Back from the Borderline

In this episode, I sit down with Laurence Hillman, a leading voice in archetypal astrology and depth psychology. As the son of the legendary James Hillman, Laurence has developed a profound yet accessible approach to astrology and psychology that helps uncover deep-seated truths within us. Together, we explore how understanding and working with archetypes can be transformative for those navigating emotional challenges, trauma, or simply searching for a greater sense of purpose.

Laurence shares insights on:

• The Power of Archetypes in Healing: How recognizing and integrating archetypes can support emotional and psychological healing, guiding us through life's difficult moments.
• Astrology Beyond the Surface: Demystifying astrology’s deeper wisdom beyond horoscopes, and uncovering how it serves as a tool for authentic self-exploration.
• Shadow Work for Transformation: Exploring the vital role of shadow work in personal growth, learning to embrace and integrate our darker aspects for a fuller, more authentic self.
• Awakening Consciousness: Laurence’s approach to “awakening consciousness” and the essential roles that depth psychology and archetypes play in this transformative journey.

If you’ve ever felt lost, stuck, or on the verge of a personal breakthrough, Laurence offers practical advice to begin your path toward self-awareness, healing, and self-realization. This episode serves as both an exploration and a guide to using archetypal astrology as a tool for navigating the inner landscapes of our lives.

CONNECT WITH LAURENCE: https://laurencehillman.com/

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

✧ https://www.astrologyuniversity.com/

✧ https://archetypesatwork.com/

Craving more? Become a Premium Submarine. Join an exclusive community and unlock hundreds of hours of members-only content: full-length episodes, deep-dive series, guided meditations, and more—all for the cost of a couple of coffees a month. Start exploring at backfromtheborderline.com.

The information contained in this podcast episode is for educational and entertainment purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for treatment or consultation with a licensed mental health professional.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this exclusive preview of the fourth episode of our eye-opening multi-part series exploring the book "The Radical Therapist," we dive into an intimate and revealing letter from an anonymous person who refers to themselves as "C.B.", who recounts their harrowing experiences in various mental hospitals during the 1960s and 70s. This episode is an unflinching look at the impact of institutionalization on mental health and personal autonomy.

This powerful narrative explores:

• The profound loss of purpose and meaning leading to mental health disintegration.
• The destructive cycle of dependency fostered by psychiatric facilities, stripping patients of autonomy and motivation.
• The paradoxical rewards for 'sickness' in the hospital setting, promoting acting out for attention and care.
• The dehumanizing experiences of psychiatric treatment, including invasive searches, withheld information, and forced labor.
• The alarming use of Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) without proper consent or understanding of its consequences.
• The deep stigma attached to mental illness, complicating reintegration into society and magnifying feelings of isolation.
• The often condescending and defensive nature of interactions with psychiatrists, leading to further alienation and frustration.

C.B.'s account sheds light on the profound challenges faced within mental health institutions and the urgent need for compassionate, patient-centered approaches.

This episode invites us to reflect on the historical treatment of mental illness and question how far we have come in understanding and addressing these complex issues.

Enjoyed this episode? Explore more as a Premium Submarine. Dive deep into hundreds of hours of ad-free exclusive content and full-length episodes on Patreon, including my original BPD recovery series, guided meditations, and much more. Click here to preview the premium collections you’ll unlock access to for as little as a couple of cups of coffee a month. Learn more and join at backfromtheborderline.com.

The information contained in this podcast episode is for educational and entertainment purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for treatment or consultation with a licensed mental health professional.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this captivating episode, we explore the profound insights of Paul Rebillot, a Gestalt therapist and former actor, who harmoniously blends the art of storytelling with the transformative process of therapy. His article, "The Power of Story and Myth – The Genesis of an Approach to Healing," takes us on a journey through the time-honored tradition of myth and its pivotal role in shaping human consciousness.

In this episode, you'll discover how:

★Stories and myths have been the vessels of wisdom across various cultures, from the Lakota Sioux to ancient Greece.

★The therapeutic potential of myth can lead to personal transformation and a deeper understanding of our own 'madness.'

★Rebillot's own workshops harness the Hero's Journey archetype, facilitating profound personal change.

