Gabriel Ellis, PhD | The Curious Mind Podcast
Gabriel Ellis, PhD, a psychotherapist and scholar, hosts The Curious Mind Podcast, which bridges therapeutic practice, philosophy, and analytic spirituality. Designed for demanding listeners and global expats, the show draws on philosophical inquiry and clinical expertise to help navigate the complexities of the mind and modern life with clarity and depth. Episodes offer intellectual exploration and genuine psychological growth.
Episodes
Self-awareness in therapy - needs and worldview
Who are you really? True self-knowledge is more than self-optimization. That's why in this episode I discuss how you can uncover what lies hidden beneath habits, conditioning, and societal expectations. What needs drive your life? What emotional patterns repeat themselves? How do you treat yourself? What unconscious worldviews guide your decisions? The answers to these questions will help you
The Practice of General Self-Knowledge (of the Soul)
What remains of the “I” when the not-self is stripped away? This episode explores practical paths to self-knowledge — from ascetic exercises, emotional control, and observation of thought to Neoplatonic and Gnostic methods aimed at uncovering the “pure spirit.” At the same time, it addresses the radical critique of Max Stirner, who sees in all these ideals merely new forms of subjugation.Free intr
Self-Knowledge: Challenges and Promises
I explore the concept of self-knowledge, tracing its roots from Socrates and Hegel to Buddhism. At the heart of this discussion is the question of which thoughts, feelings, and habits truly belong to our "I"—and which are merely external, learned patterns. I explain why change often only becomes possible when we detach our identity from certain emotions and core beliefs. Additionally, I
The Architecture of the World | How Your Mind Creates Its Truth | Gabriel Ellis, PhD
We don't see the world; we only see our models of it. Gilbert Simondon's analogy of crystallization illustrates this: our thinking touches reality only at a razor-thin interface. Everything else is a construct, often even a hallucination, fueled by experience and emotion. In this episode, you'll learn how to update your "mental nutrient solution" and thus increase your life s
From Inner Critic to Self-Love | Your Inner Voice | Gabriel Ellis, PhD
Do you notice how negative self-talk undermines your self-esteem? In this video, I'll show you how important your self-awareness is—and how genuine self-empathy, instead of superficial affirmations, strengthens your mental foundation. We'll talk about self-criticism, meditation, therapy, and the path to a healthy inner dialogue.Free introductory consultation: https://calendly.com/gabriel-e
Overcoming Anxiety | Self-Help and the Added Value of Therapy | Gabriel Ellis, PhD
When we operate in a kind of trance, like complex machines on autopilot, catastrophic fantasies and old avoidance patterns dictate our actions. In this episode, you'll learn how to create a buffer in your daily life through "pure perception" and mental hygiene, while in the "mental laboratory" of therapy, we rewrite the deep-seated programs of your unconscious. Gabriel Elli
Why Shamelessness Doesn't Make You Free | Gabriel Ellis, PhD
Do you carry a deep sense that you are fundamentally flawed or broken? We are often told that shame is our enemy, yet simply trying to be "shameless" without deep understanding leaves us isolated. In this episode, Gabriel Ellis bridges philosophy (Plato, Spinoza, Nietzsche) with modern psychology (Lacan, Brené Brown) to reveal why shame resilience requires more than just vulnerability—it
Overcoming Anxiety in six steps | Anxiety Therapy | Gabriel Ellis, PhD
Anxiety often feels overwhelming and leads to avoidance, which increasingly restricts your life. In this video, Dr. Gabriel Ellis explains the proven therapeutic path of proving to your unconscious mind that you can withstand the feared situation. This is achieved through precise confrontation and the consistent prevention of safety behaviors (crutches). Learn how to endure the anxiety curve until
Dangerous or just useless? | Therapist tests AI therapy | Gabriel Ellis, PhD
Can artificial intelligence replace a real therapist? Many people in psychological distress are turning to AI like ChatGPT. In this realistic experiment, psychotherapist Gabriel Ellis tests whether ChatGPT, with good prompts, can operate as a client-centered therapist comparable to Carl Rogers. The result is, in most cases, a clear and well-founded warning about the limitations of AI in psychother
ChatGPT fails as a psychotherapist | AI put to the test | Dr. Gabriel Ellis
Can AI tools like ChatGPT serve as a substitute for psychotherapy, at least for advanced users? In this live-simulated session, the user becomes frustrated with too much information or simply receives bad advice. As a therapist, ChatGPT is a well-structured con artist who can summarize unempathetically but cannot read between the lines.In the next episode, I will simulate a client a client who is
Psychotherapist tests ChatGPT: Dangerous for inexperienced users!
