Astrology in Psychotherapy

Episode 7: Let's talk about psychological complexes and how we can identify and work with them via the birth chart. Astrology reflects psychological patterns and a healing potential. When things seem impossible to change, astrology shows us a wide spectrum of future potentials. But, discernment and curiosity are key to finding this healing potential within the chart. In this episode, I reference psychotherapist and astrologer Delia Shargel's article, "Psychological and Astrological Complexes: An Evolving Perspective" published in the Archai: The Journal of Archetypal Cosmology, Vol. 5 ... Shawna McGrath, AMFT is a psychotherapist and astrologer. She offers depth-oriented psychotherapy with astrology to those seeking healing, insight, new possibilities, and deeper meaning in life. ⁠⁠⁠⁠Find more here.

Episode 6: In Jungian psychology (one of the branches of depth psychology), individuation is the life long process of becoming yourself - as a unique individual. This process of becoming often has a feeling tone of moving toward what feels purposeful for you, maybe even elements of destiny or fate. The astrology birth chart is well suited to be a guide and connector to help us explore the multitude of potentials when we feel a lack of purpose, potential, or simply stuck. In this episode, I share some thoughts about individuation and the birth chart in the context of working with astrology in psychotherapy. In this episode, I mention the book, "C.G. Jung: The Basics" by Jungian analyst Ruth Williams. Enjoy! ... Shawna McGrath, AMFT is a psychotherapist and astrologer. She offers depth-oriented psychotherapy with astrology to those seeking healing, insight, new possibilities, and deeper meaning in life. ⁠⁠⁠Find more here.

Episode 5: your personal experiences are a valid way of understanding and learning astrology. We are conditioned to value the external methods of learning (via books, authors, teachers, and podcasts) as the authority on how to interpret a planet, sign, or house. But your inner reflections - what an astrological symbol means to you (!) - is an essential part of the process of cultivating an astrological worldview and a symbolic way of living. Shawna McGrath, AMFT is a psychotherapist and astrologer. She offers depth-oriented psychotherapy with astrology to those seeking healing, insight, new possibilities, and deeper meaning in life. ⁠⁠Find more here.

In episode 4, I'm sharing some thoughts that came up for me recently while contemplating the question: "Where do you see that in the chart?" This question typically comes up when we're trying to understand a long-held psychological or generational pattern. While I was contemplating this process of where I "see" things in the chart, I realized a couple of themes: I see the chart as a synthesized being (aka you!), I am always looking for repeating themes that amplify or modify one another, I experience astrology as highly relational in nature, and I'm often thinking about "how" I see something in the chart rather that "where". Thank you for listening. I always love hearing from you and what comes up as you listen. Shawna McGrath, AMFT is a psychotherapist and astrologer. She offers depth-oriented psychotherapy with astrology to those seeking healing, insight, new possibilities, and deeper meaning in life. ⁠Find more here.

In episode 3 we explore the Saturn cycles that we all experience at different phases of life. This includes several Saturn returns that we will all hopefully experience over the course of a long and satisfying life. We'll also talk about the minor 7 year segments that make up each Saturn return cycle. All of this will be viewed through a depth psychological lens. Essentially, today's question is: How does Saturn correlate to our journey toward healing, psychological maturation, and inner development? ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Receive monthly updates ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠on my latests videos, publications, and upcoming events. Connect with me on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Shawna McGrath, AMFT is a depth psychotherapist and astrologer. She offers psychotherapy and astrology sessions via zoom to those seeking healing, insight, new possibilities, and deep meaning in life. Find more here.

In episode 2 we explore the astrological signs of Virgo and Pisces as symbols of healing and of traveling through the otherworld. These signs viewed symbolically from a depth psychological perspective inform our understanding of healing, helping, and caregiving. I'm offering a 2-hour workshop on Thursday 9/21 at 6pm PT called "Workshop for Healers: the Psychopomp Function" where we will move deeper into the themes discussed in this Virgo-Pisces talk. This workshop will be held live and recorded for you to listen back later. It offers a new pathway for therapists, counselors, astrologers, spiritual practitioners, caregivers, teachers, and anyone doing helping healing work or holding space for others. I'm excited to offer this workshop to those in a helping healing profession who want to find a sustainable way to channel your healing gifts (without burnout or financial lack!)

In episode 1, I'm excited to welcome you to the Depth Psychotherapy & Astrology Podcast. We explore and answer the questions: what exactly is depth psychotherapy, and how does astrology fit into this way of working? I also share some of my journey toward this work and why I love it so very much.