by Joel Blackstock LICSW-S MSW PIP | Aug 1, 2023 | Neuroscience and the Brain
Understanding the Body-Brain Relationship Traditionally, the body and brain were seen as separate entities, with the brain being the primary source of intellect and the body merely acting as a vessel. However, as our understanding of neuroscience and trauma deepens,...
by Joel Blackstock LICSW-S MSW PIP | May 11, 2023 | Neuroscience and the Brain
What is Somatic and Experiential Therapy? Experiential therapy modalities, such as Internal Family Systems (IFS), Lifespan Integration (LI), Hakomi, AEDP, Psychodrama, and Gestalt therapy, are often considered “non-manualizable” approaches to therapy. This...
by Joel Blackstock LICSW-S MSW PIP | Dec 5, 2022 | Neuroscience and the Brain, Phenomenology and Existential Psychology
“The years, of which I have spoken to you, when I pursued the inner images, were the most important time of my life. Everything else is to be derived from this. It began at that time, and the later details hardly matter anymore. My entire life consisted in...
by Joel Blackstock LICSW-S MSW PIP | Sep 15, 2022 | Neuroscience and the Brain, Trauma Treatment in Alabama, Trauma, Depth Psychology, and Social Work
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...
by Joel Blackstock LICSW-S MSW PIP | Sep 5, 2022 | Mystics, Gurus, and Spiritual Philosophers, Neuroscience and the Brain
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...
by Joel Blackstock LICSW-S MSW PIP | Jun 17, 2022 | Neuroscience and the Brain, Phenomenology and Existential Psychology
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...
by Joel Blackstock LICSW-S MSW PIP | May 22, 2022 | Neuroscience and the Brain
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...
by Joel Blackstock LICSW-S MSW PIP | May 21, 2022 | Neuroscience and the Brain
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...
by Joel Blackstock LICSW-S MSW PIP | Apr 6, 2022 | Neuroscience and the Brain, Trauma Treatment in Alabama, Trauma, Depth Psychology, and Social Work
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 may face unique challenges. This article...
by Joel Blackstock LICSW-S MSW PIP | Mar 29, 2022 | Neuroscience and the Brain
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 brain regions, particularly the prefrontal...