In this episode, I introduce the problematic nature of therapy with "artificial intelligence." I show what happens when an inexperienced user tries to use AI as a psychological advisor. I explain why this type of use can quickly lead to misunderstandings and is even dangerous — and why genuine professional guidance remains indispensable.In the next two episodes, I will simulate a client who has so
Ways out of Loneliness - Considerations and Exercises
Loneliness is not a weakness, but a reflection of our times. I will illuminate the necessary insights and fundamental practices for overcoming loneliness and isolation. You'll learn how to develop realistic expectations for social encounters and which exercises you can use to bring more courage, empathy, and authenticity into your interactions.Free introduction call: https://calendly.com/gabriel-e
Social Recognition and its Philosophical Roots
Why are other people so fundamental to our consciousness?Even in the womb, our consciousness begins to engage with the "Other"—through the body, through sensations and perceptions. Later, young children project mental qualities onto inanimate objects and enter into quasi-social relationships with them. Overall, our long phase of dependency on parents makes us particularly sensitive to recognition
Metasocial World, Herd Mentality, and Loneliness
This episode explores how modern digital life contributes to social isolation. Social media fosters constant social comparisons, depleting our social energy and raising unrealistic expectations of ourselves and others. As a result, real-life interactions become increasingly exhausting and unsatisfying. Herd psychology plays a crucial role: people align with the opinions and behaviors of their digi
The New Loneliness - Causes and Effects
Social isolation is increasing significantly in our modern society. But why? In this episode, I introduce the causes and context of this growing problem. Technological developments, urbanization, individualism, and the decline of social gathering places have led to more and more people experiencing loneliness. At the same time, anxiety, depression, and economic pressure further reinforce this tren
At Home in Contentment - Ayatana and the Truth
There are places in the mind that go beyond immediate sensory perception - both positive (contentment and peace) and negative (despair and sadness). But what does it mean in ancient Buddhism to find a true home in the depths of the Dhamma? I describe similarities with the Greek Logos and how truth and inner stability belong together.Free discovery call: https://calendly.com/gabriel-ellis/30minYout
Beyond the Sensory Realm - The Mystical Traditions
After giving a first introduction to the "home of the ego" from a Buddhist perspective, in this episode I bring examples of other mystical traditions. It seems that whenever people are inspired by wisdom or devotion they develop similar techniques for transcending normal consciousness. Examples are from from Plotinus, Christian, Islamic and Jewish mystics. The next episode will return to Buddhism
Giving the Ego a New Home - Ayatana in Buddhism
This episode dives into the Buddhist concept of Āyatana, the “home base” of our ego that shapes how we experience the world. While we usually operate within the sensual realm, Buddhism teaches that through spiritual practice, we can transcend this and access higher levels of awareness, such as meditative concentration and liberation.Short Ayatana article: https://www.academia.edu/45655783/%C4%80ya
Why Psychology Needs to Be More Profound
In this episode I explore why psychology risks being superficial without a philosophical foundation. I argue with historical patterns, the Dunning-Kruger effect, and modern psychological trends like self-optimization and self-love. Philosophical ideas reveal how we can understand psychological phenomena more deeply and realistically. An invitation to view psychology not only as a science but as a
I judge therefore I am - Hegel, Buddha, Existentialism
In psychology, self-development, and spiritual circles, we’re often told to stop judging and simply accept things as they are. But is that truly possible? This episode explores why the mind is inherently bound to judge and how healthy development can still happen. I draw on Hegel’s philosophy, Buddhist concepts, and existentialist perspectives to uncover the deeper mechanisms of judgment and value
Anxiety, Therapy, and Responsibility
Fears and anxiety accompany us all, from everyday worries to deep existential questions: the fear of loneliness, of an insignificant life or of death. But how do you deal with it? In this episode I talk about the role of responsibility in dealing with fear. You will learn why superficial fears can often be overcome through therapy and practical tools, while more existential fears require more inne
