Once Upon a Mind

Once Upon a Mind

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Once Upon a Mind episodes

  • The Two Brothers and Stress Management

    A psychoanalytic view of stress management in the fairy tale

    The Two Brothers explores how the story’s characters, themes, and events represent the psyche’s unconscious
    attempts to cope with inner conflict, external pressures, and the complexities of relationships. This analysis sheds light on the ways the brothers’ divergent paths reflect mechanisms of stress response, integration of the self, and the
    resolution of tension between competing psychological forces.

    11 min
  • The Juniper Tree and Emotional Regulation

    The Juniper Tree, a Brothers Grimm fairy tale, offers rich material for a psychoanalytic interpretation of emotional dysregulation. By exploring the family dynamics, unconscious motivations, and symbolic elements of the story, one can uncover deeper insights into psychological struggles, particularly the challenge of regulating emotions.

    20 min
  • Thumbelina and Loneliness

    In a psychoanalytic reading, Thumbelina explores themes of loneliness, belonging, and identity formation. Thumbelina's journey through abduction and isolation symbolizes the struggle for autonomy and self-realization. Despite being surrounded by creatures who wish to control or reshape her, Thumbelina experiences deep emotional isolation, underscoring a yearning for authentic connection.

    17 min
  • The Robber Bridegroom and Guilt and Shame

    In analysing the dark fairy tale The Robber Bridegroom from a psychoanalytic perspective, themes of guilt and

    shame emerge prominently, reflecting unconscious fears,
    societal pressures, and individual psychological development.

    11 min
  • Faithful John and Low Self Esteem

    In a psychoanalytic view, "Faithful John" reflects themes of loyalty, sacrifice, and self-worth, with parallels to struggles involving low self-esteem. Faithful John embodies the idealized protective figure, sacrificing his well-being and even risking death to safeguard the king’s future happiness. From a psychological perspective, John's unwavering devotion suggests a suppression of his own needs and desires, possibly reflecting a pattern of overcompensating behaviour to gain validation and approval.


    16 min
  • Rumpelstiltskin and Depression

    Rumpelstiltskin, a tale of mysterious bargains and hidden truths, offers rich ground for psychoanalytic interpretation, especially when viewed through the lens of depression.


    12 min
  • Snow White and Grief, Mourning and Loss

    A psychoanalytic reading of Snow White explores themes of grief, mourning, and loss, with the story reflecting the emotional struggles and processes associated with these experiences. Snow White’s journey—from her mother’s death, her stepmother’s betrayal, and her own metaphorical death and rebirth—parallels the psychological challenges of processing loss and finding renewal.

    14 min
  • Rapunzel and Anxiety

    A psychoanalytic reading of Rapunzel reveals deep connections to the experience of anxiety, with the tower, the witch, and Rapunzel herself symbolizing different facets of the psyche. Themes of isolation, fear, control, and eventual liberation mirror the struggles of individuals coping with anxiety and the journey toward emotional freedom.

    16 min

About Once Upon a Mind

From the publisher's feed

Fairy tales are often dismissed as simple bedtime stories for children, but their roots run deep in the collective psyche, carrying timeless wisdom, emotional healing, and transformative power. Fairy…