by Joel Blackstock LICSW-S MSW PIP no. 4135C-S | Aug 11, 2024 | Mythology and Therapy
Executive Summary: The Psychology of Euripides’ Helen The Core Premise: Euripides presents a radical “anti-tragedy” where Helen of Troy never went to Troy. Instead, the gods created a “Phantom” (Eidolon) out of clouds to take her place,...
by Joel Blackstock LICSW-S MSW PIP no. 4135C-S | Aug 11, 2024 | Mythology and Therapy
Key Takeaways: Iphigenia in Tauris & Jungian Psychology The Archetype of Exile: Represents the psychological state of “Liminality”—being stuck between the conscious identity (Greece) and the unconscious shadow (Tauris). Trauma & Ritual:...
by Joel Blackstock LICSW-S MSW PIP no. 4135C-S | Aug 11, 2024 | Mythology and Therapy
Key Takeaways: Prometheus Bound & Jungian Psychology The Archetype of Rebellion: Prometheus represents the emerging Ego that steals “Fire” (Consciousness) from the Unconscious (The Gods) to give it to humanity. The Negative Senex (Zeus): Zeus embodies...
by Joel Blackstock LICSW-S MSW PIP no. 4135C-S | Aug 11, 2024 | Mythology and Therapy
Key Takeaways: The Suppliants & Jungian Psychology The Refugee Soul: The Danaids represent the Anima (Feeling Function) fleeing from the predatory Animus (The Egyptians), seeking sanctuary in the conscious mind (Argos). The Democratic Ego (Pelasgus): King Pelasgus...
by Joel Blackstock LICSW-S MSW PIP no. 4135C-S | Aug 11, 2024 | Mythology and Therapy
Key Takeaways: Antigone & Depth Psychology The Conflict: Represents the eternal battle between the State/Ego (Creon) and the Soul/Self (Antigone). It is the clash between “written laws” (logic) and “unwritten laws” (archetypal morality)....
by Joel Blackstock LICSW-S MSW PIP no. 4135C-S | Aug 11, 2024 | Mythology and Therapy, Psychology of Mystics, Gurus, and Spiritual Philosophers
Executive Summary: Oedipus at Colonus & The Psychology of Redemption The Core Premise: This play is the final chapter of the Oedipus cycle, written by Sophocles at the age of 90. It details the transformation of Oedipus from an exiled “monster” into a...
by Joel Blackstock LICSW-S MSW PIP no. 4135C-S | Aug 11, 2024 | Mythology and Therapy
What Happens in the Iphigenia? Euripides’s Iphigenia in Aulis is a profound exploration of the human psyche, delving into themes of sacrifice, patriarchy, the nature of free will, and the complex dynamics of family and society. By examining this ancient tragedy...
by Joel Blackstock LICSW-S MSW PIP no. 4135C-S | Aug 11, 2024 | Mythology and Therapy
Executive Summary: The Psychology of The Bacchae The Core Conflict: Euripides’ masterpiece is the ultimate study of Repression. It pits Pentheus (The Rigid Ego) against Dionysus (The Irrational Id). It demonstrates that whatever we repress eventually returns to...
by Joel Blackstock LICSW-S MSW PIP no. 4135C-S | Aug 11, 2024 | Mythology and Therapy
What Happens in Hippolytus? Euripides’s Hippolytus is a complex and psychologically rich exploration of desire, repression, and the conflict between societal expectations and individual passions. By examining this ancient tragedy through the lens of Jungian...
by Joel Blackstock LICSW-S MSW PIP no. 4135C-S | Aug 11, 2024 | Mythology and Therapy
Executive Summary: The Psychology of Medea The Core Conflict: Euripides’ tragedy is not just about a scorned woman; it is the archetypal blueprint of Narcissistic Rage. It explores what happens when the “Golden Shadow” (Medea) is betrayed by the...
