Go Not to The Elves for Counsel

This week we are exploring how Tolkien’s mythic universe and psychoanalytic concepts illuminate the complex emotions of shame and anger, offering insights for healing and self-understanding. I look at Melkor's response to Illuvatar telling him, your improv Jazz Solo was still my music brought out both shame and defensive anger. Content note for shame being weaponised, internalised shame and toxic parenting - please remember the importance of patience and gentle inquiry when working through shame and angerYou can contact me on [email protected] and @karenpollock.bsky.socialTimestamps:00:00 - Introduction to the episode and themes of Tolkien and mental health01:09 - The Tolkien Society’s read-alongs and community engagement02:34 - The dual passions of Tolkien and demystifying mental health03:29 - Exploring the emotional space of shame, with insights from Tolkien’s lore05:00 - The music of the Ainur and the creation of the universe as a metaphor for identity06:37 - The significance of Melkor’s shame and creation out of rebellion09:47 - Differentiating guilt ("I did bad") from shame ("I am bad")12:22 - Freud’s theory of shame and the superego’s role in internalized shame15:11 - Shame as systemic and culturally embedded, using Foucault’s framework16:04 - How societal shame targets marginalized communities and enforces norms17:42 - Weaponization of shame, internalized prejudices, and societal control18:54 - The role of divine compassion versus shame in Tolkien’s Valar19:54 - The shame of Melkor’s rebellion and failure, and the importance of compassionate guidance24:00 - The protective role of anger and how recognition can help process shame26:32 - Gentle approaches to healing shame, like caring for a rescue dog29:14 - Closing thoughts on healing shame and fostering self-compassionRemember — understanding shame and anger can lead to greater compassion for yourself and others. Be gentle and patient in your healing journey.Resources & Links:Tolkien’s Legendarium & The Silmarillion (HarperCollins Edition 2024⁠⁠The Tolkien Society Big Read⁠⁠ The Alliance of Arda ⁠ Life isnt Binary Music by https://pixabay.com/music/beautiful-plays-cloud-of-sorrow-13984/

This week in the first of the Silm Season Episodes I explore the fascinating interplay between Tolkien’s legendarium and the concept of family canon, revealing how myths influence personal and collective identity. Family myths (family canon) can influence personal identity, highlighting examples like the "messy" middle child or cultural expectationsand the harms of rigid family canon can be huge, especially when it enforces stereotypes or suppresses authentic self-expressionContent contains themes related to darkness, family myths, and personal identity. Tolkien’s Legendarium & The Silmarillion (HarperCollins Edition 2024The Tolkien Society Big Read The Alliance of Arda Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction and the excitement around Tolkien’s 2026 Big Read00:29 - The upcoming legendarium discussions and the Sylm season focus01:29 - Dark themes in Tolkien and the importance of self-care when engaging with heavy content02:47 - The influence of myth and legend on Tolkien’s work, with a focus on darkness and heroism03:46 - Exploring the theme of family canon: how stories shape our identities04:14 - Definition of canon in literature, religion, and fandom and its implications05:14 - The fluidity of subcreated worlds versus rigid Tolkien canon enforcement06:42 - The danger of weaponizing canon in fandom disputes09:11 - Families’ own attitude towards myths, legends, and individual roles within family canon09:41 - Personal reflection on being the “messy” middle child and family mythologies10:38 - How family legends can influence behavior and perceptions across generations11:08 - The potential harm of family canon—such as expectations around gender, career, and sexuality12:49 - How family myths can be harmful, especially when they dismiss personal truth13:32 - Examples of how family canon can impose limits on individuals' identity and life choices15:01 - Personal story about family canon regarding education, class, and sexuality16:43 - The importance of breaking free from harmful myths and myths as prisons17:55 - Ending reflection on the importance of valuing people over things and myths18:36 - A reading from Tolkien’s "Anilindole" and its themes of harmony and divine music22:54 - Closing thoughts: embodying light in darkness and the enduring power of myth:Note: Content contains themes related to darkness, family myths, and personal identity. Music by https://pixabay.com/music/beautiful-plays-cloud-of-sorrow-13984/ contact me on [email protected] or find me on Bluesky @karenpollock.bsky.social

