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Podcast Episodes: Behind the Conversations

Deep dives into the ideas and guests from the Discover + Heal + Grow podcast—featuring extended show notes, research resources, and local applications.

Discover Heal Grow Podcast Taproot Therapy

Clinically Reviewed & Edited By:

Joel Blackstock, LICSW-S, MSW, PIP | Clinical Director, Taproot Therapy Collective

Explore the Podcast Archives

Extended Show Notes

Context beyond the audio format.

  • Detailed episode transcripts and timestamps.
  • Analysis of complex concepts from Jungian to Somatic therapy.
  • Follow-up discussions and listener Q&A integration.

Guest Deep Dives

Bibliographies and expert toolkits.

  • Books, research papers, and frameworks from our guests.
  • Practical application guides for interviewed experts.
  • Spotlights on trauma researchers and cultural critics.

The Birmingham Context

Localizing global mental health insights.

  • Applying evidence-based practice to Alabama needs.
  • How civil rights history informs modern trauma work.
  • Southern cultural values and therapeutic approaches.

Integrated Conversations & Research

Our podcast serves as an extension of the therapeutic philosophy detailed throughout our main services. By interviewing world-class professors and researchers, we bring the latest in phenomenology, metamodernism, and neuroscience to the local Birmingham community.

Each episode is designed to help you Discover, Heal, and Grow by bridging the gap between academic theory and practical, real-world healing.

Podcast Resources: FAQ

Where can I find the books mentioned in the Discover + Heal + Grow podcast?

Every podcast episode article includes a guest resource section with links to books, research papers, and frameworks discussed during the interview to help you continue your exploration.

Are the podcast topics relevant to Alabama mental health?

Yes. We specifically explore how global therapeutic concepts—like shadow work or somatic experiencing—apply to Birmingham’s unique cultural background and Southern community values.

Can I request a podcast topic or guest for Taproot Therapy?

We welcome listener feedback! Our Birmingham-based team uses listener questions to guide our deep-dive analysis articles and future interview selections.

Birmingham’s Hub for Therapeutic Insights

Our podcast is heard worldwide, but our clinic is firmly rooted in the Alabama community. If you need a therapist in Hoover, AL who integrates these deep conversations into clinical practice, we are ready to help.

📍 Located at 2025 Shady Crest Dr, Suite 203, Hoover, AL 35216

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The Kaleidoscope: Digital Dreamtime and the Collision of Parallel Realities

The Kaleidoscope: Digital Dreamtime and the Collision of Parallel Realities

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How do you know that the color blue you see is the same as the color blue I see? We both call it blue. We point at the sky and use the same word. But do we actually share the same subjective experience of that wavelength of light? Some people do not. They might be colorblind and perceive it differently. We assume that because the word matches, the experience matches too.This is an old philosophical puzzle, the kind of thing you discussed in a dorm room at 2 a.m. and then forgot because it did not seem to matter....

What is a Diagnosis Anyway: Is the DSM Dying Part 2

What is a Diagnosis Anyway: Is the DSM Dying Part 2

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The Archaeology of a Label: What We Forgot About Diagnosis and Why It Matters Now By Joel Blackstock, LICSW-S | Clinical Director, Taproot Therapy Collective Part II of A Critical Investigation into the Document That Defines American Mental Health Contents Introduction: We Have to Go Back Further Part I: What Is a Diagnosis, Anyway? Part II: The DSM Chronicle Part III: The Philosophical Critique Part IV: The Shadow Tradition Part V: The Gilded Cage Part VI: Alternatives and Futures Conclusion: The Synthesis We're...

The Gnostic Cure: Why the Future of Trauma Therapy is the Recovery of Reality

The Gnostic Cure: Why the Future of Trauma Therapy is the Recovery of Reality

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Discover how modern trauma therapy is rediscovering the ancient path of Gnosticism. From the “simulation of self” to the somatic “red pill,” explore how we wake up from the false reality of trauma.

The Science of Light and Color in Trauma Therapy:

The Science of Light and Color in Trauma Therapy:

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Dr. Steven Vazquez's Revolutionary Emotional Transformation Therapy In the ever-evolving landscape of psychotherapy, few innovations challenge our fundamental understanding of healing as profoundly as Emotional Transformation Therapy (ETT). Developed by Dr. Steven Vazquez over 25 years of clinical practice and research, ETT represents a paradigm shift in how we approach trauma, emotional regulation, and psychological healing. This groundbreaking therapeutic modality harnesses the power of light, color, and eye...