Reference: https://www.adventurelife.eu/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Rebillot-The-power-of-story-and-myth.pdf

Enjoyed this episode? Explore more as a Premium Submarine. Dive deep into hundreds of hours of ad-free exclusive content and full-length episodes on Patreon, including my original BPD recovery series, guided meditations, and much more. Click here to preview the premium collections you’ll unlock access to for as little as a couple of cups of coffee a month. Learn more and join at backfromtheborderline.com.

The information contained in this podcast episode is for educational and entertainment purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for treatment or consultation with a licensed mental health professional.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join me for a preview of this Premium Submarine exclusive multi-part series exploring the 1971 book "The Radical Therapist." In part three, we'll take a critical look at the training of psychiatrists and its far-reaching implications on the practice of therapy and systemic change within the field.

In this episode, you'll learn about:

• The deeply entrenched 'master and apprentice' model in psychiatric education and its effect on trainee therapists.
• The cycle of mystification in psychiatric training, leading to a perplexing and often unchallengeable professional aura.
• How the medical model in psychiatry not only shapes therapists but also impacts the patients under their care.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in understanding the nuances and complexities of psychiatric training and its role in shaping the mental health landscape. The full discussion delves deeper into these themes, challenging conventional norms and sparking a conversation on necessary reforms.

ABOUT THE BOOK: The Radical Therapist, an alternative mental health journal from the early 1970s, emerged as a critique of traditional psychiatry and a proponent of social change as the primary treatment for mental illness. Published from 1970 to 1972, it was part of the anti-psychiatry movement challenging established psychiatric principles. The journal originated in Minot, North Dakota, where a group of psychiatrists and activists founded The Radical Therapist Collective, emphasizing therapy for social, political, and personal change. The Collective aimed to establish a forum for those critical of traditional therapy, advocating for a new psychology and therapy programs under client control. The journal was highly critical of the societal "Establishment," supporting women's liberation, gay liberation, and opposing the Vietnam War, racism, and consumerist greed. It attracted contributing editors and authors who shared these views.

Enjoyed this episode? Explore more as a Premium Submarine. Dive deep into hundreds of hours of ad-free exclusive content and full-length episodes on Patreon, including my original BPD recovery series, guided meditations, and much more. Click here to preview the premium collections you’ll unlock access to for as little as a couple of cups of coffee a month. Learn more and join at backfromtheborderline.com.

The information contained in this podcast episode is for educational and entertainment purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for treatment or consultation with a licensed mental health professional.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This third and final installment of our "Trauma Worlds" series marks a turning point from darkness to light, focusing on the transformative process of healing. In this episode, we continue to unravel the complex layers of trauma, including the role of shame, as we forge a path toward recovery and self-renewal.

Here's what we'll cover:

✧ How confronting and understanding shame paves the way for profound healing.

✧ Methods for liberating ourselves from the chains of trauma and redefining our narrative.

✧ Marion Woodman's insights into the necessity of embracing our body's wisdom and lived experiences.

✧ The significance of nurturing connections and self-empathy in our healing journey.

This conversation is not just about identifying the sources of our struggles—it's about actively seeking the light at the end of the tunnel and the steps we can take to reach it.

Reference: Sieff, D. F. (2017). Trauma-worlds and the wisdom of Marion Woodman. Psychological Perspectives, 60(2), 170-185.

UNLOCK THE FULL EPISODE:

Enjoyed this episode? Explore more as a Premium Submarine. Dive deep into hundreds of hours of ad-free exclusive content and full-length episodes on Patreon, including my original BPD recovery series, guided meditations, and much more. Click here to preview the premium collections you’ll unlock access to for as little as a couple of cups of coffee a month. Learn more and join at backfromtheborderline.com.

The information contained in this podcast episode is for educational and entertainment purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for treatment or consultation with a licensed mental health professional.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tune in for an exclusive preview of another premium episode of Back from the Borderline, where we tackle an exploration of the roots of psychiatric care and its potential to oppress and mystify. This sneak peek will confront the uncomfortable, questioning if the care provided truly heals or further entangles us in unseen binds.

Topics Covered:

✧ Deciphering oppression in psychiatric treatment

✧ The role of awareness in transforming our mental health journey

✧ Unmasking 'mystification' in therapy and its effects on our autonomy

✧ The crucial equation for liberation: awareness + contact

Enjoyed this episode? Explore more as a Premium Submarine. Dive deep into hundreds of hours of ad-free exclusive content and full-length episodes on Patreon, including my original BPD recovery series, guided meditations, and much more. Click here to preview the premium collections you’ll unlock access to for as little as a couple of cups of coffee a month. Learn more and join at backfromtheborderline.com.