In this special episode celebrating Tolkien Reading Day, I read from one of my favourite passages in the Silmarrilion, and if just one person remembers that sometimes heroism is just getting through another day, then thats the light in the darkness I hope for. Happy Gondorian New Year!Any comments or questions you can contact me on [email protected]

Karen Pollock explores the character Andreth from Tolkien's legendarium, highlighting her wisdom, philosophical debates, and significance for International Women's Day.keywords; keywordsTolkien, Andrith, Middle Earth, Women in Literature, Philosophy, Tolkien's Legendarium, International Women's Day, Literary Analysiscontact Karen on [email protected] or find out more about them on their website counsellinginnorthumberland.com

This week I am looking at cogntive distortions, beliefs we hold onto as "facts" and how dangerous these can be with the weight of structural power behind them.The seemingly harmless belief those folk the other side of the shire are all a bit queer shows us how these distortions can have all the authority of solid facts, for the right listeners in the Ivy Bush.Content Notes for Mentions of racism, slavery, and conversion therapy.https://www.routledge.com/Gender-Sex-and-Relationship-Diversity-Therapy-Theory-and-Practice/Davies-Neves-Prunas/p/book/9781032868806

A short gift giving episode and seasons greetings to all the wonderful people on this journey with me.Here is to 2026! May we all be lights in the darkness for each other

Another inhabitant of middle earth joins me in my hypothetical therapy room, although in this case, as I will explore, I think a therapist's office would be the worst place for Fredegar Bolger to heal. In this episode I explore what the impact of his experiences might have been, and how as a therapist I might work with them.Content notes for discussion of torture, the holocaust (briefly) incarceration and eating disorders/disordered eating.My paper on Orcs (mentioned in the podcast) https://scholar.valpo.edu/journaloftolkienresearch/vol22/iss2/ and if you have any thoughts, suggestions or comments you can find me on Bluesky - @karenpollock.bsky.social or email on [email protected] - mental health, Tolkien, trauma therapy, Fatty Bolger, resilience, healing, psychotherapy, literature, trauma, coping strategies

No Content Notes for this episode, but as always possible spoilers for anything in the works of TolkienSummaryIn this episode, Karen Pollock explores the theme of hope through the lens of mental health and the works of J.R.R. Tolkien. She discusses the importance of self-care, the dual concepts of Estel and Amdir as forms of hope, and how early experiences shape our beliefs about ourselves. The conversation delves into the post-apocalyptic world of Middle Earth and the significance of hope in overcoming despair, particularly in therapeutic contexts. The episode concludes with a poignant reading from The Lord of the Rings, highlighting a moment of hope amidst darkness.Contact Karen [email protected]

No content notes, but as always there may be spoilers for those new to the legendariumIn this episode I explore the intersection of fear, horror, and Tolkien's work, particularly focusing on how fear serves a purpose in human experience. I discuss the psychological aspects of fear, the role of storytelling in conveying wisdom, and the enjoyment of horror through safe frames. The episode concludes with a reading from 'Fog on the Barrow Downs' that exemplifies Tolkien's horror elements.contact me on [email protected]

Content notes for discussion of different forms of abuse and its impact throughtoutIn this thought-provoking episode, psychotherapist Karen Pollock delves into the complex world of Tolkien's orcs, exploring themes of trauma, redemption, and the human condition. Drawing from their recent presentation at Euromoot, Karen examines the intergenerational trauma and epigenetics that could explain the behavior of orcs, challenging the traditional narrative of them as mere villains. Join us as we explore whether therapy could offer a path to healing for these misunderstood creatures and what this means for our understanding of humanity. #Tolkien #TraumaTherapy #FantasyInsightscontact me on [email protected] Reading suggestions https://existentialcomics.com/comic/175 (The council of Elrond)Tally Jr., Robert T. The Mismeasure of Orcs: A Critical Reassessment of Tolkien's Demonized Creatures. McFarland & Co Inc, 2025. Tolkiens squint eyed orc men Roger Echo-hartGarth, John. Tolkien and the Great War: The Threshold of Middle-earth. Houghton Mifflin, 2003Shippey, T. A. (2001). J.R.R. Tolkien: Author of the century. Harper Collins