From Skepticism to Science: How Emotional Transformation Therapy is Revolutionizing Mental Health Treatment – A Deep Dive with MJ Denis

From Skepticism to Science: How Emotional Transformation Therapy is Revolutionizing Mental Health Treatment – A Deep Dive with MJ Denis

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When Light Meets Neuroscience In the ever-evolving landscape of mental health treatment, breakthrough moments often come from the most unexpected places. What if the key to unlocking trauma, dissolving anxiety, and alleviating chronic pain wasn't found in talking through problems or even in traditional brain-based therapies, but in the precise application of colored light wavelengths? This isn't science fiction or new-age mysticism—it's the cutting-edge reality of Emotional Transformation Therapy (ETT), a...

Interview on Photo Essay American Sugar Gristle by Toby Huss

Interview on Photo Essay American Sugar Gristle by Toby Huss

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Actor Toby Huss on Art, Trauma, and Finding Beauty in America's Forgotten Places: A Deep Dive into Creative Healing Buy the Book! Get Toby Huss's American Sugar Gristle Now https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=89zo1lyVFbM In a captivating podcast episode, acclaimed actor and artist Toby Huss opens up about the profound connections between creativity, trauma processing, and authentic human connection. Best known for his roles in "Halt and Catch Fire" and "King of the Hill," Huss reveals how his artistic...

Understanding Dissociation, Trauma, and Addiction: Insights from Adam O’Brien and the Wounded Healer Institute

Understanding Dissociation, Trauma, and Addiction: Insights from Adam O’Brien and the Wounded Healer Institute

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A Revolutionary Approach to Mental Health In a groundbreaking interview between Joel Blackstock and Adam O'Brien, founder of the Wounded Healer Institute, we explore the profound interconnections between dissociation, trauma, and addiction that challenge conventional psychiatric approaches. This comprehensive discussion offers mental health professionals, individuals experiencing dissociation, and anyone interested in alternative healing approaches a fresh perspective on understanding and treating complex...

In Remembrance of Leon Krier

In Remembrance of Leon Krier

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All experience is past by definition. Tradition is transmission of past experience which has become knowledge and know-how. Thus, we can with reason conclude that without tradition, there can be no language, no philosophy, no science, no technique, art, or industry. Why should architecture be an exception? - Leon Krier form Howard Roark: Defended Against His Admirers The Traditionalist Architect Who Built for the Future Leon Krier passed away this week, leaving behind a legacy that fundamentally challenged how we...

THe Weird History of Psychotherapy Part 2: Jung’s and the Bottom of Consciousness

THe Weird History of Psychotherapy Part 2: Jung’s and the Bottom of Consciousness

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The Birth of Consciousness and the Human Dilemma: From 24,000 BCE to the Crisis of Modern Psychology https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wjqONBMp4xc   Around 24,000 BCE, a profound shift occurred in human evolution that would fundamentally alter the trajectory of our species. A piece of neural tissue called the precuneus began to develop, bridging objective perception and subjective experience for the first time in evolutionary history. This wasn't merely about intelligence—dolphins demonstrate remarkable...

The Weird History of Psychotherapy Part 1: A Different Version of Your Dad

The Weird History of Psychotherapy Part 1: A Different Version of Your Dad

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The Wounded Healer: How Freud's Trauma Shaped Modern Psychology Understanding the Origins of Psychoanalysis Through the Lens of Its Founder's Unresolved Wounds The story of Sigmund Freud is not merely the biography of psychology's most famous figure—it's a cautionary tale about how unhealed trauma can shape an entire field of study. When we examine Freud's life through a psychodynamic lens, we see how his personal wounds became the blueprint for psychoanalysis, ultimately creating a system that reflected his own...

Temenos: How Sacred Geometry Can Transform Modern Urban Planning

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A Deep Dive into Will Selman's Revolutionary Book Buy Will's Book Temenos Bridging Ancient Wisdom and Modern City Design In an era where cities face unprecedented challenges—from climate change to social disconnection—urban planner and author Will Selman presents a compelling vision in his groundbreaking book "Temenos." Drawing from Carl Jung's psychological theories, sacred geometry principles, and the forgotten wisdom behind Washington D.C.'s original design, Selman argues that our urban spaces can be...

