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 lies beyond the reach of scientific inquiry. At first glance, these two per ..read more

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 implicit worldview and emotional cosmology that shapes their experience. By mapping ..read more

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 rich source of insight and guidance can be found in the timeless wisdom of Gr ..read more

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 light on the deep archetypal structures and dynamics of the human psyche. His innovat ..read more

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 not know who they are anymore. Not because they have changed but because a ..read more

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 psychological and spiritual growth. In this exploration, we will examine the key element ..read more

Read Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3 Jungian Analysis and the Path to Wholeness In a world that often feels fragmented, superficial, and devoid of deeper meaning, many people are turning to the rich and transformative tradition of Jungian analysis as a path to healing, growth, and self-discovery. Founded by the Swiss psychiatrist Carl Jung in the early 20th century, Jungian analysis is a depth psychology that seeks to explore the unconscious dimensions of the psyche, uncover the hidden patterns and potentials that shape our lives, and ultimately facilitate the process of individuation – the lifelo ..read more

Read Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3 What was Jung’s Method to Discover Reality? The Pitfalls of Literalism: Why Jung is Often Misunderstood One of the most persistent challenges facing Jungian psychology is the tendency for people to misinterpret Jung’s ideas in a literal or supernatural sense. Despite his repeated emphasis on the symbolic and metaphorical nature of his concepts, many individuals are drawn to Jungian theory as a kind of esoteric roadmap, promising access to hidden realms of knowledge and power. This tendency is perhaps most evident in the way some people approach the notion of th ..read more

What is Gnosticism Gnosticism, a multifaceted religious and philosophical movement that flourished in the early centuries of the Common Era, has captivated the minds of spiritual seekers and scholars alike. Originating in the Mediterranean region, Gnosticism derived its name from the Greek word “gnosis,” signifying an intimate, experiential knowledge of the divine. This ancient wisdom tradition sought to address the fundamental questions of human existence, the nature of the divine, and the path to spiritual liberation. At the heart of Gnostic thought lies a profound sense of duality—a cosmic ..read more

What did Prehistoric Religion Look Like: The Venus of Willendorf: In the hit HBO series “The Young Pope,” the enigmatic and unconventional Pope Pius XIII, played by Jude Law, is seen contemplating a replica of the Venus of Willendorf on his desk. While the show never explicitly addresses the figurine’s significance, its presence serves as a subtle nod to the enduring power and mystery of this ancient fertility symbol. The Venus of Willendorf, discovered in Austria in 1908, is one of the most well-known examples of Paleolithic art. Dating back to around 25,000 years ago, this small limestone fi ..read more