The Taproot Podcast

www.GetTherapyBirmingham.com
The Taproot Podcast

The Taproot therapy podcasts discusses trauma anthropology, philosophy, mythology and the implications of psychology on art and design. We dabble in neuroscience, brain based medicine, Jungian psychology, and various modes of artistic expression and healing. It is more poetic and literary tha most therapy podcasts and we hope that you enjoy it. Based in Birmingham Alabama, Taproot Therapy Collective is the premiere providers of therapy for severe and complex trauma, PTSD, anxiety and depression. We provide EMDR, brainspotting, Emotional Transformation Therapy ETT, gestalt, parts based, depth psychology, somatic, and, jungian therapy as well as QEEG, brain mapping and neurostimulation. Website: https://gettherapybirmingham.com/ Taproot Therapy Collective 2025 Shady Crest Drive | Hoover, Alabama 35216 Phone: (205) 598-6471 Fax: (205) 634-3647 Email: Admin@GetTherapyBirmingham.com The resources, videos and podcasts on our site and social media are no substitute for mental health treatment. Please find a qualified mental health provider and contact emergency services in your area in the event of an emergency to a provider in your area. Our number and email are only for scheduling at Taproot Therapy Collective are not monitored consistently and not a reliable resource for emergency services.

  1. SEP 17

    Ritual and Animism in Psychology

    Explore the fascinating world of ritual and animism in psychology! This in-depth look covers the evolution of human consciousness, psychotic experiences, and therapeutic approaches. From James Frazer's "The Golden Bough" to Julian Jaynes' bicameral mind theory, discover how our understanding of the human psyche has evolved. Learn about the changing nature of psychosis in America and how it reflects societal shifts. Dive into the works of Jung, Edinger, and Neumann to understand the role of animism in psychological development. Perfect for psychology students, therapists, and anyone interested in the intersection of spirituality and mental health.   #PsychologyOfRitual #AnimismExplained #ConsciousnessEvolution #PsychologyOfRitual #AnimismExplained #ConsciousnessEvolution #JulianJaynes #BicameralMind #JamesFrazer #GoldenBough #PsychosisInAmerica #JungianPsychology #TherapeuticApproaches #SpiritualPsychology #MentalHealthAwareness #CollectiveTrauma #SymbolicThinking #RitualHealing   What is the Psychology of Ritual and Animism? Ritual and animism are distinct but related concepts that offer insights into the workings of the emotional and preconscious mind. While they are often associated with religious or spiritual practices, they can also be understood as psychological processes that serve important functions in human development and well-being (Edinger, 1972; Neumann, 1955). Animism can be defined as the attribution of consciousness, soul, or spirit to objects, plants, animals, and natural phenomena. From a psychological perspective, animism involves "turning down" one's cognitive functioning to "hear" the inner monologue of the world and treat it as alive. This process allows individuals to connect with the preconscious wisdom of their own psyche and the natural world (Tylor, 1871). Ritual, on the other hand, is a structured sequence of actions that are performed with the intention of achieving a specific psychological or social outcome. In depth psychology, ritual is understood as a process of projecting parts of one's psyche onto objects or actions, modifying them, and then withdrawing the projection to achieve a transformation in internal cognition (Moore & Gillette, 1990). It is important to note that animism and ritual are not merely primitive or outdated practices, but rather reflect a natural state of human consciousness that has been suppressed or "turned off" by cultural and environmental changes, rather than evolutionary ones. This natural state can still be accessed through various means, including psychosis, religious practices, and intentional ritualistic behaviors (Grof, 1975). In times of extreme stress or trauma, individuals may experience a breakdown of their normal cognitive functioning, leading to a resurgence of animistic or ritualistic thinking. This can be seen in the delusions and hallucinations associated with psychosis, which often involve a heightened sense of meaning and connection with the environment (Jaynes, 1976). Similarly, many religious and spiritual traditions incorporate practices that deliberately induce altered states of consciousness, such as meditation, chanting, or the use of psychoactive substances. These practices can help individuals access the preconscious wisdom of their own minds and connect with the living world around them (Eliade, 1959). Even in secular contexts, engaging in intentional ritualistic behaviors, such as art-making, dance, or storytelling, can serve a similar function of integrating the emotional and preconscious aspects of the psyche. By creating a safe, structured space for self-expression and exploration, these practices can promote psychological healing and growth (Turner, 1969). James Frazer and "The Golden Bough" James Frazer (1854-1941) was a Scottish anthropologist and folklorist who made significant contributions to the study of mythology, religion, and ritual. His most famous work, "The Golden Bough" (1890), was a comparative study of myth

