Go Not to The Elves for Counsel

Karen Pollock
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Exploring the intersections of Middle Earth and the therapy room, two worlds which have far more in common than you might think! Karen will be your host ,passionate about Tolkien, and fantasy in general, and their work as a psychotherapist. Alongside deep dives into passages of text, which shine a light on theraputic ideas and theories, there will be guests bringing their own experiences of Tolkien and mental health. A light to you in dark places when all other lights go out

  1. Jun 8

    Happy Shire Pride!

    In a special Pride Month Episode I explore what queer readings, queer coding, and explicity queer characters mean in subcreation, and ask myself - what would a Shire Pride look like? The cannonical answer is - there would be a drag queen story time!

    Happy Shire Pride!

  2. May 18

    Holding difficult feelings (or can the Valar go to therapy, please!)

    In this episode I explore how we anxiety and fear can make us feel we have to erradicate all risk, and the life limiting, and joy limiting implications of that. Oh and I tell the Valar they need therapy - badly! Willow Moot link https://blackberry.signumuniversity.org/events/willowmoot2026/ The Big Read - https://www.tolkiensociety.org/members/big-read/ Follow me on Threads - @counsellingkaren Bluesky karen.bskyb.social and email me on northumberlandcounselling@gmail.com

  3. May 10

    Aule wins best Dad award

    Exploring Myth, Parenthood, and Growth through Tolkien's Legendarium In this episode, psychotherapist and Tolkien enthusiast Karen Pollock dives into the profound themes of myth, parenting, and personal growth as reflected in Tolkien's works, particularly focusing on the story of Aule, Yvanna, and the dwarves. Perfect for lovers of literature, psychology, and Middle-earth, this episode reveals how myths mirror our own internal journeys.Key Topics: The parallels between mythological stories and parenting, especially the hopes and fears involved in nurturing othersThe story of Ale (Aule) and Yvanna, and their roles as archetypes of creator and nurturerThe evolution of Tolkien's Valar and how their stories reflect changing ideas about power and stewardshipThe importance of humility, acceptance, and growth in both the legendarium and real lifeThe significance of mistakes and humility in creation and personal developmentHow Tolkien's mythic themes relate to mental health and self-awarenessThe contrast between Ale's desire for control versus his genuine wish to nurture and loveThe role of compassion and acceptance in healing and growthTolkien SocietyWillowMoot (belgium)EuroMoot (Prague)Hephaestus - Greek God of Fire and ForgeVulcan - Roman God of FireUnderstanding Myth as a Reflection of Human Experience

  4. Apr 27

    The Silm Season - Melkors Shame and Secret Anger

    This week we are exploring how Tolkien’s mythic universe and psychoanalytic concepts illuminate the complex emotions of shame and anger, offering insights for healing and self-understanding. I look at Melkor's response to Illuvatar telling him, your improv Jazz Solo was still my music brought out both shame and defensive anger. Content note for shame being weaponised, internalised shame and toxic parenting - please remember the importance of patience and gentle inquiry when working through shame and anger You can contact me on northumberlandcounselling@gmail.com and @karenpollock.bsky.social Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction to the episode and themes of Tolkien and mental health 01:09 - The Tolkien Society’s read-alongs and community engagement 02:34 - The dual passions of Tolkien and demystifying mental health 03:29 - Exploring the emotional space of shame, with insights from Tolkien’s lore 05:00 - The music of the Ainur and the creation of the universe as a metaphor for identity 06:37 - The significance of Melkor’s shame and creation out of rebellion 09:47 - Differentiating guilt ("I did bad") from shame ("I am bad") 12:22 - Freud’s theory of shame and the superego’s role in internalized shame 15:11 - Shame as systemic and culturally embedded, using Foucault’s framework 16:04 - How societal shame targets marginalized communities and enforces norms 17:42 - Weaponization of shame, internalized prejudices, and societal control 18:54 - The role of divine compassion versus shame in Tolkien’s Valar 19:54 - The shame of Melkor’s rebellion and failure, and the importance of compassionate guidance 24:00 - The protective role of anger and how recognition can help process shame 26:32 - Gentle approaches to healing shame, like caring for a rescue dog 29:14 - Closing thoughts on healing shame and fostering self-compassion Remember — understanding shame and anger can lead to greater compassion for yourself and others. Be gentle and patient in your healing journey.Resources & Links: Tolkien’s Legendarium & The Silmarillion (HarperCollins Edition 2024⁠ ⁠The Tolkien Society Big Read⁠ ⁠ The Alliance of Arda ⁠ Life isnt Binary Music by https://pixabay.com/music/beautiful-plays-cloud-of-sorrow-13984/