Everyday Trance V: Paths out of Hypnosis. Methods and Tools
How can we free ourselves from the unconscious patterns and trances of everyday life? In this episode, I delve deep into the tool box and show you numerous methods to get out of unhealthy thought and behavior patterns. To do this, I combine ancient and contemporary wisdom with practical exercises that help you take responsibility, find freedom and make your mind clear and free. In this way, I hope
Everyday Trance IV: The Magic of Emotions - Kundalini, Sartre, Buddhism
In this episode, I examine the deeper mechanisms of everyday trance and how unconscious emotions influence our perception and decisions. Based on my therapeutic experiences and inspired by Jean-Paul Sartre's concepts of emotion and reality as well as Buddhist teachings, I describe how identifying with unconscious emotions narrows our consciousness and makes it difficult for us to take responsibili
Everyday Trance III: The Mechanics - Kant, Husserl, Vipassana
In this episode I explore the nature of consciousness and how it structures our experience. I first distinguish between consciousness itself and the content within it, following concepts from Kant and Buddhist philosophy. Then, I delve into the "smeared present," showing how we perceive moments as stretched over time rather than as single points. Drawing on insights from philosophers like Husserl,
Phenomenology of Everyday Trance
In this podcast episode, consciousness researcher and therapist Gabriel Ellis further explores the concept of "everyday trance": We often live in a state in which our perception of the outside world is overshadowed by our inner world, consisting of beliefs, feelings and moods. This trance can lead to psychological problems such as anxiety and depression and influences the way we experience reality
Everyday Life as Hypnotic Trance: Insights from Stephen Wolinsky
In this episode I describe the trance states that influence our behavior and identity. Based on the work of Stephen Wolinsky in "Trances People Live" I examine the invisible patterns that permeate our everyday lives and put our lives on auto-pilot. Wolinsky shows us not only how to recognize these trances, but also how to free ourselves from their negative hypnotic suggestions in order to live a f
Flaws of Self Help Culture - A Hegelian Perspective
In this video, I critically question the traditional self-help culture that often prescribes simple and rigid solutions to complex, dynamic problems. My central argument is that this approach presents personal development as linear and straightforward, which doesn't do justice to the complex realities of life. Instead, I present Hegel's dialectical process as an alternative approach. It recognizes
Setting Boundaries: A Critical Perspective
In this video, I reflect on the concept of "setting boundaries" and the pros and cons associated with it. Boundaries can provide clarity, but are not naturally given; they require active maintenance and adaptation. I explore how to set personal boundaries and strategies that help maintain those boundaries. It is important to communicate boundaries openly and respectfully, while considering the nee
The Practice of Psychoanalysis: Freud’s Legacy
Delve deeper into the world of psychoanalysis! In this video I shed more light on the central concepts of the It, the I, and the Über-Ich as described by Sigmund Freud. I also describe how Freud analyzed the human psyche and the mechanisms behind our dreams and neuroses. I explain how Freud developed psychoanalysis as a powerful tool for self-knowledge and healing and the role that transference an
The Core of Historical Buddhist Practice: Meditation of Bliss
In this episode of "The Curious Mind Podcast", Gabriel Ellis, a doctor of Buddhism and psychotherapist, describes the core of the original Buddhist practice from a historical and scientific perspective: the meditation of bliss. In contrast to his historical contemporaries, who rejected any form of well-being as dangerous, the Buddha saw this meditative bliss as a path to liberation of the mind. If
Freud and the power of the unconscious
In this episode of the Curious Mind Podcast, Gabriel Ellis, psychologist and psychotherapist, delves into the teachings of Sigmund Freud, focusing on his psychoanalytic theory. Freud's model of the mind, developed in the 1920s, includes three key regions: the Es (It), the Ich (I), and the Über-Ich (Above-I). Freud believed that the It houses our primal drives and desires, while the I mediates betw
The Foundations of Buddhism: Understanding Suffering and Craving
In this episode of the Curious Mind Podcast, psychotherapist and Buddhism scholar Gabriel Ellis delves into the historical aspects of Buddhism, focusing on what likely traces back to the historical Buddha. The discussion revolves around the Four Noble Truths, a core Buddhist concept, and their implications. Gabriel explains that suffering, the first truth, is rooted in the five dimensions of ident
