Religion and psychoanalysis make a volatile mix. Like bleach and ammonia, the combination can leave people gasping in irritation. I’m not interested in activating a burning sensation. I only want to apply some salve to blistering boils of unreason. Are we strong enough … [Read more...] about Fundamentalism and the Psyche
Ascending to Joy
Joy is the Mount Everest of human emotions. Can depth psychology, knowing well the slopes and faults and ridges of our psyche, lead us like a powerful Sherpa guide to the heights of such euphoria? As if in awe of joy, psychology doesn’t dare say a lot about it. The sublime … [Read more...] about Ascending to Joy
Now’s the Time for Heroes
Now is the time for each of us to find purpose and direction. The world is convulsing in agony and terror, and every one of us is needed to contribute some heroism to the drama of aspiring humanity. Are you looking for your part, your role, in this great drama? Can you do … [Read more...] about Now’s the Time for Heroes
Feeling Like a Fraud or an Imposter?
As a young actor in the 1960s, Michael Caine was sitting across from Frank Sinatra in a private plane on a flight to Las Vegas when, overwhelmed by the moment, he suddenly became tongue-tied and speechless. Sinatra said, “Mikey, what’s up? You scared of flying?” Caine, who … [Read more...] about Feeling Like a Fraud or an Imposter?
The Invisible Wall of Psychological Resistance
As the client of a depth psychologist back in the mid-1980’s, I acquired a copy of The Basic Neurosis by Edmund Bergler. My therapist told me the book was important, and I was determined to read it. I did so for five or six pages and then, inexplicably, put it aside. Over the … [Read more...] about The Invisible Wall of Psychological Resistance