The information contained in this podcast episode is for educational and entertainment purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for treatment or consultation with a licensed mental health professional.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Embark on a profound exploration in Part 2 of the 'Trauma Worlds' series, as we navigate deeper into the concealed landscapes of the psyche where fear and disconnection warp our sense of self and reality. This episode is an invitation to uncover the veiled forces sculpting our trauma responses, guiding you through the complex interplay of biological and psychological elements that shape the intricate tapestry of internalized fear, shame, and unworthiness. Discover the concept of 'trauma-worlds'—not as places built by traumatic events themselves but as creations at the intersection where personal experiences meet overwhelming emotions. Step into these personal yet universally understood realms to learn about the common threads that bind us in hypervigilance, disconnection, and pervasive shame, and begin the journey towards reclaiming your inner narrative.

Key Learning Points:

✧ Understand the distinction between external trauma triggers and their internal impacts, shaping our trauma-worlds.

✧ Explore the three dynamics central to all trauma-worlds: hypervigilance, disconnection, and shame, and how they distort our reality.

✧ Delve into the evolutionary roots of trauma and the crucial role of social support in mitigating its effects.

✧ Uncover the multigenerational transmission of trauma and how inherited fears and perceptions forge our own trauma responses.

✧ Encounter the profound influence of the 'Negative Mother' and 'Death Mother' archetypes on our self-perception and biological responses.

Reference: Sieff, D. F. (2017). Trauma-worlds and the wisdom of Marion Woodman. Psychological Perspectives, 60(2), 170-185.

Enjoyed this episode? Explore more as a Premium Submarine. Dive deep into hundreds of hours of ad-free exclusive content and full-length episodes on Patreon, including my original BPD recovery series, guided meditations, and much more. Click here to preview the premium collections you’ll unlock access to for as little as a couple of cups of coffee a month. Learn more and join at backfromtheborderline.com.

The information contained in this podcast episode is for educational and entertainment purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for treatment or consultation with a licensed mental health professional.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this exclusive preview of a premium episode, join me as we launch a virtual book club to read and reflect on an out-of-print gem from the 1970s, The Radical Therapist. In part one of our exploration, we dive into the book's provocative critique of the psychiatric establishment and its call for sweeping social change as an alternative approach to mental health. Along the way, I’ll share modern reflections on these ideas, discussing how they resonate with today’s mental health challenges.

About The Radical Therapist: Originally a counter-cultural mental health journal, The Radical Therapist was created by a group of psychiatrists and activists known as The Radical Therapist Collective. Active from 1970 to 1972, the journal emerged as part of the anti-psychiatry movement, challenging established psychiatric norms and advocating for mental health reform that emphasized social, political, and personal transformation. By placing client control at the heart of therapy, The Radical Therapist sought to create a “new psychology,” openly opposing the traditional power dynamics of mental health treatment. Its pages became a platform for voices supporting women’s and gay liberation, as well as vehement opposition to the Vietnam War, systemic racism, and consumer culture.

In This Episode: Key Themes and Reflections

• Challenging the “Establishment”: Understanding why The Radical Therapist viewed traditional psychiatry as a tool of social control rather than a healing profession.
• Social Change as Therapy: Exploring the journal's perspective that true mental health transformation requires dismantling oppressive societal structures.
• Mental Health Under Client Control: Reflections on the importance of client autonomy and empowerment in therapeutic settings, both then and now.
• Parallels to Today’s Mental Health Reform Movement: Recognizing the themes of liberation and advocacy for marginalized communities that remain as relevant today as they were 50 years ago.

If you’re curious about the roots of the anti-psychiatry movement, or simply intrigued by the idea of therapy as a tool for social change, this episode will be both eye-opening and inspiring. Join us as we unpack the radical insights of this influential, yet largely forgotten, work in mental health history.

Craving more? Become a Premium Submarine. Join an exclusive community and unlock hundreds of hours of members-only content: full-length episodes, deep-dive series, guided meditations, and more—all for the cost of a couple of coffees a month. Start exploring at backfromtheborderline.com.

