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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.
A. Savage is a brilliant visual and musical artist. As front man of the Parquet Courts he has seven ground breaking rock albums. As a visual artist he is makes beautiful impressionist work that has echoes of Wassily Kandinsky, playful modernism of Paul Klee and even...
Dr. David Tacey is a professor in literature and depth psychology at La Trobe University, Melbourne. He is the author of eight books, including Jung and the New Age (2001), The Spirituality Revolution (2003) and How to Read Jung (2006).He was born in...
Navigating the Complexities of Emotion: Insights from a Psychotherapist As a psychotherapist, one of the most common challenges I see clients face is understanding and managing their emotions. Emotions play a crucial role in our daily lives, influencing our thoughts,...
How much does it cost to become a therapist? How do I become a therapist? Becoming a Mental Health Practitioner in Alabama: Requirements, Costs, and Pathways Key Points and Summary: This is the most common question that we get. Don't worry we have an answer for you!...
Karen Horney Moving Away From People Karen Horney was a German psychoanalyst. Her career came into prominence in the nineteen twenties when she formed theories on human attachment and neurosis that split from Freud’s key ideas. Horney’s theory of personality...
Karen Horney Moving Against People Karen Horney was a German psychoanalyst. Her career came into prominence in the nineteen twenties when she formed theories on human attachment and neurosis that split from Freud’s key ideas. Horney’s theory of personality development...
Karen Horney Part 2/4 Moving Towards People Karen Horney was a German psychoanalyst. Her career came into prominence in the nineteen twenties when she formed theories on human attachment and neurosis that split from Freud’s key ideas. Horney’s theory of personality...
Karen Horney Who was Karen Horney? Karen Horney was a German psychoanalyst. Her career came into prominence in the nineteen twenties when she formed theories on human attachment and neurosis that split from Freud’s key ideas. Horney’s theory of personality development...
Everything You Ever Wanted to Know about Brainspotting Trauma activates our body’s fight or flight system making us experience strong emotional and physical reactions without a logical cause. This can make you feel angry or scared before you can intellectually...
In the first session when I give patients my initial observations they often have difficulty hearing what I mean regarding their emotional experience. I hear things like: “I’m not angry because I’ve also done bad things to people and everyone makes mistakes.” “I’m not...
Our phobias are often metaphors for our most unconscious parts of self. In the 2013 movie Gravity, Sandra Bullock plays an astronaut marooned in space. At every moment she is seconds from spinning into the hopeless oblivion of deep space. Bullock’s character must use...
We must become "unstuck" from our present time if we ever want to just stop simply existing and decide what the purpose of our existence is. We do not get to choose the times we are born into or how much time we are given. Find more @ https://gettherapybirmingham.com/...
Yellow garden spiders have a fat yellow abdomen slicked with yellow and black stripes. They weave a tiny white squiggle in the center of their webs. I stare at the faintly milky zig zag as it sways when wind moves the web and stirs the iris sepals it hangs...
Talking with children about suicide may seem like a dangerous thing for any parent to do. It is frightening to imagine any child experiencing suicidal thoughts so it’s understandable that parents today are fearful of bringing up this scary topic. Parents often fear...
In the medieval period it was common to take pilgrimages to the holy land from mainland Europe. The trip was an opportunity to face one’s fears and learn to know the deepest parts of self. The trip was long and dangerous. The terrain and culture were different from...
Talking with your kids about sex is one of the best things a parent can do. We know it’s protective. Kids who are knowledgeable and have a healthy, body positive sense of their own sexuality are less likely to become victims of sexual abuse in childhood. What should I...
Why Find a Family Counselor? Today’s families are under enormous pressure. Childhood is no longer a protected space for children to gradually adjust to realities of adult life. Opportunities for disappointment and hurt have multiplied with the access to technology...
Brainspotting is a revolutionary new therapy for trauma and PTSD. We use many modalities of therapy at Taproot Therapy Collective, but brainspotting is one of the most effective treatments for PTSD and lowering anxiety that I've ever found. when doing brain spotting...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GvBKeJ-CEHw When trauma is stored in the brain it is stored on a deep emotional level of the body brain. This sub cortical or "body brain" is responsible for our physical and emotional reactions to stimuli. Trauma and PTSD are stored in...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QHJ3JWCM4EE Aztec Mythology is never something that I understood very well. Mesoamerican mythology represents a distinct and unique perspective on the human psyche. Aztec Philosophy by James Maffie explains the metaphysical word view of...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9N2LzA5ShkY Demystifying Jung Jung was a complicated man. He was broad minded to the point that he dabbled in parapsychology and ESP. Jung outlined a type of new psychology but was hesitant to spell out what the implications or...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bZKa1rKKQGI Book Review of Erich Neuman Evo psych theorists area dime a dozen today, but who was the first one? I think there is a good case to be made that it might be Erich Neuman. What changed in mankind as we evolved from animals...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YKeR4siEbPc We work with many providers in the area to make sure that our clients receive the best care for their unique issue. One of the providers in the area of medical IV Ketamine is Southern Ketamine and Wellness. Dr. Harrison...