The Evolution of Addiction Recovery: How Jungian Psychology is Creating Deeper, More Sustainable Healingaft

The Evolution of Addiction Recovery: How Jungian Psychology is Creating Deeper, More Sustainable Healingaft

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In the landscape of addiction recovery, a quiet revolution is taking place. While traditional 12-step programs continue to serve as crucial foundations for early sobriety, a growing number of treatment professionals are recognizing that lasting recovery requires something deeper—a transformation at the soul level that goes far beyond behavior modification. Corey Gamberg, Executive Director of Rockland Recovery Treatment Centers in Massachusetts, represents this new wave of thinking. His approach integrates...

The Psychology of the Katana: Spiritual Lessons from Japanese Swordcraft

The Psychology of the Katana: Spiritual Lessons from Japanese Swordcraft

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The Intersection of Metallurgy, Spirituality, and Personal Growth The Japanese katana represents far more than a masterfully crafted weapon—it embodies a rich tapestry of psychological and spiritual traditions that have shaped Eastern philosophy for centuries. This exploration of the katana's psychological dimensions offers valuable insights for modern therapeutic approaches to personal development, mental clarity, and self-actualization. The Metallurgical Marvel: Understanding the Katana's Physical Properties...

Exploring the Depths of Jungian Psychology with Quique Autrey | PSYCHE Podcast Interview

Exploring the Depths of Jungian Psychology with Quique Autrey | PSYCHE Podcast Interview

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In this captivating episode of the PSYCHE podcast, host Quique Autrey embarks on a deep dive into the world of Jungian psychology with guest Joel Blackstock. Together, they explore a wide range of topics, from the potential oversimplification of Jung's ideas by American Jungians to the neurological validation of Jung's phenomenological map of the soul. Joel's Journey: From CBT to Depth Psychology and Somatic Practices Joel shares his personal journey, starting with his early exposure to mythology and religion,...

Lifespan Integration Therapy: A Comprehensive Guide to Timeline-Based Healing

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Lifespan Integration Therapy: A Comprehensive Guide to Timeline-Based Healing An in-depth exploration of Lifespan Integration therapy, its principles, protocols, and effectiveness for trauma healing. What is Lifespan Integration Therapy? Lifespan Integration (LI) is an innovative therapeutic approach that has emerged as a powerful modality for healing trauma and promoting neural integration. Developed by Peggy Pace in the early 2000s, LI has evolved significantly through collaborative refinement into a...

The Power of Archetype Meditation: Unlocking Inner Healing Through Jungian Archetypes

The Power of Archetype Meditation: Unlocking Inner Healing Through Jungian Archetypes

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In a fast-paced world filled with stress and disconnection, finding a path to inner peace and self-discovery is more important than ever. Archetype meditation, a transformative practice rooted in Jungian psychology and Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy, offers a profound way to reconnect with the multiplicity of your psyche. This blog post dives deep into the ideas, influences, techniques, and purpose of archetype meditation, spotlighting a powerful guided meditation by Joel from the Taproot Therapy...

The Sacred Pond: A Guided Meditation for Releasing Anger and Resentment

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If you find yourself weighed down by anger, resentment, or a sense of heavy obligation, this guided meditation offers a pathway to peace and freedom. Through the power of visualization and embodied mindfulness, you will journey deep into a tranquil forest to release your burdens and reconnect with your inherent wholeness. As you shed layers of tension and trauma, you may discover that it's possible to be responsible while also feeling joyful, to embrace your humanity while standing tall in your singular strength....

Transforming Anxiety Through Embodied Mindfulness: A Guided Meditation

Transforming Anxiety Through Embodied Mindfulness: A Guided Meditation

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If you struggle with anxiety, panic, or trauma, you know how easily the mind can get hijacked by worries about the future or regrets about the past. Mindfulness offers a powerful pathway back to the safety and stability of the present moment. This grounding meditation will guide you to reconnect with your body and breath, restoring a sense of calm and presence. Settling the Body Begin by finding a posture that allows your body to feel supported and at ease, either seated or lying down. Gently extend through your...

Transforming Fear: A Guided Meditation for Phobias and Trauma

Transforming Fear: A Guided Meditation for Phobias and Trauma

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Do you struggle with a specific phobia, traumatic memory, or overwhelming emotion that feels impossible to face? This guided meditation will help you build the capacity to gradually transform your relationship to this challenging inner experience through the power of visualization and embodied awareness. Mapping the Fear in the Body We begin by bringing the feared thought, memory or sensation to mind and noticing how the body responds. Where do you feel the fear most intensely - perhaps as a knot in the stomach,...

