Tarot Psych

By Dr. Laura Robu

Tarot as a psychological tool for self-exploration and personal transformation. Hosted by Laura Robu, PsyD, licensed psychologist. My mission is to make therapeutic concepts accessible through the pra... more

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FAQs about Tarot Psych:

How many episodes does Tarot Psych have?

The podcast currently has 30 episodes available.

Tarot Psych episodes:

April 16, 202610. Resilience Miniseries - The Empress & The Emperor: Creating Ideal Inner Parents for Trauma Work
On this episode:
The traditional and psychological meanings of The Empress and The Emperor cards
A short breakdown of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Internal Family Systems (IFS) as therapeutic approaches
A Tarot Psych perspective on The Empress and The Emperor cards informed by EMDR and IFS
Why it's important to cultivate Ideal Inner Parents, especially when engaging in trauma work
Reflection questions for you to use when The Empress or The Emperor show up in your Tarot reading

***Please keep in mind that the information shared on this podcast is not intended for diagnosis or treatment, or as a substitute for medical, psychological, or spiritual care. Always consult with your healthcare providers for personalized support.***
~~~
Get a copy of The Nourished Heart Oracle Deck:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://nourishedtreasures.etsy.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Check out my LinkTree:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/dr_laurarobu⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
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If you’re experiencing a mental health crisis, please reach out for support:
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Call 988
Crisis Text-line: Text TALK to 741741
Spanish Hopeline: "TEXTO ESPERANZA" TO APOYA (839-863)
...more
16min
April 07, 20269. Resilience Miniseries - The Wheel of Fortune: The Psychology of Cultivating Good Luck
On this episode:
The traditional and psychological meanings of The Wheel of Fortune card
A Tarot Psych perspective on the Wheel of Fortune as an invitation to create our own luck
How the "Serendipity Mindset" can help us cultivate good luck
The three components of the Serendipity Mindset: Sensing opportunities in the unknown; Reframing setbacks; and Creating serendipity routines
Luck as the moment when preparation meets opportunity
Reflection questions for you to use when The Wheel of Fortune shows up in your Tarot reading

References:
Bandura, A. (1982). The psychology of chance encounters and life paths. American Psychologist, 37(7), 747–755. https://doi.org/10.1037/0003-066X.37.7.747

Busch, C. (2020). The Serendipity Mindset: The Art and Science of Creating Good Luck. Penguin Random House.

Ross, W. (2024). Accidental Thinking: A Model of Serendipity’s Cognitive Processes. Sage Journals. ⁠https://doi.org/10.1177/10892680241254759⁠

***Please keep in mind that the information shared on this podcast is not intended for diagnosis or treatment, or as a substitute for medical, psychological, or spiritual care. Always consult with your healthcare providers for personalized support.***
~~~
Get a copy of The Nourished Heart Oracle Deck:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://nourishedtreasures.etsy.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Check out my LinkTree:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/dr_laurarobu⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
Follow me on⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
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If you’re experiencing a mental health crisis, please reach out for support:
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Call 988
Crisis Text-line: Text TALK to 741741
Spanish Hopeline: "TEXTO ESPERANZA" TO APOYA (839-863)
...more
18min
March 17, 20268. Resilience Miniseries - The Magician: Beliefs as Tools that Empower or Constrain
On this episode:
The traditional and psychological meanings of the Magician card
How inherited and developed beliefs influence behavior and resilience
Key research findings on the power of beliefs
The Magician as a symbol of personal beliefs as tools that can empower or constrain
Practical questions and prompts to work with the Magician card in your own Tarot practice

***Please keep in mind that the information shared on this podcast is not intended for diagnosis or treatment, or as a substitute for medical, psychological, or spiritual care. Always consult with your healthcare providers for personalized support.***
~~~
Get a copy of The Nourished Heart Oracle Deck:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://nourishedtreasures.etsy.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Check out my LinkTree:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/dr_laurarobu⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
Follow me on⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
Follow me on⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
Follow me on⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Bluesky⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

If you’re experiencing a mental health crisis, please reach out for support:
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Call 988
Crisis Text-line: Text TALK to 741741
Spanish Hopeline: "TEXTO ESPERANZA" TO APOYA (839-863)
...more
18min
March 11, 20267. Resilience Miniseries - Strength: Taming Your Inner Lion With Self-Compassion
On this episode:
Traditional meanings of the Strength card
The symbolism of the Strength card as a metaphor for self-compassion
The science of self-compassion as described by Dr. Kristin Neff
How self-compassion activates the care system and reduces stress (2022 study)
How practicing loving kindness can slow aging by protecting telomeres (2019 study)
Why healing requires self-compassion, not self-criticism (2025 study)
Reflective questions and exercises for working with the Strength card in your Tarot practice
***Please keep in mind that the information shared on this podcast is not intended for diagnosis or treatment, or as a substitute for medical, psychological, or spiritual care. Always consult with your healthcare providers for personalized support.***
~~~
Get a copy of The Nourished Heart Oracle Deck:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://nourishedtreasures.etsy.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Check out my LinkTree:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/dr_laurarobu⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
Follow me on⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
Follow me on⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
Follow me on⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Bluesky⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

