trauma-related disorders. Drawing on the rich...

Who was Alan Watts? Alan Wilson Watts (1915-1973) was a British-American philosopher, writer, and speaker who played a pivotal role in introducing Eastern philosophy and spirituality to Western audiences. His charismatic presence, eloquent articulation, and profound insights into the nature of existence made him one of the most influential figures in the counterculture movement of the 1960s and beyond. Watts' work continues to shape discussions in philosophy, psychology, spirituality, and popular culture,...

What is a Labyrinth? "The labyrinth is an ancient symbol that relates to wholeness. It combines the imagery of the circle and the spiral into a meandering but purposeful path." - Dr. Sandra Wasko-Flood Main Points and Key Ideas: The labyrinth as an archetypal symbol in human culture and psychology Jungian interpretations of the labyrinth as a representation of the individuation process The labyrinth's relevance in contemporary therapeutic and spiritual practices The labyrinth as a metaphor for navigating complex...

What supplements help mental health? Supplements for Mental Health: Vitamin A: Essential for brain development and function, may impact mood regulation. Vitamin C: Acts as an antioxidant, potentially reducing oxidative stress in the brain associated with anxiety and depression. Vitamin D: Linked to mood regulation and cognitive function, deficiency associated with increased risk of depression. Vitamin E: Antioxidant properties may protect brain cells from oxidative damage. Vitamin K: Emerging research suggests a...

Is there a trauma therapy that goes beyond endlessly talking? Alternative Approaches to Trauma Healing: Beyond CBT and DBT Trauma is a complex and pervasive issue that affects millions of people worldwide. While traditional talk therapies like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) have been the mainstay of trauma treatment, they may not work for everyone. These therapies primarily engage the cognitive, rational part of the brain, which can be less effective for addressing the...

What is Christian Mysticism? Mysticism is a spiritual discipline and a way of life that seeks direct experience and union with the divine or ultimate reality. It is a phenomenon that has manifested across various religious traditions, including Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Buddhism, and Hinduism. Mystics believe that it is possible to have a profound, transformative encounter with the sacred that transcends intellectual understanding and rational thought. At the core of mysticism lies the idea that the divine is...

What Philosophers, Mystics and Anthropologists are Similar to Carl Jung? Read More on Jung here: Carl Jung's Major Influences Jungian Analysis Archetypes Jung’s Method Jungian Thought There is an overview of Carl Jung's life and work here as well as a list of the philosophy and anthropology that made up his major influences here. This article is neither a biography or list of influences. Instead it is a list of philosophy that is similar to Jung but not directly inspired by him or used by him as influences in his...

Who was Heidegger? Martin Heidegger (1889-1976) stands as one of the most influential and controversial philosophers of the 20th century. His groundbreaking work, particularly his magnum opus Being and Time (1927), revolutionized the field of ontology and laid the foundations for existentialism, hermeneutics, and postmodern thought. Heidegger's relentless pursuit of the meaning of Being, his critique of Western metaphysics, and his analysis of human existence as Dasein ("being-there") continue to shape...

Who was St. John of the Cross? "In the evening of life, we will be judged on love alone." - St. John of the Cross In the crucible of 16th century Catholic reform, one man's profound mystical insights illuminated the path of spiritual transformation in a way that continues to resonate with seekers across traditions and modern psychologists alike. St. John of the Cross (1542-1591), the renowned Spanish mystic, Carmelite friar, and Doctor of the Church, gifted humanity with a corpus of writings that map the soul's...

Who was Gilbert Durand? Gilbert Durand (1921-2012) was a French philosopher, anthropologist, and scholar of religious studies whose work focused on the study of symbols, myths, and the imaginary in human culture. Durand's interdisciplinary approach, drawing from fields such as anthropology, psychology, and comparative religion, led to the development of a unique theoretical framework for understanding the role of the imaginary in shaping human experience and cultural expression. In this comprehensive essay, we...