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Welcome to the Taproot Therapy Collective Blog, your deep‑dive space into trauma‑informed therapy, depth psychology, and the cultural forces shaping mental health today. Authored by our licensed clinicians in Birmingham, Alabama, our posts span from Jungian insights and somatic healing to evidence‑based modalities like EMDR and neuromodulation, as well as explorations of micro‑nutrition and media psychology. Each article aims to illuminate how psyche, body, and society intertwine—whether we’re unpacking the weaponization of collective trauma in our digital era or investigating how somatic trauma mapping helps track pain that lives inside the body.
Our blog extends beyond Birmingham’s office walls, offering trusted guides on practices like dream analysis through a Jungian lens and methods for shadow work and intergenerational healing. We also highlight local pulse by sharing resources for therapists and mental health seekers in Alabama, from expressive‑arts workshops to CEU‑accredited community trainings. Designed for both mental health professionals and curious individuals, our writing bridges clinical depth with cultural relevance—engaging with everything from architecture’s psychological impact and mythology’s role in identity to design, film, ritual, and the intricate psychology underpinning conspiracy and belief systems.
If you seek a mental health conversation that honors both the interior journey and the social context we inhabit, explore our categorized sections—such as Neuroscience and the Brain, Mythology and Therapy, and Psychology of Media and Culture—to find articles that resonate. Join us as we map the roots of psychic distress while cultivating possibilities for growth, resilience, and meaningful connection.
The Archetypal Psychology of Steven Mithen: Exploring the Evolution of the Mind Who is Steven Mithen? Steven Mithen is a leading British archaeologist and anthropologist whose work has revolutionized our understanding of the evolution of the human mind. Drawing on a...
Who Was Arnold van Gennep? Arnold van Gennep (1873-1957) was a pioneering French anthropologist and folklorist who made significant contributions to the study of rituals, particularly rites of passage. His seminal work, "Les rites de passage" (The Rites of Passage),...
Who Was Heinrich Zimmer? Heinrich Zimmer (1890-1943) was a German Indologist, linguist, and historian of South Asian art who made significant contributions to the Western understanding of Hindu and Buddhist thought. Born in Greifswald, Germany, Zimmer studied Sanskrit...
Who Was June Singer? June Singer (1920-2004) was a renowned Jungian analyst, author, and educator who made significant contributions to the development of analytical psychology. Her work focused on exploring the creative potential of the unconscious and integrating...
Who is Louise Barrett? Louise Barrett is a professor of psychology and behavioral ecology at the University of Lethbridge in Canada. She is a prominent researcher in the fields of evolutionary psychology and animal cognition, known for her innovative approaches that...
Introduction to Jungian Dream Interpretation: Exploring the Shadow through Symbols Carl Jung, the renowned Swiss psychiatrist and psychoanalyst, believed that dreams serve as a bridge between the conscious and unconscious mind, offering valuable insights into an...
Introduction to Jungian Dream Interpretation Carl Jung, the renowned Swiss psychiatrist and psychoanalyst, believed that dreams serve as a bridge between the conscious and unconscious mind, offering valuable insights into an individual's psyche. In Jungian psychology,...
Who is Thomas Moore? Thomas Moore (1940-) is a renowned psychotherapist, former monk, and bestselling author known for his influential writings on the soul and the art of living. His work, blending depth psychology, spirituality, and poetic wisdom, has played a...
Who is David Tacey? David Tacey (1953-) is a prominent Australian scholar and thinker known for his unique contributions bridging analytical psychology, spirituality, and cultural studies. As a leading figure in post-Jungian thought, Tacey has built upon and extended...
Sonu Shamdasani: Reframing Jung's Legacy through Historical Scholarship Sonu Shamdasani, a distinguished professor at University College London and a prolific author, has emerged as one of the most influential figures in the field of Jung scholarship. As a historian...
Who is James Hollis? James Hollis is a prominent contemporary Jungian analyst, educator, and author who has made significant contributions to the study of midlife, aging, and the archetypal patterns that shape the psyche. Born in 1940 and educated at Manchester...
Who Was Adolf Guggenbühl-Craig? Adolf Guggenbühl-Craig was a Swiss Jungian analyst and a notable figure in the field of analytical psychology. Born on August 6, 1932, in Basel, Switzerland, his upbringing in a culturally rich environment deeply influenced his...