The Real Followers of Buddha: Investigating Early Buddhism
Discover the practices of the historical Buddha. I delve into ancient texts to explore the distinct groups present during the Buddha's time: Buddhist monastics, ascetics from other sects, and laypeople. Get a glimpse of the unique teachings, practices, and paths to liberation that defined early Buddhism. Join me as I separate fact from myth and reveal the true essence of the Buddha's teachings.Dis
Original Buddhism: Introduction
Buddhism is fascinating. But it is surprisingly difficult to work out what the original teachings of the Buddha were. The oldest texts of Buddhism were not written until 200-400 years after the Buddha, and by then they had undergone many changes. In this episode I will give you an understanding of the historical context before I present the content of original Buddhism in the next episodes.Dissert
Power and Impotence of the Self-Ideal
It seems to me that we have too high expectations of authenticity today. People want the "true self" to have priority, both in our private lives and at work. Psychologically, this is an unrealistic and unhealthy attitude. The task of the ego is not to be authentic, but to navigate life. And the "false self" and our self-ideals help us in this process. It only becomes dangerous when we split off an
Hegel and the look behind the curtain
As a philosopher of consciousness, Hegel was little interested in people's egocentric navel-gazing. But isn't this necessary for psychotherapy? After all, in therapy we want to overcome individual suffering. In this episode, I demonstrate how Hegel's perspective is not only compatible with therapy but even essential. Free discovery call: https://calendly.com/gabriel-ellis/30minYoutube: https://you
Preconditions for Therapeutic Healing
Healing is a much more individual challenge than many people think. And therapeutic methods have a little value if applied without discernment. Yet, there are some general principles that are valid in any real healing process: Truthfulness, benevolence, and responsibility.Free discovery call: https://calendly.com/gabriel-ellis/30minYoutube: https://youtu.be/rjBLesYB32sHomepage: https://www.gabrie
Hegel and Buddhism in Dialogue: Not-Self
The doctrine of the not-self is central to Buddhism. Aspects of such a teaching can also be found in Hegel. He even helps us to better understand how healing aspects of the not-self teaching unfold in everyday life and in psychotherapy.Free discovery call: https://calendly.com/gabriel-ellis/30minYoutube: https://youtu.be/YG1M6MLjXFoHomepage: https://www.gabriel-ellis.comIn my dissertation you wil
Buddhist Psychology: Toxic Mindfulness
Mindfulness can be useful and enriching - if rightly understood. But the practice can also become dull, boring, or even harmful in the long run. In this video I describe the conditions that makes the practice fruitful, and how a simplistic understanding is pointless or can cause harm.Free discovery call: https://calendly.com/gabriel-ellis/30minYoutube: https://youtu.be/IwmHHFfZAZQHomepage: https:
Hegel, what our feelings mean, and psychosomatics
We all struggle with feelings: Should we feel them and identify with them, or should we sometimes use and sometimes repress them? We cannot answer this question if we cannot understand the role and importance of feelings. G.W.F. Hegel can give us valuable clues with his classification of feelings in his large-scale system of philosophy of spirit. I refer to several passages in Hegel, but mostly to
The I in stress: When the present is overwhelming
In my clinical practice, clients often think that they are alone with their problem. Most of the time however, the challenges are very comparable, be it regarding relationships, work, burnout, fears or a lack of prospects. There are often systemic, i.e. societal, connections and causes that are unfortunately unclear to individuals. To solve these problems on a purely individual level is unrealisti
Hegel and Buddhism in dialogue: Meditation
There is still a lot to learn about psychology from Hegel. He created complex maps of the mind. And we can use these to understand “where we are,” psychologically speaking. And we can also use these maps to locate ourselves in meditation. In this podcast I focus primarily on Buddhist Vipassana meditation and how a Hegelian positioning can help us to correctly align our practice again. If you want
Three approaches to life: Q&A
What is more relevant for me: virtue or needs orientation? And how do I get out of self-avoidance? I answer these and other questions about the three approaches to life I laid out in the previous episodes.Free discovery call: https://calendly.com/gabriel-ellis/30minhttps://youtu.be/w9gWqBAmN6ohttps://www.gabriel-ellis.comPhoto by Towfiqu Barbhuiya on Unsplash
