Sublime

Robin Carhart-Harris and colleagues have argued that the Freudian primary process is characterised by high levels of entropy. The primal, infant brain state is disorganised; however, as the infant matures, organisation is the inevitable by-product of a system in which free energy is minimised. The ensuing (low entropy) 'structure' that emerges equa

The Buddha taught that our fear is great, but greater still is the truth of our connectedness.

Attachment theory is based on the assertion that the need to be in a close relationship is embedded in our genes. It was John Bowlby’s stroke of genius that brought him to the realization that we’ve been programmed by evolution to single out a few specific individuals in our lives and make them precious to us.

Here is the second truth—this is a bit tougher—admit you do not want to get out of the mess. Talk to any experienced psychologist and he or she will confirm that. The last thing a client wants is a cure. They don’t want to get cured; they want relief. They want a pill; they want a salve; they want a Band-Aid. Give me back my wife. Give me back my m

Bill shared, Larry could feel those awful feelings of shame and rejection coming up again. In his effort not to feel those feelings again, he would push others in high places to validate his worth and elevate him to the top spot no matter what. If he could get them to do this, he wouldn’t have to feel the devastating shame he carried. As Bill gentl

In the succinctly elegant words of Carl Jung, “Neurosis is always a substitute for legitimate suffering.”2

he famously argued that awakening sexual impulses might engender deep conflicts and fears, which then lead to pathological behavior as a way to avoid those conflicts and fears, which he called defense mechanisms.