Who was Gerhard Adler? Gerhard Adler (1904-1988) was a distinguished Jungian analyst and a prominent figure in the field of analytical psychology. His work as a clinician, scholar, and teacher significantly shaped the development of Jungian theory and practice in the...
Who was Joseph Henderson? Joseph Henderson (1903-2007) was a prominent figure in the field of analytical psychology, best known for his work on cultural attitudes and the concept of the cultural unconscious. A key collaborator of Carl Jung and a founding member of the...
Who was Michael Fordham? Michael Fordham (1905-1995) was a seminal figure in the field of analytical psychology, renowned for his innovative work that bridged the gap between Jungian theory and developmental psychology. As one of the founding members of the Society of...
Who was Barbara Hannah? Barbara Hannah (1891-1986) was a distinguished Jungian analyst, teacher, and author who made significant contributions to the field of analytical psychology. As one of the first generation of Jungian analysts, Hannah played a crucial role in...
Who was Emma Jung? Emma Jung (1882-1955) was a Swiss psychoanalyst and author who made significant contributions to the field of analytical psychology. Though often overshadowed by her famous husband, Carl Gustav Jung, Emma was a formidable intellectual in her own...
Who was Anthony Stevens? Anthony Stevens (1933-2021) was a prominent Jungian analyst, psychiatrist and prolific author who made significant contributions to the fields of evolutionary psychiatry, archetypal psychology, and the cross-cultural application of Jungian...
Who was a Jolande Jacobi? Jolande Jacobi (1890-1973) was a Swiss psychologist, author, and close associate of Carl Jung who made significant contributions to the development of analytical psychology. As one of the first generation of Jungian analysts, Jacobi played a...
Who was Erich Neumann? Erich Neumann (1905-1960) was a prominent German psychologist, philosopher, and scholar who made seminal contributions to the field of analytical psychology. A close collaborator and protégé of Carl Jung, Neumann played a key role in expanding...
Illuminating the Objective Psyche Who was Marie-Louise von Franz? Marie-Louise von Franz (1915-1998) was a pioneering Jungian analyst, scholar and author who made profound contributions to the field of analytical psychology. As a close collaborator of Carl Jung for...
Who was James Hillman? James Hillman (1926-2011) was a pioneering psychologist, scholar, and cultural critic whose work profoundly shaped the fields of depth psychology, archetypal studies, and ecopsychology. As the founder of archetypal psychology, Hillman sought to...
"The task of individuation is to consciously align ourselves with this source, to surrender to its archetypal energies and allow them to transform us from within. By differentiating and integrating the King, Warrior, Magician, and Lover within us, we can tap into the...
Game of Spheres Key Points: 1. The metamodern era is characterized by an oscillation between modernist faith and postmodern doubt, driven by factors such as hyperindividualism, information overload, erosion of expertise, and a crisis of meaning. 2. Transformative...
Self-Help Exercise for Addiction Worksheet: Disclaimer: This self-help exercise worksheet is not a substitute for professional help. If you are struggling with addiction, please seek the guidance of a qualified therapist or addiction specialist. The exercises and...
Who was Jan van Ruusbroec? Jan van Ruusbroec (1293-1381) was a Flemish mystic, contemplative writer, and one of the most influential spiritual figures of the Middle Ages. His profound insights into the nature of the Divine, the human soul, and the mystical path to...
Who was Johannes Tauler? Johannes Tauler (c. 1300-1361) was a German Dominican friar, theologian and one of the most influential Christian mystics of the 14th century. As a prominent figure in the medieval Rhineland mystic tradition, Tauler's sermons and spiritual...
Coincidentia Oppositorum, Negative Theology, and the Path to Enlightenment Nicholas of Cusa (1401-1464), also known as Cusanus, was a prominent 15th century German philosopher, theologian, and mystic whose visionary ideas had a profound impact on the development of...
Neoplatonism, Depth Psychology, and the Transformation of Trauma Meta Discover the profound insights of John Scottus Eriugena, the 9th century Irish philosopher, and explore how his ideas about the fourfold nature, theosis, and the divine within can inform depth...
Who was Amalric of Bena ? Amalric of Bena, a medieval French theologian and philosopher who lived in the late 12th and early 13th centuries, developed a unique and influential system of mystical theology that has had significant resonance with modern depth psychology,...
Angelus Silesius and the Mystical Path of Self-Transcendence Angelus Silesius, born Johannes Scheffler (1624-1677), was a German mystic, poet, and theologian whose works profoundly impacted the development of Christian mysticism and spirituality. His enigmatic and...
