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. 09/17/2024

    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. 09/09/2024

    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
  3. 09/03/2024

    Growing Through Grief: Amy Pickett-Williams and The Light Movement

    Growing Through Grief: Holistic and Somatic Approaches to Healing After Loss Grief is a universal human experience, yet it is deeply personal and unique to each individual. In this article, we explore innovative approaches to grief therapy that integrate somatic and holistic practices to help people grow through loss. We sat down with Amy Pickett-Williams, a grief therapist with over 25 years of experience, to discuss her work and the nonprofit she founded, The Light Movement. Here are some of the key insights from our conversation: The Many Faces of Grief While we often associate grief with bereavement after the death of a loved one, Pickett-Williams emphasizes that grief encompasses many types of loss, including: Loss of a relationship or identity after a major life transition Loss felt by those struggling with infertility or health issues Collective grief over global issues like war, terrorism and climate change The "everyday losses" we experience when things don't go as planned "Losses are around us all the time," says Pickett-Williams. "Every day we experience losses...and if we don't know how to work with them, it's just going to build more and more in our bodies, which can lead to physical issues and chronic stress." #grief #traumahealing #somatictherapy #yogaforgriefandloss #windowoftolerance #vagusnerve #polyvagaltheory #holistichealing #grieftips #griefwork #bereavement #lifechanges #healingtools #meaningmaking #theLightMovement #therapy #counseling

    49 min
  4. 08/06/2024

    🛞Unlocking Your Potential with Archetypes: Interview with Dr. Laurence Hillman

    Discover how to harness the power of archetypes to transform your life and leadership. In this interview, archetypal astrologer Dr. Laurence Hillman shares his innovative Archetypes at Work™ model and how it can help you unleash your full potential in an increasingly complex world. Dr. Hillman's Site: https://laurencehillman.com/ In this podcast interview, Dr. Laurence Hillman, a pioneering archetypal astrologer, discusses his groundbreaking Archetypes at Work™ model. This universal framework, based on 10 core archetypes represented by planetary symbology, provides a language for understanding human motivation and behavior. Dr. Hillman emphasizes the importance of developing both left-brain and right-brain capabilities, particularly in light of increasing complexity and the rise of artificial intelligence (AI). He shares how the Archetypes at Work™ model can be applied for personal growth, leadership development, team dynamics, and organizational transformation. By learning to identify and embody different archetypal energies, individuals can tap into their full potential and thrive in all areas of life. The interview also explores the limitations of reductionistic approaches to psychology and the value of engaging with subjectivity, intuition, and symbolic thinking for deep understanding and change. Dr. Laurence Hillman is an archetypal astrologer, coach, and speaker with over 45 years of experience. He is the co-creator of the Archetypes at Work™ model used for leadership development and organizational transformation. Hillman holds a PhD and travels the world teaching and consulting. He is passionate about helping people embrace their full potential by understanding and utilizing the power of archetypes. Hillman is the son of the late James Hillman, the founder of archetypal psychology.   #ArchetypesAtWork#ArchetypalPsychology#LeadershipDevelopment#PersonalGrowth#OrganizationalTransformation#InnovationThroughArchetypes#ArchetypalCoaching#ArchetypalAstrology#WholeBrainLeadership#CreativityAndIntuition#RightBrainLeadership#MindsetMastery#ArchetypalEmbodiment#ArchetypalConsulting#PurposeDrivenLeadership   Website: https://gettherapybirmingham.com/Check out the youtube: https://youtube.com/@GetTherapyBirminghamPodcast Website: https://gettherapybirmingham.podbean.com/Podcast Feed: https://feed.podbean.com/GetTherapyBirmingham/feed.xmlTaproot Therapy Collective2025 Shady Crest Drive | Hoover, Alabama 35216Phone: (205) 598-6471Fax: (205) 634-3647 Email: Admin@GetTherapyBirmingham.com