Welcome back after the summer break, with a celebration of autumn, and the publication of The Hobbit, with a reading from the end of the bookLet us all embrace our true selves as wonderfully as Bilbo does! Happy Hobbit Day!Chapters00:00 Welcome Back and Autumn Reflections03:02 Celebrating The Hobbit and Its Legacy05:49 Bilbo's Journey and Happy Endingshttps://signumuniversity.org/event/euromoot2025/

Not an unexpected party, but an unexpected podcast episode inspired by the wonderful Mythopoeic Society Online Midsummer Seminars and the Queer Lodgings crew. An exploration of how an affirmative Gender, Sex and Relationship diverse specialist therapist (i.e. me) might work with Eowyn from Lord of the Rings, shield maiden, gender warrior and all round amazing slayer of the witchking. Normal podcast service will be resumed in September with season two, and dives into the Silmarillion Content notes for mention of conversion therapy, suicidal ideation and a brief mention of sexual violence.https://www.mythsoc.org/https://www.mythsoc.org/https://signumuniversity.org/event/euromoot2025/https://signumuniversity.org/event/euromoot2025/

In this episode, Karen focuses on the character of Arwen exploring themes of identity. The discussion highlights the significance of the appendices, the complexities of Arwen's character, and the psychological aspects of her journey, particularly through the lens of psychosocial development. Karen emphasizes the importance of agency and choice in Arwen's life, moving beyond traditional narratives of female characters in literature and lifeArwen's story is short, so its does confound Karen that people seem to want to diminish it even more, here lets give Arwen, and her choices, the space they deserve. Content Notes for parental abuse and rejection (in brief) and a short story from the Christian Religion.More on the psychosocial stages of development You can follow Karen on Bluesky @karenpollock.bsky.social where they would love to hear you thoughts, ideas, and suggestions for topics to cover.Music by⁠⁠⁠Trygve Larsen⁠⁠⁠ from⁠⁠⁠Pixabay

In this episode, Karen delves into the intersection of mental health and J.R.R. Tolkien's legendarium, focusing on the tragic character of Turin Turambar. Through a psychotherapeutic lens, they explore themes of trauma and the impact of otherness, drawing parallels between Turin's experiences and real-world pathologisation of difference ways of being.Content notes for discussing of life of Turin which includes suicideYou can follow Karen on Bluesky @karenpollock.bsky.social where they would love to hear you thoughts, ideas, and suggestions for topics to cover.Music by⁠⁠Trygve Larsen⁠⁠ from⁠⁠Pixabay

SummaryIn this episode, Karen reflects the importance of self-care, and how it relates to the works of J.R.R. Tolkien. Looking at the need to listen to our own needs and the dangers of commodifying self-care. Through the lens of Tolkien's characters and settings, we can explore the concept of self-care as a personal and often political act, encouraging listeners to prioritize their well-being without judgment.Books Mentioned (that arent Tolkien)MacmindfullnessA burst of Light Keywordsself-care, mental health, Tolkien, mindfulness, personal needs, emotional well-being, podcast, therapy, community, personal growth

In this episode, Karen explores the intersection of mental health and Tolkien's works, particularly focusing on trauma and coercive control as depicted in the story of Arendhel and Eol, and their son, Maeglin. Understanding the origins of behaviour is as old as the human urge to tell stories, and lies behind our desire to explain how harm is caused. It can also be a way to prevent harm being enacted down the generations. Content note for coercive control and family violence.KeywordsTolkien, mental health, trauma, coercive control, Gondolin, Maeglin, domestic abuse, storytelling, psychologyReal World fun events mentioned! https://signumuniversity.org/event/willowmoot2025/https://blackberry.signumuniversity.org/space/modules/0009/

In this episode of Go Not To The Elves for Counsel, Karen delves into the themes of trauma and mental health through Frodo's experiences. They discuss the concepts of PTSD, shellshock and moral injury, and the journey of healing, emphasizing the importance of understanding these experiences in both literature and real life. The conversation highlights the complexities of trauma responses and the potential for recovery, while also celebrating the beauty and hope found in Tolkien's narratives.You can follow Karen on Bluesky @karenpollock.bsky.social where they would love to hear you thoughts, ideas, and suggestions for topics to cover.Music by⁠⁠Trygve Larsen⁠⁠ from⁠⁠Pixabayhttps://blog.nationalarchives.gov.uk/beyond-shellshock/https://www.researchgate.net/publication/45659808_Shell_Shock_Trauma_and_the_First_World_War_The_Making_of_a_Diagnosis_and_Its_Historieshttps://www.ptsd.va.gov/professional/treat/cooccurring/moral_injury.asp

