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...
by Joel Blackstock LICSW-S MSW PIP | Mar 27, 2022 | Neuroscience and the Brain
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 been owned by King Midas, and that any attempt...
by Joel Blackstock LICSW-S MSW PIP | Mar 13, 2022 | Mystics, Gurus, and Spiritual Philosophers, Neuroscience and the Brain
What is Mysticism? Is it Part of Religion or Therapy? The Mystical Depths of the Psyche: Exploring the Intersection of Mysticism, Psychology, and Psychotherapy The Inward Journey In the medieval period, pilgrims embarked on perilous journeys to the Holy Land,...
by Joel Blackstock LICSW-S MSW PIP | Jul 3, 2021 | Neuroscience and the Brain
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...
by Joel Blackstock LICSW-S MSW PIP | May 31, 2021 | Neuroscience and the Brain
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...