Unlocking the Power of Ericksonian Hypnosis: Crafting Personalized Guided Meditations

Unlocking the Power of Ericksonian Hypnosis: Crafting Personalized Guided Meditations

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How to do Guided Meditation with Clients The renowned psychiatrist Milton H. Erickson was known for his unconventional yet highly effective approach to hypnosis and psychotherapy. One famous anecdote illustrates the essence of his technique: As recounted by Erickson's protégé Jeffrey Zeig, Erickson once watched Zeig, then a graduate student, prepare to smoke a pipe before a therapy session. Erickson proceeded to tell an elaborate, hour-long story about a friend who was hopelessly awkward with every aspect of pipe...

The Psychology of the Dragon Archetype

The Psychology of the Dragon Archetype

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"Perhaps all the dragons in our lives are princesses who are only waiting to see us act, just once, with beauty and courage. Perhaps everything that frightens us is, in its deepest essence, something helpless that wants our love." - Rainer Maria Rilke Dragons have captivated the human imagination since time immemorial. These mythical beasts appear in the folklore and legends of cultures across the globe, from the fire-breathing dragons of medieval European lore to the wise and benevolent dragons revered in the...

Integrating qEEG BrainMapping into Your Clinical Practice

Integrating qEEG BrainMapping into Your Clinical Practice

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Unlocking the Power of qEEG Brain Mapping and Neurostimulation: A Game-Changer for Mental Health Treatment Mental health conditions such as ADHD, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), PTSD, anxiety, and depression can significantly impact an individual's quality of life, relationships, and overall well-being. While traditional treatment approaches like therapy and medication can be effective, cutting-edge technologies such as qEEG brain mapping and neurostimulation are revolutionizing the field of mental health...

Cults, Propaganda and Lies: Exploring Inner and Outer Manipulation

Cults, Propaganda and Lies: Exploring Inner and Outer Manipulation

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Why do People Join Cults and Believe Propaganda? The Internet and the Illusion of Truth When the internet first emerged, many believed it would solve our political problems by providing universal access to truth. I remember these days myself and there was a techno-libertarian-utopianism that pervaded the early internet.  The idea was that, with the ability to bypass traditional gatekeepers like the government and the news media, people would be able to find and spread accurate information, leading to a more...

The Future of Therapy: Navigating the Tensions of Our Time

The Future of Therapy: Navigating the Tensions of Our Time

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As a practicing therapist, I find myself constantly grappling with the widening gulf between the realities of clinical work and the priorities of the academic and research establishment in psychology. We are living through a time of profound cultural and epistemological transition, and the assumptions that have long undergirded the mental health field are showing serious cracks. If psychotherapy is to remain relevant and vital in the coming decades, we will need to radically re-envision both the form and content...

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: The Rocket-Finned Civic of the Therapy World

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: The Rocket-Finned Civic of the Therapy World

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Cognitive Behavioral Therapy? In the 1990s, a peculiar trend emerged among car enthusiasts: transforming humble Honda Civics into pseudo-supercars by gluing on rocket fins, spoilers, and other garish modifications. The goal was to mimic the look of elite Ferraris and Lamborghinis without the matching performance. In many ways, this fad parallels the trajectory of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) in the world of psychotherapy. At its core, CBT is built on the practice of linking behaviors to emotions, and...

The Unfinished Legacy of Alfred Adler: Revisioning Psychology for Social Transformation

The Unfinished Legacy of Alfred Adler: Revisioning Psychology for Social Transformation

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"The human psyche is shaped by the interplay between inner drives and outer cultural forces. For every dominant social pattern, the unconscious generates a compensatory movement, seeking to restore balance and wholeness. By understanding these cultural-psychological dynamics, we can work towards greater self-awareness, social responsibility, and holistic well-being." -Alfred Adler Who Was Alfred Adler? Alfred Adler (1870-1937) was an Austrian medical doctor, psychotherapist, and founder of the school of...

The 12 Major Archetypes: Exploring Universal Patterns of Human Experience

The 12 Major Archetypes: Exploring Universal Patterns of Human Experience

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Exploring Universal Patterns of Human Experience In the vast tapestry of human psychology, certain patterns emerge that seem to transcend culture, time, and individual experience. These universal themes, known as archetypes, were first identified by Swiss psychiatrist Carl Jung as fundamental components of our collective unconscious (Jung, 1969). Today, we recognize 12 primary archetypes that shape our understanding of human behavior, storytelling, and personal growth (Pearson, 1991). Let's explore each of these...