If you’re experiencing a mental health crisis, please reach out for support:
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Call 988
Crisis Text-line: Text TALK to 741741
Spanish Hopeline: "TEXTO ESPERANZA" TO APOYA (839-863)
...more
18min
February 24, 20266. Resilience Miniseries - The Hermit: The Power of Being Alone
On this episode:
Traditional meaning of the Hermit card: the solitary traveler, the seeker of wisdom, and the symbol of inner work.
Solitude vs. loneliness and why solitude can feel threatening in our modern, hyper-connected world.
What healthy solitude looks like in real life, grounded in psychology and research.
How solitude can be used as a tool for resilience.
Practical tips and takeaways for embracing the wisdom of The Hermit and applying it to daily life.
References:
"Solitude: The Science and Power of Being Alone" by Heather Hansen, Netta Weinstein, and Thuy-vy T. Nguyen (2024)

***Please keep in mind that the information shared on this podcast is not intended for diagnosis or treatment, or as a substitute for medical, psychological, or spiritual care. Always consult with your healthcare providers for personalized support.***
~~~
Get a copy of The Nourished Heart Oracle Deck:⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://nourishedtreasures.etsy.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
Check out my LinkTree:⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/dr_laurarobu⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
Follow me on⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
Follow me on⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
Follow me on⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Bluesky⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

If you’re experiencing a mental health crisis, please reach out for support:
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Call 988
Crisis Text-line: Text TALK to 741741
Spanish Hopeline: "TEXTO ESPERANZA" TO APOYA (839-863)
...more
10min
February 17, 20265. Resilience Miniseries - The Fool: Growth Mindset for Everyday Resilience
On this episode:
The Fool card as a symbol of psychological resilience and a Growth Mindset.
A clear primer on psychologist Carol Dweck’s mindset theory and why beliefs about ability matter for motivation, learning, and resilience.
The importance of adopting a growth mindset and contrasting it with a fixed mindset.
How Dr. Laura is embracing the energy of The Fool in her personal life.
Practical prompts and suggestions for your Tarot practice to cultivate a growth-oriented approach to challenges and setbacks.

References:
Dweck, C. S. (2006). Mindset: The new psychology of success. Random House.

Yeager, D. S., & Dweck, C. S. (2020). Mindsets that promote resilience: When students believe that hard work and strategies can help them improve. Social and Personality Psychology Compass, 14(4), e12476. DOI:10.1080/00461520.2012.722805

***Please keep in mind that the information shared on this podcast is not intended for diagnosis or treatment, or as a substitute for medical, psychological, or spiritual care. Always consult with your healthcare providers for personalized support.***
~~~
Get a copy of The Nourished Heart Oracle Deck:⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://nourishedtreasures.etsy.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
Check out my LinkTree:⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/dr_laurarobu⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
Follow me on⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
Follow me on⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
Follow me on⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Bluesky⁠⁠⁠⁠

If you’re experiencing a mental health crisis, please reach out for support:
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Call 988
Crisis Text-line: Text TALK to 741741
Spanish Hopeline: "TEXTO ESPERANZA" TO APOYA (839-863)
...more
15min
February 10, 20264. Resilience Miniseries - The Lovers: 22 Pillars of Psychological Resilience in Tarot
On this episode:
Psychological Resilience
The role of relationships and social supports in building and maintaining Psychological Resilience
What The Lovers teaches about resilience: social buffering, co-regulation, and safe connection
Key concepts: co-regulation, secure attachment, meaning-making, and agency in seeking support
Practical takeaways: build a reliable social safety net, create shared meaning rituals, and use internal and external resources to stay regulated