Three approaches to life: 3. Self-Avoidance
Anyone who doesn't know themselves and their needs is doomed to be anxious, depressed or aggressive. This is what I call the “self-avoidant type.” We are all somewhat self-avoidant, but when we are too blind to ourselves it leads to suffering and psychological disorder. In this video I describe this approach and what consequences it has. Free discovery call: https://calendly.com/gabriel-ellis/30mi
Three Approaches to Life: 2. Needs and Desires
"Who am I?” and “What do I want"? A needs-oriented life should answer these questions. Like the virtue orientation of the last episode, also a needs-orientation comes with its own opportunities, problems and dangers. The goal is happiness, the dangers are isolation and anxious navel-gazing.Free discovery call: https://calendly.com/gabriel-ellis/30minhttps://www.gabriel-ellis.comPhoto by Tea Heftib
Three Approaches to Life in Comparison: 1. Virtue
Dissatisfaction with one's own life is like a forest without a clearing: there is often a lack of clarity, joy, and self-determination. In order to shed some light on the darkness, I distinguish between three approaches to life in therapeutic practice. In this episode I examine a virtue-oriented life, its psychological benefits and dangers.Free discovery call: https://calendly.com/gabriel-ellis/30
Self-Devalualtion and Imperceptible Feelings
Self-devaluation and inner dialogue go hand in hand with imperceptible feelings. These feelings affect us, often without us noticing them. And in the therapeutic context, this often contributes to the perplexity as to why we are feeling so badly. Accordingly, it is important to bring self-assessment and inner dialogue to light and adapt them so that they are accurate and healthy.Free discovery cal
Buddhist Psychology - Body Awareness
In early Buddhism, body awareness is a precursor to meditation. But also psychologically it is important to integrate body awareness into normal life in order to cleanse and heal the mind beyond modern, more elaborate, methods. Free discovery call: https://calendly.com/gabriel-ellis/30minhttps://www.gabriel-ellis.com/ Photo by Meiying Ng on Unsplash
Buddhist Psychology - Free Will and the Human Machine
Strong will is essential to Buddhism, otherwise we are at the mercy of the machine part of being human: the judgments, feelings, attachments and habits. Original Buddhism seems to have taught the suppression of feelings, but today we rightly do not see this as healthy. Rather, we should satisfy our needs smartly and thereby create degrees of freedom for ourselves so that we suffer as little as pos
Buddhist Psychology - Intuition and gut feeling
Many people would like to trust their gut feeling. A nice wish, but we hardly have a good understanding of what “gut feeling” or intuition actually are, or how we can make them more reliable guides in our lives. In this video essay I examine mood, intuition and gut feeling from a Buddhist and psychological perspective. In original Buddhism, correct ethics were developed to transform the sense of s
Psychedelika, Drogen und Psychotherapie [German]
Psychedelika im Rahmen therapeutischer Selbstentwicklung erleben zur Zeit eine Renaissance - eine Entwicklung, die wir in diesem Gespräch kritisch beleuchten. Mein Gesprächspartner ist Joachim Wehnelt, der online in seiner gestalt-therapeutischen Praxis mit Männern und mit Gruppen arbeitet. Mehr über seine Arbeit erfahrt ihr hier: https://www.siebensinne.net/Hiermit beginne ich einen deutschsprac
How to Talk to Children about War
After Putin's attack on Ukraine parents are faced with the issue of explaining to their children what is going on. This is a short primer with background information and practical examples. For more information see https://www.gabriel-ellis.com/Free discovery call: https://calendly.com/gabriel-ellis/30min
Viktor Frankl and Man’s Search For Meaning, Pt. 2 - Logotherapy
After we introduced in the first part Frankl and his classic book "Man’s Search For Meaning" we now focus on the therapeutic method he established. We discuss the main priciples of Logotherapy, its philosophy, application, and limits in the therapeutic practice. Free discovery call: https://calendly.com/gabriel-ellis/30minFor more information see https://www.gabriel-ellis.com
Viktor Frankl and Man’s Search For Meaning, Pt. 1
In this episode we introduce Frankl's classic title "Man’s Search For Meaning", the historical background, and the existential aspect in psychotherapy. While existential philosophy has been known since the mid 19th century through thinkers like Kierkegaard, Nietzsche, and Dostoevsky, the existential aspect has been introduced into psychotherapy only later - most prominently through Viktor Frankl.