The “Lost World” of Miyazaki’s Masterpiece

The “Lost World” of Miyazaki’s Masterpiece

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*This review contains spoilers for the film The Boy and the Heron What is The Boy and the Heron trying to tell us? To escape from this depressing situation, they often find themselves wishing they could live in a world of their own - a world they can say is truly theirs, a world unknown even to their parents. To young people, anime is something they incorporate into this private world. I often refer to this feeling as one yearning for a lost world. It's a sense that although you may currently be living in a world...

Unlocking the Power of Archetypes: Dr. Laurence Hillman on Transforming Leadership and Life

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How Can the Archetypes at Work, Work for You? Intro to Dr. Hillman's Work Dr. Laurence Hillman is an archetypal astrologer, coach, and speaker with over 45 years of experience. He is the co-creator of the Archetypes at Work™ model used for leadership development and organizational transformation. Hillman holds a PhD and travels the world teaching and consulting. He is passionate about helping people embrace their full potential by understanding and utilizing the power of archetypes. Hillman is the son of the late...

The Gut-Brain Connection: How Micronutrition and Synergistic Nutrition Support Mental Health

The Gut-Brain Connection: How Micronutrition and Synergistic Nutrition Support Mental Health

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The Ultimate Guide to Nutritional Psychiatry: Supplements, Gut Health, and the Brain In the evolving landscape of mental health treatment, the focus is shifting from a purely neurochemical model to a holistic view that integrates nutrition, gut health, and systemic physiology. This guide explores the "Skyscraper" concept of nutritional psychiatry—building a robust foundation of health through micronutrients and the microbiome to support higher cognitive functions and emotional stability. Part 1: The Micronutrient...

Carl Jung: Explorer of the Soul A Comprehensive Examination of His Life, Work, and Legacy

Carl Jung: Explorer of the Soul A Comprehensive Examination of His Life, Work, and Legacy

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Read More on Jung here: Jungian Analysis Archetypes Jung’s Method Jungian Thought 1 Who was Carl Jung? 1.1. The Significance of Jung in Psychology and Beyond Carl Gustav Jung (1875-1961) stands as one of the most influential and controversial figures in the history of psychology. As a pioneer of depth psychology and the founder of analytical psychology, Jung's ideas have had a profound impact not only within the field of psychology but also across various domains of human thought and creativity, including...

The Anthropology of Victor Turner: Ritual, Liminality, and Cultural Performance

The Anthropology of Victor Turner: Ritual, Liminality, and Cultural Performance

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Who is Victor Turner? Victor Turner (1920-1983) was a pioneering British cultural anthropologist whose innovative theories of symbols, ritual, and performance transformed the study of human society and culture. Over a prolific career spanning four decades, Turner developed a rich body of concepts and methods for interpreting the symbolic dimensions of social life, from the rites of passage of small-scale African societies to the pilgrimage traditions and countercultural movements of complex industrial nations. At...

The Interpersonal Neurobiology of Allan N. Schore: Exploring the Developmental Origins of the Self

The Interpersonal Neurobiology of Allan N. Schore: Exploring the Developmental Origins of the Self

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  Who is Allan Shore? Allan N. Schore, Ph.D. is a pioneering researcher and theoretician whose work has revolutionized our understanding of human development, the emergence of the self, and the process of therapeutic change. Drawing on cutting-edge research from neuroscience, attachment theory, developmental psychology, and psychoanalysis, Schore has crafted a compelling vision of how early relational experiences shape the development of the brain and the capacity for emotional regulation and interpersonal...

David Tacey: Innovation and Restoration of the Jungian Tradition

David Tacey: Innovation and Restoration of the Jungian Tradition

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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 many key ideas from the depth psychology tradition while innovatively applying them to analyze contemporary secular societies and the modern crisis of meaning. Over his prolific career, Tacey has articulated a powerful interdisciplinary vision that...

The Illusion of Progress: How Psychotherapy Lost Its Way

The Illusion of Progress: How Psychotherapy Lost Its Way

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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 shift in notions of the self and therapy's aims, shaped by the rise of neoliberal capitalism and consumerism. The "empty self" plagued by inner lack pursues fulfillment through goods, experiences, and attainments. Mainstream psychotherapy largely...