In this special episode for Tolkien Reading Day, Karen explores the theme of fellowship through a reading from the Minas Tirith chapter of The Return of the King.Happy Gondorian New Year to us all!You can connect with Karen @karenpollock.bsky.socialInformation on Minority Stress https://dictionary.apa.org/minority-stressOriginal Paperhttps://psycnet.apa.org/record/2012-32754-018

In conversation, Karen Pollock and Gareth Davies explore the intersection of Tolkien's works on leadership, authenticity, and the narratives that shape our understanding of ourselves and others. They delve into the complexities of characters like Boromir and Pippin, discussing how their experiences reflect broader themes of leadership, masculinity and personal growth. The discussion emphasizes the importance of authenticity in leadership and the role of ordinary individuals in shaping history, drawing parallels between Tolkien's narratives and contemporary coaching practices.You can find Karen @karenpollock.bsky.social andGareth @coachingintheround.co.uk or via their website https://coachingintheround.co.uk/Some of the books Gareth mentions in this episode are;Fantasy, the Bomb and the Greening of BritainRomantic Protest, 1945-1980Meredith VeldmanLeadership in Middle-Earth: Theories and Applications for Organizations - - Exploring Effective Leadership Practices Through Popular Culture by Michael J. Urick https://dc.swosu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=3106&context=mythlore The Consulting Process as Drama: Learning from King Lear Paperback – 2 Dec. 2003by Erik De Haan (Author)- a good example of the positive use of literature to inform management and leadership

In this episode, Karen explores the intersection of Middle-earth and psychotherapy, focusing on the character of Samwise Gamgee as a representation of self-actualization, and even attempts to sing! No one was turned to stone in the making of this episode.Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Joy of Middle-earth06:01 Exploring the Self-Actualizing Tendency21:22 Samwise Gamgee: A Model of Self-Actualization32:12 Conclusion: Embracing One's True SelfYou can follow Karen on Bluesky @karenpollock.bsky.social where they would love to hear you thoughts, ideas, and suggestions for topics to cover.Music by⁠Trygve Larsen⁠ from⁠Pixabay

In this episode Karen takes a wander around assumptions and projections people may make when they hear you are a Tolkien fan, and what the phrase "man of his time" implies.The reading is from lost tales, volume 1, the cottage of lost playYou can follow karen on bluesky - @karenpollock.bskysocial or email with any thoughts or suggestions at [email protected]

It is all very well to say Go Not to the Elves for Counsel, but then who would, and would not make a good therapist from the legendarium?This week Karen explores who they think they want to sit in a therapy room opposite, or even to wander through the woods alongside (outdoor therapy for the win!) Agree, or disagree, who do you think would make Middle Earths top therapist lists?You can follow Karen on Bluesky @karenpollock.bsky.social where they would love to hear you thoughts, ideas, and suggestions for topics to cover.Music byTrygve Larsen fromPixabay

This week Karen explores the instigators of so many memes, fan favourite, and reciever of a stern telling of from Sam, Faramir. In both book, and the films, the troubled relationship between Dethenor and Faramir is powerful, so lets explore what happens when a child grows up seeing their parents love withheld, and given elsewhere.

Karen properly introduces themself, and explores the house of Tom Bombadil, via roman ruins, the insights, and flaws of CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy) and looks at why anxious brains need to feel cool breezes and flagstones beneath their feet. Also, and not for the first time, our watchword should be - Be more Sam

A quick introduction to what you can expect from GnttFC! #Tolkien #MentalHealth #Therapy

Let's start with the name of the podcast, and why elves, like therapists are so wary of giving advice. A shorter episode to start with but one where Karen explains where the name GnttEC came from, and divulges the fan fic they would love to see! Bonus shaun of the dead reference!