Often emerging in times of individual or collective crisis, myth and cultural stories help people process trauma, build resilience, and find meaning in overwhelming experiences. Despite their profound impact on psychological well-being, many psychotherapists struggle to understand and incorporate the power of myth and cultural stories into their clinical practice.
In this workshop, participants will explore the many ways Pele– the revered Hawaiian goddess of fire and volcanic activity–naturally enters the therapy room. Whether one is familiar with her stories or not, Pele activates the dynamic forces of creation and destruction in the psyche to promote psychological healing and growth.
With vivid images and storytelling, Dr. Lorraine Freedle will share insights from her experience with disaster resilience during the 2018 Kīlauea eruption, her newly released book, When a Goddess Erupts: Pele in the Psyche of Women, and case studies from Jungian Sandplay Therapy with children and adults to illustrate this transformative process. No prior experience with sandplay is required. The universal languages of image and archetype invite therapists of all theoretical orientations to engage with the psychocultural dimensions of psychotherapy practice.
June 10, 17, 24, July 1, 2025 | 4 CECs