Unlocking Cosmology and Worldview with the Beebe Model

Unlocking Cosmology and Worldview with the Beebe Model

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Mapping the Mythic Psyche The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) is a popular tool for understanding individual personality differences. But when combined with John Beebe's model of the eight cognitive functions, it becomes a powerful lens for exploring not just how someone thinks and acts, but the implicit worldview and emotional cosmology that shapes their experience. By mapping out the hierarchy of functions for a given type, we gain insight into the hidden myths, fears, and assumptions that underlie a...

Adam Curtis: One of the most prophetic artists of the decade is not an artist.

Adam Curtis: One of the most prophetic artists of the decade is not an artist.

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Who or What is Adam Curtis?   Journalist or Artist? Adam Curtis is a renowned British documentary filmmaker. His films, which often resemble thesis-less art films, delve deep into complex societal, political, and historical issues. Despite the artistic nature of his work, Curtis maintains that he is a journalist, not an artist. Adam Curtis's documentaries are renowned for their distinct style, which creates a mesmerizing and thought-provoking experience for the viewer. His films are characterized by a...

Cults in the Lens of Modern Capitalism

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The term 'cult' often conjures sensationalist imagery and extreme behavior. However, a closer examination reveals a more complex relationship between cults, capitalism, and societal norms. This article delves into this interconnection, highlighting the need for a more nuanced understanding of cults beyond their sensationalist portrayal. The Cult-Capitalism Nexus The rise of figures like Keith Raniere of NXIVM has drawn public attention to cults. However, the fascination with such figures often overshadows similar...

⛵Carolyn Robistow on Gray Area Drinking and Brainspotting for Harm Reduction and Addiction

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In this episode, Joel Blackstock interviews Carolyn Robistow, a life coach and brain spotting practitioner who works with clients from her boat. Carolyn talks about keeping a captain's log, dealing with potential pirate threats, and her involvement in the America's Great Loop Cruisers group for boaters. She describes her approach of using a "trifecta of change" with three pillars: 1) A personalized daily support plan based on the client's values, 2) Brain spotting and other somatic techniques to make subcortical...

Attention Pupils! Windows to the Soul; Extensions of the Brain

Attention Pupils! Windows to the Soul; Extensions of the Brain

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    How Therapists can Use the Pupil to Heal Trauma One of the reasons that I left EMDR and started to pursue brainspotting as the primary brain based medicine that I use as a provider was because of pupil dilation. Years ago when I was  just starting out as a therapist I noticed that pupil dilation patterns were a good indicator of how well a patient was processing trauma.  I would use a patient's pupil dilation and movement to see how well EMDR was working. During EMDR patients don’t talk much until the end of...

Getting stuck in therapy as a provider or a patient? Here are 80 different therapy interventions to try!

Getting stuck in therapy as a provider or a patient? Here are 80 different therapy interventions to try!

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The Therapist’s Grand Grimoire: A Comprehensive Narrative Encyclopedia of 80 Clinical Interventions The practice of psychotherapy is not a monolith but a mosaic composed of hundreds of distinct techniques developed over a century of clinical experimentation and research. For the modern clinician, the challenge is not merely to learn these interventions but to integrate them into a cohesive framework that addresses the cognitive, somatic, and existential dimensions of the human experience. This comprehensive guide...

“Unveiling Deception and Devotion: Unraveling Matt Hongoltz Hetling’s ‘If It Sounds Like a Quack'”

“Unveiling Deception and Devotion: Unraveling Matt Hongoltz Hetling’s ‘If It Sounds Like a Quack'”

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The Fine Line Between Healing and Hoax in the Age of Wellness In an era where "wellness" has metastasized into a trillion-dollar global industry, the distinction between genuine medical innovation and dangerous pseudoscience has never been blurrier. We live in a time of unprecedented medical advancement, yet we simultaneously witness a regression into magical thinking, conspiracy theories, and unregulated experimentation. Matthew Hongoltz-Hetling, a Pulitzer Prize finalist and George Polk Award winner, dives into...

Politics, Trauma, and Psychology… Oh my!

Politics, Trauma, and Psychology… Oh my!

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The Psychology of Politics: Exploring Complexes, Trauma, and the Shadow of the Electorate In the modern era, political discourse has largely abandoned the realm of policy debate and entered the domain of pathology. We no longer disagree; we demonize. To understand why our political landscape has become a battlefield of existential anxiety, we must look beyond economics and sociology and peer into the depths of the unconscious mind. As Carl Jung famously noted, "The world hangs on a thin thread, and that is the...