The information contained in this podcast episode is for educational and entertainment purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for treatment or consultation with a licensed mental health professional.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this powerful three-part series, we explore the "trauma world"—a hidden reality created by survival mechanisms that activate in response to early-life trauma. This alternate world, often defined by fear, disconnection, and shame, distorts our inner and outer perceptions, shaping our lives in ways we may not consciously recognize. Recognizing the "trauma world" for what it is can be a first step toward deep, meaningful healing. In Part One, we unpack the foundational elements of how trauma reshapes our view of the world, leading us to unconsciously carry patterns that echo across generations. Through insights inspired by renowned psychologist Marion Woodman, we’ll explore why understanding the unconscious layers of trauma is essential for true recovery and growth.

Key Concepts Covered in This Episode:

• The "Dangerous World" Mindset: How trauma from overwhelming fear and pain instills an implicit belief that the world is unsafe, coloring all interactions.
• Marion Woodman’s Contributions: A tribute to Woodman’s work and her valuable perspectives on integrating the mind-body connection in trauma healing.
• The Creation of the "Trauma World": How enduring neglect, abuse, or dysfunction in childhood activates survival systems that form a "trauma world," deeply affecting perception and behavior.
• Normalization of Dysfunction: How growing up with trauma skews our understanding of "normal," often leading us to accept unhealthy dynamics without question.
• The Ripple Effect of Trauma: Examining how trauma’s influence extends from the individual to impact families, communities, and society at large.
• The Hidden Nature of Trauma Coping Mechanisms: How symptoms and responses rooted in trauma often remain buried in the unconscious, making healing a challenging journey.
• Individual Trauma Responses: Understanding that the impact of trauma varies based on factors like sensitivity, age, personal history, and available support.

This series opener invites you to explore the layers of trauma, recognize hidden survival patterns, and gain a compassionate perspective on the path to healing. Whether you’re navigating your own journey or seeking to understand others, this episode provides a thoughtful guide to begin reclaiming a life beyond the trauma world.

REFERENCE: Daniela F. Sieff (2017) Trauma-worlds and the wisdom of Marion Woodman, Psychological Perspectives, 60:2, 170-185. [Based on a Plenary lecture from the conference “Coming Home to the Body: The Legacy of Marion Woodman.” A collaboration between by Pacifica Graduate Institute and the Marion Woodman Foundation, November 2015.]

Craving more? Become a Premium Submarine. Join an exclusive community and unlock hundreds of hours of members-only content: full-length episodes, deep-dive series, guided meditations, and more—all for the cost of a couple of coffees a month. Start exploring at backfromtheborderline.com.

The information contained in this podcast episode is for educational and entertainment purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for treatment or consultation with a licensed mental health professional.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Have you ever experienced something so strange and seemingly unexplainable that you felt almost crazy? Yet, simultaneously, there was an undeniable gut feeling that this moment held significance. There is a term for this phenomenon: synchronicity. The psychologist and mystic Carl Jung coined the term synchronicity and first mentioned it publicly in 1930. He described it as a "peculiar principle active in the world so that things happen together somehow and behave as if they were the same, and yet for us, they are not." Jung drew parallels between synchronicity and the Chinese concept of "Tao," emphasizing the union of opposites represented by the complementary pairs of Yin and Yang. This concept is rooted in the oneness of humanity and the surrounding cosmos, aligning with the alchemical credo: "As above, so below," signifying the interconnectedness of the inner and outer worlds, psyche and matter being one and the same.

In this episode, you'll join a conversation between myself and my friend Michael Phillip, the host of the Third Eye Drops podcast and YouTube channel. Through the exploration of depth psychology, myth, mysticism, and esoteric thought, we'll delve into various ideas and concepts, including individuation (self-realization), dream symbols, archetypes, and other Jungian and spiritual concepts that have guided us on our respective paths toward deeper self-knowledge.

Follow us down the rabbit hole if you dare… 🕳️🐇

REFERENCES:

✧ Click here to subscribe to Third Eye Drops on YouTube (or follow the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify)

✧ Click here to watch my Third Eye Drops interview with Michael

Enjoyed this episode? Explore more as a Premium Submarine. Dive deep into hundreds of hours of ad-free exclusive content and full-length episodes on Patreon, including my original BPD recovery series, guided meditations, and much more. Click here to preview the premium collections you’ll unlock access to for as little as a couple of cups of coffee a month. Learn more and join at backfromtheborderline.com.

The information contained in this podcast episode is for educational and entertainment purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for treatment or consultation with a licensed mental health professional.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.