Who was Pseudo-Dionysius? Pseudo-Dionysius the Areopagite, a mysterious figure who wrote under the pseudonym of Dionysius the Areopagite, a convert of St. Paul mentioned in Acts 17:34, is one of the most influential Christian mystics and theologians. His writings,...
Robert Grosseteste and the Medieval Roots of the Science-Spirituality Dialogue Robert Grosseteste (c. 1175-1253) was an English theologian, philosopher, and scientist who played a significant role in the development of scientific thought in medieval Europe. His ideas...
The Dreamtime as a Cosmological Metaphor for the Human Psyche The concept of the Dreamtime in Aboriginal Australian culture offers a profound and illuminating perspective on the nature of the human psyche. By exploring the parallels between the Dreamtime and...
Birth of Psyche Through the Invention of Architecture Key Ideas: The invention of architecture during the Neolithic period marked a significant shift in human psychology and religion, creating a division between natural and man-made spaces and giving rise to new...
The Divided Mind and the Quest for Meaning Part 1 Part 2 >Part 3< The Meta-Modern Mind in a Technological Age As we explore the evolution of human thought and culture, it becomes clear that the themes of the divided mind and the misappropriation of...
The Divided Mind and the Quest for Meaning Part 1 > Part 2 < Part 3 The Misappropriation of Metaphor: How Trauma and Bias Can Distort Our Understanding of Reality Main Ideas and Key Points: The human psyche is shaped by millions of years of...
The Divided Mind and the Quest for Meaning >Part 1 < Part 2 Part 3 Navigating the Complexity of Human Consciousness The Internal Struggle of the Human Psyche In the landscape of human consciousness, a profound and often tumultuous battle rages - a...
How do you go into private practice as a therapist? Download this article as a pdf Section 1: Deciding on Insurance Acceptance One of the first decisions you'll need to make when starting your private practice is whether to accept insurance. If you choose to accept...
Unveiling the Complexities of Dissociation: Theories, Brain Processes, Types, and Treatment Options Dissociation is a perplexing and often misunderstood mental phenomenon that has captured the attention of researchers, clinicians, and the general public alike. It is...
Key Ideas The purpose and point of games in human motivation and well-being Transactional analysis and the psychology of human relationships Unconscious games and their role in shaping behavior and emotions Gamification and its impact on intrinsic motivation...
Key Points: Psychotherapy is facing an identity and purpose crisis in the era of market-driven healthcare, as depth, nuance, and the therapeutic relationship are being displaced by cost containment, standardization, and mass-reproducibility. This crisis stems from a...
Who was Saul Kripke Saul Kripke, a philosopher whose influence has reverberated through the intellectual landscape of the 20th century, is a name often associated with groundbreaking work in the philosophy of language, logic, and metaphysics. His ideas, though rooted...
What does Ludwig Wittgenstein have to do with Psychology? Ludwig Wittgenstein, a towering figure in 20th-century philosophy, left a profound impact on our understanding of language, meaning, and the human experience. His groundbreaking ideas, particularly those...
The Expansive Decadent Ego of the Animus and the Introspective Bust and Decline of the Anima as Parts of Empire Cultures wax and wane. Empires that seem like part of the cosmos itself fall like gunshot victims into a pool or lines on a bar chart. It is the rare...
Humans split their own consciousness into the self and the other, enabling objective recognition. -Mamoru Oshii, Director of the Ghost and the Shell. Abstract and Key Points: Games, language, religion, and quantification abilities seem intrinsically linked to...
Leary's Forgotten Theory of Personality Main Points and Key Ideas: Timothy Leary developed a groundbreaking personality typology system that was often overshadowed by his controversial public image. Leary's system aimed to capture the complex interplay of...
Confronting the Shadow of Mental Health Challenges The hero's journey is a powerful narrative structure that has shaped storytelling across cultures and throughout history. First articulated by mythologist Joseph Campbell, the hero's journey follows a protagonist's...
https://youtu.be/k9hmTuIo1h8 The Creative Process and Psychological Insights of Singer-Songwriter Jefrey Siler In a recent episode of our psychotherapy podcast, we had the pleasure of diving deep into the mind and music of talented singer-songwriter Jefrey Siler....
An Integrative Psychotherapy Perspective As integrative psychotherapists, we are constantly striving to create meaningful connections with our clients and facilitate positive change in their lives. However, despite our best efforts, there are times when our attempts...