How Can Color and Light Heal Trauma

How Can Color and Light Heal Trauma

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Emotional Transformation Therapy (ETT): A Comprehensive Guide Emotional Transformation Therapy (ETT): A Comprehensive Guide Emotional Transformation Therapy (ETT) is a groundbreaking therapeutic approach developed by psychotherapist Dr. Steven Vazquez that harnesses the transformative power of color, light frequencies, and eye movements to facilitate rapid emotional healing and trauma resolution. Unlike traditional talk therapy, ETT directly interacts with neural networks, allowing for efficient access to...

Interview with Psychotherapist Win Schepps on Why Children Need to Know it’s Ok to Cry

Interview with Psychotherapist Win Schepps on Why Children Need to Know it’s Ok to Cry

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Interview with Winston Schepps   🌟📚 Meet Win Scheppes: A Lifelong Friend, Mentor, and Dedicated Social Worker in Birmingham Alabama at 86! 🤝💼 Discover the inspiring story of Win Scheppes, a remarkable social worker who continues to make a difference in people's lives well into his 86th year. With unwavering passion, he exclaims, "I love doing therapy so damn much," showcasing his unrelenting commitment to his profession. For an incredible 57 years, he has served his community from his Homewood office,...

David Tacey Interview on Carl Jung, Mysticism, Comparative Religion and the Politics of Mythology

David Tacey Interview on Carl Jung, Mysticism, Comparative Religion and the Politics of Mythology

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Exploring the Depths of Jungian Psychology: An Interview with David Tacey Buy Tacey's Books on Amazon! God's and Diseases The Jung Reader The Post Secular Sacred The Darkening Spirit How to Read Jung Jung and Spirituality Religion as Metaphor Jung and The New Age The Spirituality Revoloution Remaking Men  The Edger of the Sacred Re: Enchantmernt In a fascinating interview with Joel Blackstock from the Taproot Therapy Collective podcast, David Tacey, a renowned Australian public intellectual, writer, and...

Interview with Martin Gledhill

Interview with Martin Gledhill

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Allow us to introduce Mr. Martin Gledhill, an accomplished researcher and writer who is currently in the writing stage of his Ph.D. on Carl Jung's Bollingen Tower—a work that he hopes will soon become a book. Before embarking on this captivating and all-consuming project, Martin held the position of senior lecturer at the Department of Architecture & Civil Engineering, where he focused on exploring the profound symbolism and spiritual essence embedded within architecture. 🏛️💫 This is just an excerpt of the...

Frank Lloyd Wrong: Why we didn’t take the right lessons from Wright’s legacy

Frank Lloyd Wrong: Why we didn’t take the right lessons from Wright’s legacy

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Is There a Psychology to Architecture? Did you enjoy this article? Checkout the podcast here: https://gettherapybirmingham.podbean.com/\ Key Ideas: Frank Lloyd Wright's architectural philosophy centered around creating harmony between nature, structure, and the spiritual and symbolic lives of the building's inhabitants. His organic architecture aimed to blend buildings seamlessly into their natural surroundings. Wright believed form should follow function, meticulously designing spaces to serve the practical...

You May Address the Chair: How what we sit in tells us what we stand for

You May Address the Chair: How what we sit in tells us what we stand for

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🛋️ The Deep Psychology of Furniture: What Chairs Say About Culture, Personality, and Healing in Birmingham, AL At Taproot Therapy Collective in Birmingham, AL, we believe the environment is integral to the healing process. Our selection of timeless, quality design is intentional. This article explores the link between design history and the human psyche—a core principle of the Depth Psychology we practice. Did you enjoy this article? Check out our podcast here: https://gettherapybirmingham.podbean.com/ Chair The...

The Curious Case of Wilhelm Reich

The Curious Case of Wilhelm Reich

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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...

The Body Keeps the Score 2? ; The Path Forward for Trauma Treatment

The Body Keeps the Score 2? ; The Path Forward for Trauma Treatment

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What if Bessel van der Kolk wrote a sequel to his influential book on trauma today? Did you enjoy this article? Checkout the podcast here: https://gettherapybirmingham.podbean.com/ e If anyone is familiar with the book The Body Keeps the Score, by world renowned physician Bessel van der Kolk, the title of this article is obvious hyperbole. I have no idea if he would or what Bessel van der Kolk would write as a sequel to The Body Keeps the Score. I am sure his publishers have offered him an enormous cash advance...