    1h 4m
  5. 07/07/2024

    🗿The Birth of Architecture: Neolithic Psyche

    [caption id="attachment_5359" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] "Dolmen de Menga entrance: Massive stone portal of 6,000-year-old Neolithic tomb in Antequera, Spain."[/caption][caption id="attachment_5354" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] "La Peña de los Enamorados: Distinctive mountain face aligned with Dolmen de Menga, resembling human profile."[/caption] Key Ideas: The invention of architecture during the Neolithic period marked a significant shift in human psychology and religion, creating a division between natural and man-made spaces and giving rise to new concepts of ownership, territoriality, and sacred spaces. The relationship between architecture and the awareness of death is explored, with the idea that built structures allowed humans to create a sense of permanence and continuity in the face of mortality. Neolithic dolmens and their alignment with the summer solstice may have played a crucial role in rituals related to death, the afterlife, and the cyclical nature of the cosmos. The astronomical alignment of the Dolmen de Menga is part of a larger pattern of archaeoastronomical significance in Neolithic monuments across Europe, suggesting a shared cosmological understanding among ancient societies. Neolithic art and architecture, including the use of red ochre and iron oxide paintings, may be linked to shamanic practices and altered states of consciousness. Peter Sloterdijk's theory of spheres is applied to understand the evolution of human spatial awareness and the desire to recreate protected, womb-like spaces through architecture.The fundamental nature of architecture and its role in human life is explored through various philosophical, psychological, and sociological perspectives. Adventure Time with My Daughter My daughter Violet likes the show Adventure Time. She loves mythology, creepy tombs, long dead civilizations and getting to be the first to explore and discover new things. I took my 6-year-old daughter to the Neolithic portal Tomb, or Dolmen, Dolmen de Menga in Antequera, while on a trip to Spain. This ancient megalithic monument, believed to be one of the oldest and largest in Europe, dates back to the 3rd millennium BCE. It is made of 8 ton slabs of stone that archaeologists have a passing idea of how ancient people moved. It has a well drilled through 20 meters of bedrock at the back of it and it is oriented so that the entrance faces a mountain that looks like a sleeping giant the ancient builders might have worshiped. All of this delighted my daughter. The dolmen's impressive architecture features massive stone slabs, some weighing up to 180 tons, forming a 25-meter-long corridor and a spacious chamber. Inside, a well adds to the mystery, possibly used for rituals or as a symbol of the underworld. What's truly fascinating is the dolmen's alignment with the nearby La Peña de los Enamorados mountain. During the summer solstice, the sun rises directly over the mountain, casting its first rays into the dolmen's entrance, illuminating the depths of the chamber. This astronomical alignment suggests the ancient builders had a sophisticated understanding of the cosmos. According to archaeoastronomical studies, the Dolmen de Menga might have served as a symbolic bridge between life and death, connecting the world of the living with the realm of the ancestors. The solstice alignment could have held great spiritual significance, marking a time of renewal, rebirth, and the eternal cycle of existence. Sharing this incredible experience with my daughter and witnessing her awe and curiosity as she felt the weight of boulders that men had moved by hand, is a moment I'll treasure forever.  I reminded her that every time she has seen a building, be it a school or a sky-scraper, it all started here with the birth of architecture, and maybe the birth of something else too. Thinking about prehistory is weird because thinking about the limits of our human understanding is trippy and prehistory is, by defin

    35 min
  6. 07/04/2024

    The Psychology of Technology in Film Making with Andy Philpo

    🎥🎬 In this captivating podcast, Joel and Andy Philpo dive deep into the world of cutting-edge filmmaking and concert technology! 🎉🎸 From virtual production and LED walls to AI-assisted creativity, they explore how these advancements are transforming the entertainment industry. 🌟💡 Andy shares his insights on the democratization of creative tools and the potential for indie projects to achieve stunning results. 🎨💻 They also discuss the importance of immersion in storytelling and how technology can enhance the audience's experience. 🎭🎫 Join them as they ponder the future of AR/VR concerts, escape rooms, and the ever-evolving landscape of interactive entertainment. 🎮🔍 Don't miss this engaging conversation on the intersection of art and technology! 🎨🔧 #FilmmakingTechnology #ConcertTech #VirtualProduction #LEDWalls #AICreativity #IndieFilmmaking #Immersion #Storytelling #AudienceExperience #ARVRConcerts #EscapeRooms #InteractiveEntertainment #ArtMeetsTech #EntertainmentIndustry #Podcast   Website: https://gettherapybirmingham.com/Check out the youtube: https://youtube.com/@GetTherapyBirminghamPodcast Website: https://gettherapybirmingham.podbean.com/Podcast Feed: https://feed.podbean.com/GetTherapyBirmingham/feed.xmlTaproot Therapy Collective2025 Shady Crest Drive | Hoover, Alabama 35216Phone: (205) 598-6471Fax: (205) 634-3647 Email: Admin@GetTherapyBirmingham.com