A comprehensive exploration of psychology topics spanning the breadth of human experience, from fundamental concepts like memory and emotion to specialized areas like forensic psychology and environmental mental health.
Explore the fascinating world of psychology, from depth psychology and symbolism to cognitive, social, and developmental theories. Uncover the mysteries of the human mind and behavior.
Explore Jungian concepts such as archetypes, the collective unconscious, and individuation. Learn how dream analysis and symbolism facilitate self-awareness and personal growth through the insights of Carl Jung.
Explore the significance of dreams in depth psychology, from Freud’s dream interpretation to Jungian archetypes. Learn how dreams provide insights into the unconscious mind, personal growth, and trauma healing.
Uncover the profound language of symbolism and meaning-making in the human psyche. Explore universal archetypes, myths, and metaphors through depth psychology and the symbolic dimensions of trauma.
Journey into the captivating world of classical mythology, focusing on the rich traditions of ancient Greece and Rome. Explore how myths offer profound insights into the human condition and universal themes.
Explores the frontier of evidence-based practice in psychotherapy, taking a fresh look at the scientific foundations of mental health treatment through the integrative lenses of depth psychology and trauma neurology.
Examines the complex landscape of research-informed therapy while critically evaluating the limitations, biases, and cultural considerations that shape how we apply research findings to real-world clinical practice.
Explore existentialism, metaphysics, ethics, and the philosophy of mind. Discover insights from renowned thinkers and engage in thought-provoking discussions.
Explore phenomenological and existential approaches to understanding human experience and psychological healing, focusing on lived experience, authenticity, freedom, and meaning-making.
Examine how post-postmodern frameworks illuminate contemporary mental health challenges including cultural displacement, narrative fragmentation, authenticity struggles, and the oscillation between hope and despair.
Explore the psychological dimensions of cultural paradigms and their impact on identity, meaning-making, and therapeutic practice.
Delve into the intricate relationship between brain function, trauma, and mental health treatment. Discover insights into innovative therapeutic approaches, neuroplasticity, and the role of emotions in healing.
Explore the hidden dimensions of film and TV through the lenses of depth psychology and trauma neurology. Discover how the moving image reflects and shapes the psyche, both individually and collectively.
Explore the profound psychological and symbolic impact of media and culture on our individual and collective psyche. Uncover the hidden meanings and archetypal themes woven into the fabric of our cultural landscape.
Explore Industrial-Organizational Psychology, focusing on workplace performance, employee well-being, leadership development, and organizational culture.
Explore the psychology of design and architecture, from the emotional impact of spaces to human-centered design. Learn how architecture influences mental health, well-being, and behavior.
Explore how colors influence psychological experience, from the neurological mechanisms behind color perception to practical applications in therapeutic environments and creative healing approaches.
Explore the symbolic significance and psychological undercurrents of historical events through the lens of depth psychology, symbolism, and design psychology.
Examine the psychological dynamics behind conspiracy thinking, critical thinking, and the appeal of alternative narratives in contemporary culture.
Embark on a fascinating journey into the deep history of the human psyche, exploring how anthropology and evolutionary psychology shed light on ancient origins of modern minds, behaviors, and cultures.
Discover the transformative power of Christian mysticism and contemplative spirituality, exploring how practices like centering prayer and lectio divina can heal trauma and facilitate encounters with the deep Self.
Explore the intersection of spirituality and depth psychology to uncover the role of spiritual practices in trauma healing, consciousness, and personal transformation.
Discover the universal quest for meaning, transcendence, and healing across spiritual traditions, exploring key practices and insights from world religions through depth psychology and trauma neurology.
Examine the psychological dimensions of mystical experience and spiritual teaching across various traditions and historical periods.
Explore the shadowy psychodynamics of coercive control, from cults to abusive relationships. Learn to recognize red flags of undue influence and support recovery processes.
Trace the evolution of psychotherapy through the lens of depth psychology and symbolism, from Freudian psychoanalysis to contemporary approaches.
Explore the lives and contributions of influential figures who shaped the field of psychology and psychotherapy.
Explore depth psychology, CBT, humanistic therapies, and more. Discover how various therapeutic approaches promote healing and personal growth.
Discover a deeper approach to health and healing by exploring alternative medicine practices and holistic wellbeing through the lenses of depth psychology and trauma neurology.
Comprehensive collection of guided meditations designed to support mental health, emotional regulation, and spiritual well-being.