Mythology, Spirituality, & Therapy: Transforming Suffering into Poetry with Mitchell Smolkin, MACP, RP

A Jungian psychotherapist who approaches the most seemingly ordinary human experience with the curiosity and reverence of a philosopher and a poet, Mitchell Smolkin, MACP, RP, is a profoundly interesting conversation partner. We work through some big questions in this episode. Specifically, we discuss how therapy can intersect with spirituality in moments of great suffering to be a profound meaning-making tool in our lives.

How do we find dignity in suffering? [1:30]

• Accepting suffering and resisting violence to the individual;
• Carl Jung’s influence and his “appetite for mythology” as a tool for making meaning;
• 12 Step Recovery as a framework.

How can we use art and religious narratives to make meaning? [8:45]

• The Art of Marc Chagall;
• Religious narratives as a tool for making sense out of daily life;
• Video games as mythological frameworks.

Why is it so difficult to talk about spiritual and religious identity? [13:30]

• Complexities of religious identities;
• Jewish rituals of collective mourning after the crusades;
• Spiritual practice as a collective connection rather than the modern idea of self-development.

How do you work with religion and spirituality in the therapy room? [20:00]

• Transforming suffering into poetry;
• Charles Darwin - no single organism is exactly the same as another;
• Carl Jung - everyone has their psychology.

How can we acknowledge and work with our cultural and spiritual inheritance in therapy? [27:30]

• Forgiving frailties of the individual human psyche, re: group fanaticism, mob mentality;
• Mass graves of Indigenous children in Canada and the Catholic Church;
• Reckoning with the realities of history without judging.

What would you say to people who are suffering right now? [36:30]

• Healing involves connection, and connection requires risk;
• Intimacy comes with pain because it touches against our wounds;
• Going deep into the lexicon of our pain

For Mitchell’s podcast, look up "The Dignity of Suffering" wherever podcasts are found. Also, you can visit Mitchell at https://mitchellsmolkin.com/

For more of Matt Shedd's work, visit https://mattshedd.com.