  5. Apr 13

    The Silm Season - Families can have their own headcanons

    This week in the first of the Silm Season Episodes I explore the fascinating interplay between Tolkien’s legendarium and the concept of family canon, revealing how myths influence personal and collective identity. Family myths (family canon) can influence personal identity, highlighting examples like the "messy" middle child or cultural expectationsand the harms of rigid family canon can be huge, especially when it enforces stereotypes or suppresses authentic self-expression Content contains themes related to darkness, family myths, and personal identity. Tolkien’s Legendarium & The Silmarillion (HarperCollins Edition 2024The Tolkien Society Big Read The Alliance of Arda Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction and the excitement around Tolkien’s 2026 Big Read00:29 - The upcoming legendarium discussions and the Sylm season focus01:29 - Dark themes in Tolkien and the importance of self-care when engaging with heavy content02:47 - The influence of myth and legend on Tolkien’s work, with a focus on darkness and heroism03:46 - Exploring the theme of family canon: how stories shape our identities04:14 - Definition of canon in literature, religion, and fandom and its implications05:14 - The fluidity of subcreated worlds versus rigid Tolkien canon enforcement06:42 - The danger of weaponizing canon in fandom disputes09:11 - Families’ own attitude towards myths, legends, and individual roles within family canon09:41 - Personal reflection on being the “messy” middle child and family mythologies10:38 - How family legends can influence behavior and perceptions across generations11:08 - The potential harm of family canon—such as expectations around gender, career, and sexuality12:49 - How family myths can be harmful, especially when they dismiss personal truth13:32 - Examples of how family canon can impose limits on individuals' identity and life choices15:01 - Personal story about family canon regarding education, class, and sexuality16:43 - The importance of breaking free from harmful myths and myths as prisons17:55 - Ending reflection on the importance of valuing people over things and myths18:36 - A reading from Tolkien’s "Anilindole" and its themes of harmony and divine music22:54 - Closing thoughts: embodying light in darkness and the enduring power of myth:Note: Content contains themes related to darkness, family myths, and personal identity. Music by https://pixabay.com/music/beautiful-plays-cloud-of-sorrow-13984/ contact me on northumberlandcounselling@gmail.com or find me on Bluesky @karenpollock.bsky.social

  6. Mar 25

    Alone with his servant

    In this special episode celebrating Tolkien Reading Day, I read from one of my favourite passages in the Silmarrilion, and if just one person remembers that sometimes heroism is just getting through another day, then thats the light in the darkness I hope for. Happy Gondorian New Year! Any comments or questions you can contact me on counsellinginnorthumberland@gmail.com

  7. Mar 8

    Andreth - An International Womans Day episode

    Karen Pollock explores the character Andreth from Tolkien's legendarium, highlighting her wisdom, philosophical debates, and significance for International Women's Day. keywords; keywords Tolkien, Andrith, Middle Earth, Women in Literature, Philosophy, Tolkien's Legendarium, International Women's Day, Literary Analysis contact Karen on northumberlandcounselling@gmail.com or find out more about them on their website counsellinginnorthumberland.com

  8. Jan 11

    On the Wrong Side of the Brandywine River

    This week I am looking at cogntive distortions, beliefs we hold onto as "facts" and how dangerous these can be with the weight of structural power behind them. The seemingly harmless belief those folk the other side of the shire are all a bit queer shows us how these distortions can have all the authority of solid facts, for the right listeners in the Ivy Bush. Content Notes for Mentions of racism, slavery, and conversion therapy. https://www.routledge.com/Gender-Sex-and-Relationship-Diversity-Therapy-Theory-and-Practice/Davies-Neves-Prunas/p/book/9781032868806

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Exploring the intersections of Middle Earth and the therapy room, two worlds which have far more in common than you might think! Karen will be your host ,passionate about Tolkien, and fantasy in general, and their work as a psychotherapist. Alongside deep dives into passages of text, which shine a light on theraputic ideas and theories, there will be guests bringing their own experiences of Tolkien and mental health. A light to you in dark places when all other lights go out

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