Therapy Recoding Series: "Hanni", Session 3
In this concluding session with "Hanni" we reflect on how to get away from the pain which comes from a lack of appreciation. Hanni wishes to be emotionally independent and yet finds herself feeling hurt, which in turn creates one of the mind-loops which keeps up the pain at the background of her mind. One pragmatic idea we discuss is to visit some sort of support group, which has the advantage of
Therapy Recoding Series: "Hanni", Session 2
As it became clear in the first session, Hanni struggles with feelings of self-criticism which work in the background of her mind and color her mood and experience negatively. Yet, these feelings are rarely in the foreground and it is thus not clear to her what the content of the self-criticism actually is. Hanni sometimes sees that in the background the mind is actually repeating uncomfortable si
Therapy Recoding Series: "Hanni", Session 1
This is the first of three sessions with Hanni, an expat living in Western Europe. She's in her early 40s and currently single. She struggles with her past and a mental setup that leads to several issues, for example self-judgment, a sense of isolation, and persistant feelings of discomfort. In such a case we of course don't have the expectation to solve these issues in three sessions. But it migh
Deconstructing Trauma
In this episode I have the pleasure of talking with psychologist and historian Dr. Ulrich Koch from the George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences. We reflect on the concept of psychological trauma, how it has evolved in history, and the different ways it is understood today. Here are some interesting publications about the concept of psychological trauma: Ulrich Koch (2
Being and Becoming a Man in our Society
It is relatively common in our society to find services of self-development addressed at women. But what are the possibilities for men to explore their identity and self-develop? In this conversation with therapist Joachim Wehnelt we address common issues in the development of men and reflect on his work with the online community for men "Brothers of Heart". Find more about Joachim's work here: h
Therapy Recording Sessions - "Anna", part 6/6
The defining aspect of being an expat is literally to be away from home (Latin "ex patria"). There are many expats who, like me, enjoy to live abroad. Others are abroad mainly for work or accompanying their partner. It leaves however nobody unaffected and is for some people a real problem to be away from one's native culture, from old friends and family. Over three weeks I was conducting therapy
Therapy Recording Sessions - "Anna", part 5/6
The therapeutic process is complex and often unique to each client. The goals are to reduce mental pain, increase quality of life, clarity, and deeper understanding of oneself. If you haven't had therapeutic support in your life you might wonder what actually happens in sessions and how "just talking" is supposed to bring about a positive change.As my sessions with "Anna" show, the talking is an i
Therapy Recording Sessions - "Anna", part 4/6
What does a real therapy session look like? That’s what I demonstrate with clients in my Therapy Recording Series. You'll witness the development of clients directly and understand therapeutic principles on an actual case.This is the second part of the second session with "Anna". Here, she continues to explore especially the relationship with her siblings. Check out the previous parts on the podca
Therapy Recording Sessions - "Anna", part 3/6
What does a real therapy session look like? That’s what I demonstrate with clients in my Therapy Recording Series. You'll witness the development of clients directly and understand therapeutic principles on an actual case.This is the first part of the second session with "Anna". Here, she continues to explore her family dynamic and her role in it. Check out the previous parts on the podcast channe
Therapy Recording Sessions - "Anna", part 2/6
If you haven't listened to it yet, please check out part 1 of my first session with "Anna" (https://youtu.be/X47ODjcasUI). There, she started reflecting on the idea of "home", her life outside of the US, her habit to frequently move locations, and the lack of contact with her family of origin. We jump back into our conversation where "Anna" describes her difficulty to relate to the US lifestyle.Yo
Therapy Recording Sessions - "Anna", part 1/6
Many people suffer from mental issues and yet avoid or wait too long before they seek treatment. With the Therapy Recording Series I want to contribute to normalize therapy and provide a realistic glimpse into what happens in therapy sessions. I record three therapy sessions with "Anna", each split in two parts. In our conversations we focus on the alienation that can occur as a consequence of an
A Realistic Glimpse Into Spiritual Practice
When we read about spirituality or meditation, we usually encounter the 'advertisement' version of a straight blissful and eventually successful journey. In this conversation I discuss with long-term meditator Amiran what is in many cases more probably the case: a complex, not-at-all straight journey which isn't as advertised but can still be deeply rewarding.For feedback, requests, or therapy ses
The Myth of Unlimited Human Potential
I discuss with mythologist and depth psychologist Dr. Catherine Svehla the 'Myth of Unlimited Human Potential', the problematic impact it has on us, and what is a psychologically more wholesome way to integrate myths into our lives.You can find out more about Catherine and how to work with her on https://mythicmojo.com. There you can also find her biweekly podcast "Myth Matters".For feedback, req
Joseph Campbell and the Strange Power of Myths II
We continue our previous discussion about myths and tackle the following questions:"What can we actually do if we want find our purpose in life?""Can we actually experience transcendental spiritual concepts?""How are spiritual practice or psychedelics connected to spiritual myths or to actual reality"For feedback, requests, or therapy sessions contact me at https://www.gabriel-ellis.comFree discov
Joseph Campbell and the Strange Power of Myths
Myths are powerful narratives that have helped to structure the lifes of humanity as far as we can reach back in time. In this conversation we discuss some fundamental aspects of myths from a contemporary psychological perspective. For feedback, requests, or therapy sessions contact me at https://www.gabriel-ellis.comFree discovery call: https://calendly.com/gabriel-ellis/30minFind the video vers
What you always wanted to ask a therapist
In this interview I answer common questions about therapy and therapists, for example "Does every therapist have a degree in psychology?", "Can therapists read other people's minds?", or "Are therapists exceptionally empathetic?"...For feedback, requests, or therapy sessions contact me at https://www.gabriel-ellis.comFree discovery call: https://calendly.com/gabriel-ellis/30min
What is the experience of living abroad?