Corporate Tech Monopolies are Going to Ruin Therapy

Corporate Tech Monopolies are Going to Ruin Therapy

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Last weekend BetterHelp, the online subscription therapy company, settled with the FTC for almost 8 million in fines for selling therapy patient's confidential information to Facebook and Snapchat. This isn’t justice, so hold your applause. Did you enjoy this article? Checkout the podcast here: https://gettherapybirmingham.podbean.com/ The company, whose name really is the word better and help smashed together with no space between them has had issues before. A quick google search reveals customer reviews...

Everything you ever wanted to know about Brainspotting

Everything you ever wanted to know about Brainspotting

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Everything You Ever Wanted to Know about Brainspotting: A Clinical Deep Dive Trauma activates our body’s fight or flight system making us experience strong emotional and physical reactions without a logical cause which can make you feel angry or scared before you can intellectually understand why you react that way because reexperiencing trauma is not a choice but an unconscious reaction. Brainspotting is a revolutionary new trauma processing tool to help you process this unconscious reaction because to heal...

Existentialism vs Mysticism: What is the Ego Self Axis?

Existentialism vs Mysticism: What is the Ego Self Axis?

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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 sad because I know it happened for the greater good.” “I’m not afraid because I know that it can’t hurt me.” These statements are not attempts to feel emotion, they are attempts to turn emotion off. These statements are attempts to solve and...

New Podcast Episode: Living on the Inside of History

New Podcast Episode: Living on the Inside of History

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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/ “For the whole earth is the tomb of famous men; not only are they commemorated by columns and inscriptions in their own country, but in foreign lands there dwells also an unwritten memorial of them, graven not on stone but in the hearts of men. Make...

New Podcast Episode: Brainspotting Changed my Life

New Podcast Episode: Brainspotting Changed my Life

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  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 my mothers garden. I am biting on the seam of injection molded red plastic in a 1980s baby walker. I ponder the way that Alabama red clay cakes in the grooves of my tennis shoe and poke it with a stubby finger and later a small twig. My dreams...

What Happens to the Eye During a Brainspotting Therapy Session?

What Happens to the Eye During a Brainspotting Therapy Session?

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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 the therapist looks for a position where your eye blinks and dilates. Many patients wonder what their eye looks like so I created this video to show you what I'm seeing when I do brain spotting on a patient. The eye you see in the video is my own eye...

What is the Body Brain? How Psychological Trauma is Stored in the Body

What is the Body Brain? How Psychological Trauma is Stored in the Body

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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 this part of the brain. Therapy modalities that activate and regulate the sub cortical brain are the methods that work to heal trauma. The Body Brain: Why “Talking it Out” Isn't Always Enough Have you ever spent hours analyzing a traumatic event,...

Demystifying Jung

Demystifying Jung

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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 boundaries of this new psychology should be. Jung’s ambivalence towards standardizing his psychology shows across the varied fields in which it has become practiced. The study of archetypal images latent within the humanity's collective unconscious has...

Ketamine for Trauma and PTSD – Interview with Dr. Harrison Irons from Southern Ketamine and Wellness

Ketamine for Trauma and PTSD – Interview with Dr. Harrison Irons from Southern Ketamine and Wellness

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YKeR4siEbPc Unlocking Healing: A Deep Dive into IV Ketamine Therapy with Dr. Harrison Irons At Taproot Therapy Collective, we recognize that healing is rarely a straight line. For many clients—especially those dealing with treatment-resistant conditions—traditional talk therapy and standard medications may need to be augmented with advanced medical interventions. To ensure our clients receive the most comprehensive care possible, we partner with top-tier medical providers in the...

Norse Mythology by Neil Gaiman Book Review

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=52Bgj0Y1nNs Chaos, Entropy, and Neil Gaiman: A Therapist's Take on Norse Mythology It is rare that I discuss fiction in a professional capacity. My focus is usually squarely on clinical therapy and the mechanics of healing. However, as a clinician who leans toward depth psychology, I find that mythology is inextricably linked to clinical work. The way we view the world, the narratives we construct about our lives, and the way we make meaning out of chaos are all deeply mythological...

Leon Krier, Carl Jung, and the Architecture of the Archetype

Leon Krier, Carl Jung, and the Architecture of the Archetype

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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 clients these questions. Many times clients lack any formal training in architectural style or the history of design. When I name the specific architectural styles or design traditions present in client's dreams they often draw a blank on the names. When...

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