***Please keep in mind that the information shared on this podcast is not intended for diagnosis or treatment, or as a substitute for medical, psychological, or spiritual care. Always consult with your healthcare providers for personalized support.***
~~~
Get a copy of The Nourished Heart Oracle Deck:⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://nourishedtreasures.etsy.com⁠⁠⁠⁠
Check out my LinkTree:⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/dr_laurarobu⁠⁠⁠⁠
Follow me on⁠⁠ ⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠
Follow me on⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠
Follow me on⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Bluesky⁠⁠⁠

If you’re experiencing a mental health crisis, please reach out for support:
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Call 988
Crisis Text-line: Text TALK to 741741
Spanish Hopeline: "TEXTO ESPERANZA" TO APOYA (839-863)
...more
11min
February 03, 20263. Practical Ways to Cultivate Safety & Connection in Your Tarot Practice
On this episode:
How to check in with yourself to tell if you’re activated and in need of safety and connection in your Tarot practice
Five evidence-based, trauma-informed practices to use in your Tarot readings when you’re feeling activated
The importance of down-regulating arousal, establishing predictable safety signals, and prioritizing mindfulness

***Please keep in mind that the information shared on this podcast is not intended for diagnosis or treatment, or as a substitute for medical, psychological, or spiritual care. Always consult with your healthcare providers for personalized support.***
~~~
Get a copy of The Nourished Heart Oracle Deck:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://nourishedtreasures.etsy.com⁠⁠⁠

Check out my LinkTree:⁠ ⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/dr_laurarobu⁠⁠⁠

Follow me on⁠ ⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠
Follow me on⁠ ⁠⁠Instagram ⁠⁠⁠
Follow me on⁠ ⁠⁠Bluesky⁠⁠

~~~

If you’re experiencing a mental health crisis, please reach out for support:
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Call 988
Crisis Text-line: Text TALK to 741741
Spanish Hopeline: "TEXTO ESPERANZA" TO APOYA (839-863)
...more
13min
January 27, 20262. Safety First: How Fear Dilutes Tarot’s Medicine
On today’s episode:
The importance of cultivating safety in your Tarot readings and why fear dilutes the medicine of the cards.
Why “scary” cards (Death, The Tower, The Devil—or even certain suits like Swords) can trigger real fear, even when we know they aren’t “bad” cards.
How Polyvagal Theory (Stephen Porges; Deb Dana) explains fear responses: the nervous system constantly scans for threat, and trauma can make that “threat detector” extra sensitive.
What happens in fight-or-flight: the brain shifts from growth and insight to survival, compromising reflection, emotional processing, and learning.
The 7 key brain functions that often drop in survival mode (executive function, decision-making, flexibility, language, learning, emotional regulation, self-reflection)—and how that impacts Tarot readings.
“Fear dilutes the medicine of the cards:” Anxiety can turn Tarot into rumination or reassurance-seeking instead of a tool for healing.
Why cultivating Safety (a felt sense of “I’m okay right now”) and Connection (attuned presence/social engagement) is essential for therapeutic Tarot.

***Please keep in mind that the information shared on this podcast is not intended for diagnosis or treatment, or as a substitute for medical, psychological, or spiritual care. Always consult with your healthcare providers for personalized support.***
~~~
Get a copy of The Nourished Heart Oracle Deck:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://nourishedtreasures.etsy.com⁠⁠⁠
Check out my LinkTree:⁠ ⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/dr_laurarobu⁠⁠⁠
Follow me on⁠ ⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠
Follow me on⁠ ⁠⁠Instagram ⁠⁠⁠
Follow me on⁠ ⁠⁠Bluesky⁠⁠
~~~
If you’re experiencing a mental health crisis, please reach out for support:
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Call 988
Crisis Text-line: Text TALK to 741741
Spanish Hopeline: "TEXTO ESPERANZA" TO APOYA (839-863)
...more
13min
January 20, 20261. Principles of Using Tarot as a Psychological Tool
The 4 P’s of using tarot as a psychological tool
What we cover:
Principle 1: Tarot is Non-Predictive — reflects inner landscapes, not fixed futures.
Principle 2: Tarot is Non-Prescriptive — sustains autonomy; cards inform, not command.
Principle 3: Tarot is Personal — meaning arises from your unique relationship with the cards.
Principle 4: Tarot is About Perspective — reveals your perceptions, beliefs, and patterns.
Key takeaways:
Use tarot to reflect, explore, and grow — not to foretell.
Build a personal, value-aligned, action-oriented practice.
Bring awareness to your perspective and how it shapes readings.
***Please keep in mind that the information shared on this podcast is not intended for diagnosis or treatment, or as a substitute for medical, psychological, or spiritual care. Always consult with your healthcare providers for personalized support.***
~~~
Get a copy of The Nourished Heart Oracle Deck: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://nourishedtreasures.etsy.com⁠⁠
Check out my LinkTree: ⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/dr_laurarobu⁠⁠
Follow me on ⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠
Follow me on ⁠⁠Instagram ⁠⁠
Follow me on ⁠⁠Bluesky⁠
~~~
If you’re experiencing a mental health crisis, please reach out for support:
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Call 988
Crisis Text-line: Text TALK to 741741
Spanish Hopeline: "TEXTO ESPERANZA" TO APOYA (839-863)
...more
14min

FAQs about Tarot Psych:

How many episodes does Tarot Psych have?

The podcast currently has 30 episodes available.