Welcome to my blog, The Lapidary. This is where I regularly share my thoughts and gleanings on topics related to mental health, psychotherapy with soul, my specialties, and the modalities I use in my practice. The Lapidary is also where I announce new workshops, groups, and publications.
Why is the blog named The Lapidary? According to Merriam-Webster, a lapidary (derived from the Latin lapis, meaning “stone”) refers to “a cutter, polisher, or engraver of precious stones.”
As you probably noticed, my psychotherapy practice is called Lapis Healing Arts, after the legendary vivid-blue lapis stone. In alchemy, the lapis was thought to be the philosopher’s stone—the stone that turns dross into gold. Speaking metaphorically, the lapis is what transforms the most challenging aspects of life into qualities such as grit, compassion for self and others, and wisdom in action.
Therefore, The Lapidary blog name pays tribute to the important work of both therapist and client in shaping, refining, and polishing the lapis, the stone of transformation. In this way, I see therapist and client as dedicated craftspeople and artisans of the mind, body, and spirit.
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Wetiko and the Collective Dark Night of the Soul
As a therapist specializing in narcissistic abuse recovery, grappling with the idea of wetiko and its implications has greatly enhanced the way I think about and work with people healing from narcissistic abuse and the endangerment of empathy. Learning about wetiko has also shaped my understanding of our current global polycrisis. Narcissism and lack of empathy aren’t just interpersonal issues—they’re global ones.