    1h 11m
  7. 06/27/2024

    The Psychology of Screenwriting with Chris Rogers

    Chris Rogers, the visionary showrunner behind critically acclaimed series like AMC's "Halt and Catch Fire," Amazon's "Paper Girls," and Apple TV+'s latest hit, "Sugar." Join us as we explore Rogers' journey through the television industry and uncover the intricate psychology behind crafting compelling narratives for the small screen. Whether you're an aspiring screenwriter, a psychology enthusiast, or simply a fan of great television, this interview offers a rare glimpse into the creative process of one of today's most innovative showrunners. Don't miss this opportunity to unlock the secrets of compelling storytelling and gain a deeper appreciation for the art and science of television writing. In this illuminating conversation, Rogers shares insights into the delicate balance of character development, plot progression, and thematic resonance that defines his work. We'll discuss how he taps into the human psyche to create relatable characters and emotionally resonant storylines that keep viewers coming back for more. #ChrisRogers #TVShowrunner #HaltAndCatchFire #PaperGirls #Sugar #AppleTV #AmazonPrime #AMC #TelevisionIndustry #CreativeProcess #Storytelling #StreamingPlatforms #WritersRoom #SciFiTV #PeriodDrama   Website: https://gettherapybirmingham.com/Check out the youtube: https://youtube.com/@GetTherapyBirminghamPodcast Website: https://gettherapybirmingham.podbean.com/Podcast Feed: https://feed.podbean.com/GetTherapyBirmingham/feed.xmlTaproot Therapy Collective2025 Shady Crest Drive | Hoover, Alabama 35216Phone: (205) 598-6471Fax: (205) 634-3647 Email: Admin@GetTherapyBirmingham.com

    53 min
  8. 06/26/2024

    🗠💥Psychology of the American Nightmare in The Great Gatsby

    In this episode, we embark on a captivating exploration of F. Scott Fitzgerald's timeless classic, The Great Gatsby. We analyze the novel's prophetic qualities, its commentary on the cyclical nature of history, and its profound insights into the human psyche. Through the lens of Jungian psychology, we examine the anima and animus archetypes embodied by Fitzgerald and his contemporary, Ernest Hemingway, and how their works reflect the eternal struggle between the intuitive and the assertive. We also discuss how The Great Gatsby serves as a powerful warning about the pitfalls of the American Dream and the dangers of becoming trapped in the past. Join us for this illuminating discussion on one of the most influential novels of the 20th century. #TheGreatGatsby #FScottFitzgerald #classicbooks #JungianArchetypes #Anima #AmericanDream #Modernism #Literature #History #Psychology #Podcast #books #Gatsby #empire #dream#animus Website: https://gettherapybirmingham.com/Check out the youtube: https://youtube.com/@GetTherapyBirminghamPodcast Website: https://gettherapybirmingham.podbean.com/Podcast Feed: https://feed.podbean.com/GetTherapyBirmingham/feed.xmlTaproot Therapy Collective2025 Shady Crest Drive | Hoover, Alabama 35216Phone: (205) 598-6471Fax: (205) 634-3647 Email: Admin@GetTherapyBirmingham.com The Expansive Decadent Ego of the Animus and the Introspective Bust and Decline of the Anima as Parts of Empire Cultures wax and wane. Empires that seem like part of the cosmos itself fall like gunshot victims into a pool or lines on a bar chart. It is the rare work that can speak to both the sparkle of spectacle and the timeless inevitable real it distracts us from. The Great Gatsby was an immediate success and then forgotten and then rediscovered. It was forgotten because the Jazz age was a, beautiful maybe, but still nearsighted dalliance. Fitzgerald was lumped in with all of the other out of date out of style gaucheness the book was mistaken as a celebration of. It was rediscovered because critics realized the book was like one of those sweetly scented break up notes that is written so beautifully that the dumped sod misreads it as a love letter and puts it with the other love notes unawares. The Great Gatsby was a warning; and you can only hear the warning after the fall. Perhaps half love letter and half kiss off, some part of Fitzgerald knew that his world was ending. The Jazz age was the parodos, or fun act of the ancient Greek tragedy where characters expound humorously against the chorus on the character faults that will undue them against the grinding unwinding of time. Ancient Greece and Rome look the same in the periphery and quite different in focus. Greeks sought to be ideal through archetype where Romans sought reality through realism. Greece, like F. Scott Fitzgerald, dealt in the realm of the anima - the passive, intuitive, and emotional aspects of the psyche. They were comfortable with beauty through vulnerability and had a poetic culture that celebrated poetic introspection. The Greeks were fascinated with the introspective world of the psyche, and their ability to express complex emotions and ideas through symbolic and mythological language. To them archetypes were like platonic forms, or perfect ideals, removed from time. [caption id="attachment_4983" align="aligncenter" width="225"]Ancient Greek Beauty[/caption] Rome, like Fitzgerald's contemporary Ernest Hemingway, was more closely associated with the qualities of the animus - the masculine, assertive, and imperialistic, aspects of the psyche. Roman culture was characterized by its emphasis on law, order, and external appearances of military might. It gave rise to some of the most impressive feats of engineering, architecture, and political organization in the ancient world. The Romans were known for their practicality, their discipline, and their ability to translate ideas into concrete realities. To Rome the aspirational and ideological only mattered

    23 min

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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