Living abroad is challenging and rewarding: a new culture, language, and adventure, but also potential isolation, stress, misunderstandings, and bureaucratic obstacles. In this conversation with recruitment specialist and digital nomad Christopher Schauf we make complex observations on personal and shared experiences of living abroad.Check out Christopher at https://www.recruitingresults.deFor fee
My Eight Years as an Expat Therapist
I look back on eight years as an expat therapist, the specific challenges expats face and why I have developed a particular approach to work with them.For feedback, requests, or therapy sessions contact me at https://www.gabriel-ellis.comFree discovery call: https://calendly.com/gabriel-ellis/30min
We're Really Good at Self-Criticism
The 'Inner Critic' is a common mental judge for many people. This function of the so-called 'Super-Ego' is well-known yet still needs more clarification. I distinguish two types of Super-Ego and Inner Critic: One is the 'Ideal Self' and makes us do things we ultimately enjoy. The second is the 'Ought Self' which makes us do things out of self-imposed obligation and duty - in best case such a fulfi
‘Good’ Hopelessness and Spiritual Death
In spiritual literature we often find an odd positive spin on ‘hopelessness’ and ‘death’. Both are usually horrifying experiences and we would be mad to seek them out. But then those spiritual teachers seem to insist on their spiritual values. This can easily be misunderstood – if we went into these states of mind without good preparation they would indeed have a devastating effect. What they mean
Focus vs Exploration
In this conversation with tech entrepreneur and overall curious mind Adrian Avendano we explore general strategies to life: When is it useful to stay focused on a topic (e.g. at work) and possibly become rigid, and when is it better to explore freely with the danger to become unproductive and lost? We explore the nature of flow states and how these states of unified freedom can infuse our lives wi
Facing Deficiencies with Emotional Detachment
Even when we are not consciously interested in personal development we have to overcome difficult situations in which we are confronted with our limitations. Be it at work or in our personal life - we reach the end of our wits, and then we typically say or do something stupid, or feel inadequate, or embarrass ourselves. Some of these experiences of insufficiency can haunt us. Next to psychological
What is a Meaningful Approach to Personal Crisis
In this episode we discuss different categories of personal crises and which cases could benefit from a spiritual, a psychological, or a pragmatic approach. It turns out that it's not easy to figure out which approach would be best - observe quietly or get active. And even a 'spiritual' approach is not just easy contemplation but actually needs a lot of skill. We further deconstruct crises and how
Should we Get Rid of Fear?
Fear and anxiety belong to the most common mental issues people suffer from (that includes specific and general phobias and OCD). What is a good attitude towards them - should we accept them as a part of life, or rather try to get rid of them entirely? Obviously a good answer is somewhere in the middle. In this episode we reflect on how to regard fear, and the basic psychological and spiritual per
Planning for the Future in Insecure Times
As the pandemic affects most of us in one way or another it also changes the way we look at the future. Do we have to expect these kinds of global disruptions regularly. How do I want to factor that into my personal and business plans? What seemingly is a challenge mostly for health, work, and parenting, also sheds new light on the mental and psychological aspects of our planning. Therefore, in th
Self-Love, Practice and Exercises
In the previous episode I focused on the fundamentals of self-love. This time I introduce the threefold structure of self-love with the perspective on past, future, and present. These three need specific approaches, and so in this episode I detail the approaches and describe exercises that can help with applying self-love on a practical level.This episode is part of my series about Buddhism-based
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