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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Becoming Your Own Myth: Rewriting Womanhood in the Second Half of Life.
Women, Menopause, Mythology Lisa A. Rainwater, PhD, MA (couns) Women, Menopause, Mythology Lisa A. Rainwater, PhD, MA (couns)

Becoming Your Own Myth: Rewriting Womanhood in the Second Half of Life.

There comes a moment in many women’s lives—quiet or cataclysmic—when the stories we’ve told or been told no longer fit. Roles we played with devotion begin to fray. The pace we’ve kept becomes unsustainable. And the questions we once ignored now rise with urgency: Who am I, really, when I am no longer who I’ve been?

This is not a breakdown. It is the beginning of myth-making.

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Communication, Curiosity, and the Power of "Yes, And"
Couples Therapy, Dialogue Therapy for Couples, Carl Jung Lisa A. Rainwater, PhD, MA (couns) Couples Therapy, Dialogue Therapy for Couples, Carl Jung Lisa A. Rainwater, PhD, MA (couns)

Communication, Curiosity, and the Power of "Yes, And"

Communication is more than an exchange of words—it is a way of relating, understanding, and co-creating meaning with others. The way we respond in conversation can either open new possibilities or shut them down. A subtle but powerful shift in language, from saying “yes, but” to “yes, and could you tell me more?”, fosters curiosity, reduces defensiveness, and enhances meaningful dialogue. Both Jungian psychology and Dialogue Therapy, developed by Polly Young-Eisendrath, PhD and Ed Epstein, PhD support an approach to communication that prioritizes openness, relational attunement, and the integration of multiple perspectives.

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A Jungian Journey Towards Transformation
Depth Psychotherapy, Personal Growth Lisa A. Rainwater, PhD, MA (couns) Depth Psychotherapy, Personal Growth Lisa A. Rainwater, PhD, MA (couns)

A Jungian Journey Towards Transformation

Jung's analytic psychology is essential for therapeutic healing and unfolds in four distinct stages: Confession, elucidation, education, and transformation. Each stage serves a unique purpose in helping individuals discover their sense of wholeness and autonomy, which leads to integration and individuation. This blog post delves into these stages to explore how they facilitate personal growth and healing.

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