What do chairs say about culture, personality and psychology? Did you enjoy this article? Checkout the podcast here: https://gettherapybirmingham.podbean.com/ What does furniture have to do with psychology? You might notice that you and your therapist both have to sit somewhere in therapy. We have internalized the visual language for this. We know, even in a picture of people that we don’t know, that the therapist sits on a chair and the patient sits on the couch. We upload pictures of our therapy offices for...
Nothing Gold Can Stay: A thought experiment about money, wealth, power and the psychology of economy.
Rethinking Money, Gold, and Value: A Thought Experiment on Alternative Economic Systems What do we truly value as a society? This profound question strikes at the heart of how we structure our communities, economies, and ways of life. In this thought-provoking article, we'll embark on a fascinating thought experiment to reexamine our unconscious assumptions about money, gold, debt, and worth. By challenging the status quo and exploring alternative economic models, we may gain fresh insights into creating a more...
The Relationship between Intuition and Trauma
The Relationship between Intuition and Trauma Did you enjoy this article? Checkout the podcast here: https://gettherapybirmingham.podbean.com/ 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...
Icky, Mean, Hateful: On the nature of evil in psychotherapy
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...
The Curious Case of Wilhelm Reich
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...
Who was Albert Ellis?
Albert Ellis Did you enjoy this article? Checkout the podcast here: https://gettherapybirmingham.podbean.com/ 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...
Who was Carl Rogers? What is Rogerian Therapy
Carl Rogers Did you enjoy this article? Checkout the podcast here: https://gettherapybirmingham.podbean.com/ 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...
The Humanism of Virginia Satir
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 and Ericksonian Hypnosis
Did you enjoy this article? Checkout the podcast here: https://gettherapybirmingham.podbean.com/ 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...
Fritz Perls Founder of Experiential Therapy
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...