Buffalo seasons Awareness in life


Being in Alignment with Oneself: An Existential Task
Existential Concerns, Jung, Individual Therapy, Depth Psychotherapy Lisa A. Rainwater, PhD, MA (couns) Existential Concerns, Jung, Individual Therapy, Depth Psychotherapy Lisa A. Rainwater, PhD, MA (couns)

Being in Alignment with Oneself: An Existential Task

In existential depth psychology, the concept of being in alignment with oneself is a central tenet that speaks to the essence of human authenticity. This idea suggests that individuals often live—often unconsciously—in ways that contradict their true nature, acting out of alignment due to external influences and learned belief systems. The structures and values imposed upon us by society, culture, family, and education frequently take precedence over our innate feelings and desires. Consequently, we become estranged from our authentic selves, leading to internal dissonance and confusion about our emotions. This essay explores the process of misalignment, its consequences, and the path toward self-reconciliation through existential awareness and authenticity.

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Holding the Whole Person: Depth Therapy for Trauma, Grief, & Meaning-Making

Holding the Whole Person: Depth Therapy for Trauma, Grief, & Meaning-Making

As a psychotherapist with training in depth psychology, existential philosophy, narrative theory, and Buddhist practice, I have found that integrating these perspectives provides a flexible and deeply humane foundation for clinical work. Clients often arrive in therapy not only seeking relief from symptoms, but longing to understand themselves, repair internal fractures, and live with a sense of purpose and authenticity. These traditions, when held together in dialogue, support that process by inviting the individual to meet their suffering with awareness, responsibility, and symbolic depth.

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Understanding Persephone’s Journey.
Women, Jung, Personal Growth, Archetypes, Spring, The Shadow Lisa A. Rainwater, PhD, MA (couns) Women, Jung, Personal Growth, Archetypes, Spring, The Shadow Lisa A. Rainwater, PhD, MA (couns)

Understanding Persephone’s Journey.

As spring nears, one of the most profound myths of transformation might come to mind: Persephone’s descent into the Underworld and her return to the living world. Through a Jungian, feminist lens, this myth is not merely a tale of abduction but a rite of passage—a journey into the unconscious, a confrontation with the Shadow, and a rebirth into sovereignty.

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