Suffering Without Screaming In the first part of this series, we explored the concept of the modern world as a simulacrum, a copy without an original, and how this phenomenon is related to the increasing emphasis on hyper-rationality and objectivity in our culture. We also discussed how the work of philosophers and psychologists, as observed by Friedrich Nietzsche, can reveal their own fears and insecurities through their insistence on perfect logic and objectivity. In the second part of the series we discussed...

Who was Martin Buber Martin Buber (1878-1965) was an Austrian-born Israeli philosopher, theologian, and writer whose ideas have had a significant impact on various fields, including psychotherapy. Buber's philosophy, particularly his concept of dialogue and the I-Thou relationship, has been influential in shaping the humanistic and existential approaches to psychotherapy. Buber's Concept of Dialogue and the I-Thou Relationship At the core of Buber's philosophy is the idea of dialogue, which he saw as the...

The Philosophy of Psychotherapy The Corporatization of Healthcare and Academia: A Threat to the Future of Psychotherapy The field of psychotherapy is at a critical juncture, facing numerous challenges that threaten its ability to effectively address the complex realities of the human experience. Chief among these challenges is the growing influence of corporate interests and the trend towards hyper-specialization in academic psychology, which have led to a disconnect between the profession and its roots, as well...

  'The Drunken Driver Has The Right of Way' by Ethan Coen The loudest have the final say, The wanton win, the rash hold sway, The realist’s rules of order say The drunken driver has the right of way. The Kubla Khan can butt in line; The biggest brute can take what’s mine; When heavyweights break wind, that’s fine; No matter what a judge might say, The drunken driver has the right of way. The guiltiest feel free of guilt; Who care not, bloom; who worry, wilt; Plans better laid are rarely built For forethought...

 Exploring the Intersection of Empiricism and Spirituality The relationship between science and spirituality has been a subject of intense debate and fascination for centuries. On one hand, science is often seen as a bastion of objectivity, relying on empirical observation and rational analysis to uncover the fundamental laws and mechanisms that govern the natural world. On the other hand, spirituality is often associated with subjective experience, intuitive wisdom, and a sense of the sacred or transcendent that...

Mapping the Mythic Psyche If you unfamiliar with it we go over the Beebe model for screenwriters in granular detail here: https://gettherapybirmingham.com/applying-jungian-psychology-to-fiction-and-screenwriting-part-3-personality-theories/ v 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...

Harnessing the Power of Greek Mythology in Psychotherapy "Song, as you teach it, is not desire, not courtship of something finally attained. Song is reality. Simple, for the god. But when are we simple? When does he pour the Earth and the stars into us? This is not about you, youngster, even if you suddenly grasp it, stammering - it's not about you at all." Rilke's Sonnets to Orpheus As psychotherapists, we are constantly seeking new ways to help our clients navigate the complexities of the human experience. One...

Archetypal Psychology and Couples Therapy: Applying Robert Moore's Ideas to Relationship Counseling Archetypal Psychology and Couples Therapy: Applying Robert Moore's Ideas to Relationship Counseling Robert Moore, Ph.D. was a pioneering psychoanalyst, theologian, and scholar who left an indelible impact on the fields of analytical psychology and psychotherapy before his untimely passing in 2016. As a leading thinker in Jungian psychology, spirituality, and archetypal studies, Dr. Moore's prolific career shed...

Navigating Uncertainty, and Finding Meaning in a Fractured World Our era is characterized by the dominance of hyper-rationality and the relentless pursuit of objective truth, production, accomplishment and consumption.  The human psyche finds itself adrift in a sea of fragmented images and disconnected meanings as the previous myths that used to give us purpose are exposed as hollow or erroneous. I see patients everyday that describe this phenomenon but not in these words. It is as if they are saying that they do...

Exploring the Depths of the Psyche: Jungian Insights on Individuation, Spirituality, and Mental Health Read Part 1, Part 2, Part 3 and Part 4 Carl Jung's groundbreaking work in depth psychology has provided valuable insights into the complex relationship between the human psyche, spirituality, and mental health. By delving into the concepts of individuation, the collective unconscious, and the role of the ego in spiritual development, Jung offers a framework for understanding the transformative journey of...