    43 min
  2. SEP 9

    Alex Monk on Trauma and the Supernatural: Working from the Curse Position

    Exploring the Intersection of Trauma, Psychotherapy, and the Supernatural with Alex Monk Check Out Alex's Book ajnd Website: https://alexmonktherapy.com/ Alex's Daimon article he mentions: https://alexmonk.substack.com/p/the-daemonic-divine In a fascinating new podcast episode, psychotherapist and author Alex Monk delves into the complex relationship between relational trauma, unconscious phantasies, and experiences of the supernatural. Drawing upon his groundbreaking book "Trauma and the Supernatural in Psychotherapy," Monk introduces the concept of the "curse position" - a psychological state in which individuals feel trapped by a sense of chronic misfortune and self-sabotage. Throughout the interview, Monk illuminates how developmental trauma can interact with a "daimonic uncanny," leaving individuals feeling haunted and helpless. He shares rich case illustrations and draws upon fields as diverse as psychoanalysis, anthropology, and esoteric philosophy to outline a framework for understanding and working with clients who struggle with uncanny experiences. Some of the key topics covered in this wide-ranging discussion include: The role of unconscious phantasies in perpetuating the "curse position" How therapists can navigate the tension between "magical thinking" and "magical consciousness" The potential for engagement with the supernatural to be a source of empowerment and healing for trauma survivors The importance of therapists cultivating the capacity to tolerate uncanny and irrational experiences in the consulting room The historically conflicted relationship between psychoanalysis and the occult Monk's work offers a fresh and nuanced perspective on the interplay between trauma, altered states of consciousness, and culturally marginalized experiences. He advocates for an approach that neither dismisses the ontological reality of uncanny phenomena nor romanticizes "magical thinking," but rather meets clients in the full depth and complexity of their lived experience. For therapists interested in learning more about working at the intersection of trauma and the supernatural, this episode is a must-listen. Monk's innovative framework has implications for clinicians of many orientations who are grappling with how to integrate spiritual and anomalous experiences into trauma-informed treatment. Whether you're a skeptic or a believer, this conversation will challenge you to expand your conception of the possible and re-examine your assumptions about the the role of the uncanny in psychological healing. Tune in to discover a cutting-edge approach to one of the most overlooked dimensions of trauma treatment. Key Phrases: trauma and the supernatural, curse position, relational trauma, unconscious phantasies, daimonic uncanny, magical thinking, magical consciousness, uncanny experiences, anomalous experiences, psychoanalysis and the occult, spiritual bypassing, dissociation, mythology in psychotherapy, mythic reality, esoteric philosophy, spirituality in treatment, haunted states, self-sabotage   Alex Monk on Facebook Alex Monk on Twitter     Soundcloud  Alex Monk Bandcamp   Taproot Blog Page: https://gettherapybirmingham.com/unraveling-the-e…the-supernatural/

    1h 15m

Ratings & Reviews

4.9
out of 5
8 Ratings

About

The Taproot therapy podcasts discusses trauma anthropology, philosophy, mythology and the implications of psychology on art and design. We dabble in neuroscience, brain based medicine, Jungian psychology, and various modes of artistic expression and healing. It is more poetic and literary tha most therapy podcasts and we hope that you enjoy it. Based in Birmingham Alabama, Taproot Therapy Collective is the premiere providers of therapy for severe and complex trauma, PTSD, anxiety and depression. We provide EMDR, brainspotting, Emotional Transformation Therapy ETT, gestalt, parts based, depth psychology, somatic, and, jungian therapy as well as QEEG, brain mapping and neurostimulation. Website: https://gettherapybirmingham.com/ Taproot Therapy Collective 2025 Shady Crest Drive | Hoover, Alabama 35216 Phone: (205) 598-6471 Fax: (205) 634-3647 Email: Admin@GetTherapyBirmingham.com The resources, videos and podcasts on our site and social media are no substitute for mental health treatment. Please find a qualified mental health provider and contact emergency services in your area in the event of an emergency to a provider in your area. Our number and email are only for scheduling at Taproot Therapy Collective are not monitored consistently and not a reliable resource for emergency services.

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