Growing up is all about accepting the reality of the human condition. All children are born needing and wanting someone to respond to them. Parents are the first responders and the shape and quality of their response will echo in the child’s pattern of relationships...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=52Bgj0Y1nNs
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ll3D_RHwYg Are you an LPC, LICSW, psychologist or psychiatrist who wants to go into private practice in the Birmingham are? Are you in a mental health and healing profession looking for work in Birmingham?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wET1lXZtlic Abstract and Main Ideas Explanation of common terms used in the Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) community, such as alter, front, system, and little. Description of various types of alters, including animal alters,...
Don't Block the Hearth Fire: Reclaiming the Soul of Therapy by Embracing Death Awareness The Hearth: A Symbol of Ancient Wisdom In modern American homes, fireplaces often stand as silent reminders of our ancestral past. Though rarely used for heating, these...
If you liked this read the articles on other Jungian topics: Jungian Innovators James Hillman - Erich Neumann - David Tacey - Robert Moore - Marie-Louise von Franz - Jolande Jacobi - Anthony Stevens - Thomas Moore - Sonu Shamdasani - James Hollis Topics...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9GkEckbtKAY Brainspotting Techniques for Severe Dissociation in Trauma Therapy Brainspotting is a powerful technique for treating severe trauma and PTSD. However, when working with patients experiencing severe dissociation, therapists...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nxZYNktbPTc Freud very nearly did not become a psychiatrist. He originally researched as a neurologist before moving into other disciplines. Freud’s journals document a tremendous amount of study in varied topics he saw as likely...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zHNC9g15p64 How do you Get Rid of Trauma in the Mood and Body Abstract: This article presents a phenomenological approach to understanding trauma and its effects on cognition and emotional experience. It explores the roles of different...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sWVgKNsl_FI There is a legend about how Alexander the Great was able to conquer in the East. When he entered the city of Gordium there was an enormous wagon so tightly tied with ropes that it could not budge. Legend held that it had...
What is Mysticism? Is it Part of Religion or Therapy? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CU91Y6V2PeI The Mystical Depths of the Psyche: Exploring the Intersection of Mysticism, Psychology, and Psychotherapy The Inward Journey In the medieval period, pilgrims...
What is Psychotherapy for? Why Go to Therapy? There are many reasons to go to therapy. You might have problems with anxiety, depression, anger management or have experienced a traumatic event. Some people just feel bad and are not sure what is wrong. They find that...
What Is Psychological Trauma? A Comprehensive Guide Psychological trauma is a complex and often debilitating response to deeply distressing or life-threatening events. This comprehensive guide explores the causes, symptoms, and evidence-based treatments for trauma,...
Yellow garden spiders have a fat yellow abdomen slicked with yellow and black stripes. They weave a tiny white squiggle in the center of their webs. I stare at the faintly milky zig zag as it sways when wind moves the web and stirs the iris sepals it hangs between in...
Leon Krier, Carl Jung, and the Architecture of the Archetype "Truth of feature is related to truth of being" - Frank Lloyd Wright How does the space make you feel? What does the building in the dream look like? During dream work and active imagining, I often ask...
Abstract: This article critically examines the current state of evidence-based practice in psychotherapy, particularly in relation to trauma treatment. It challenges the dominance of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and medication-based approaches in research and...
Carl Jung thought that dreams were the way that we use the past to try and conceptualize what the future will be like. When we are on the edge of a big often unavoidable change in our life we begin to dig into our unconscious mind to try to predict the future. Our...
Our fight or flight response was a gift that kept us alive while we were living in the wild. When we heard a tiger growl, we either had to fight a tiger or run away from a tiger. The first thing that happens during the fight or flight response is that our mind loses...
Dreams are so commonly associated with therapy because dreams are such a purely projective experience. In a way dreams are our own personal mythology. Many times a patient will bring a recurring dream to therapy that has occurred for many years. Recurring dreams are...
I get asked all the time "How do I become a psychotherapist?" or "How do I go into private practice as a therapist?". The short answer is always to READ, READ, READ. I listened to every audiobook I could get my hands on as an outpatient social worker in my car all...
The Lover is one of the most difficult archetypes to notice that you are experiencing. By its very nature it is seductive and spontaneous. The Lover is most commonly associated with sex, but sex is the smallest part of the archetype. You cannot...
The Child is a tricky archetype to find within ourselves. The Child is the first archetype that the self identifies with. The Child has no problem asking for help or expressing it’s emotions and desires loudly and honestly. The Child is a kind of creative anarchy that...
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.