The Thing With Feathers

Freudian Psychology

Dismantling the Oedipus Complex

Jonathan Foiles LCSW on May 7, 2020

Freud's Oedipus complex was foundational to his thought but sounds alien to modern ears. What might replace it in our era?

Freud's Oedipus complex was foundational to his thought but sounds alien to modern ears. What might replace it in our era?

Psychoanalysis

Sabina Spielrein: A Forgotten Pioneer

Jonathan Foiles LCSW on December 30, 2019

While she is known some for her relationship with Jung, a new volume of Spielrein's writings reveal a fascinating mind, whose recognition is long overdue.

While she is known some for her relationship with Jung, a new volume of Spielrein's writings reveal a fascinating mind, whose recognition is long overdue.

Bipolar Disorder

Why Do We Cry?

Jonathan Foiles LCSW on November 5, 2019

The poet Heather Christle has written a marvelous book that is part memoir, part scientific examination of the phenomenon of tears.

The poet Heather Christle has written a marvelous book that is part memoir, part scientific examination of the phenomenon of tears.

Freudian Psychology

Civilized To Death

Jonathan Foiles LCSW on October 2, 2019

We often think of our modern era as the best that has ever existed. But if that is true, why are so many people unhappy and unhealthy?

We often think of our modern era as the best that has ever existed. But if that is true, why are so many people unhappy and unhealthy?

Depression

We Should Listen to Greta Thunberg

Jonathan Foiles LCSW on September 24, 2019

Anxiety and depression are on the rise among adolescents. If we listen, they will tell us some reasons why.

Anxiety and depression are on the rise among adolescents. If we listen, they will tell us some reasons why.

President Donald Trump

Is President Trump "Psychotic"? Are His Enemies?

Jonathan Foiles LCSW on September 12, 2019

In the wake of Sharpiegate, pundits have differed over whether or not President Trump or his critics are "psychotic." Is that really the word we should be using?

In the wake of Sharpiegate, pundits have differed over whether or not President Trump or his critics are "psychotic." Is that really the word we should be using?

Unconscious

Where Does the Unconscious Come From?

Jonathan Foiles LCSW on August 28, 2019

We take the idea of the unconscious for granted, but what exactly is responsible for its formation? Jean Laplanche had a remarkable theory.

We take the idea of the unconscious for granted, but what exactly is responsible for its formation? Jean Laplanche had a remarkable theory.

Trust

Is Logic Logical?

Jonathan Foiles LCSW on August 13, 2019

We often place great confidence in our own ability to reason but have doubts when it comes to others. What is this capacity to evaluate arguments and predict outcomes anyway?

We often place great confidence in our own ability to reason but have doubts when it comes to others. What is this capacity to evaluate arguments and predict outcomes anyway?

Health

This City Is Killing Me

Jonathan Foiles LCSW on July 30, 2019

We know how to diagnose and treat people. What do we do when the problem stretches beyond the individual?

We know how to diagnose and treat people. What do we do when the problem stretches beyond the individual?

Trauma

A Review of Jared Diamond's Upheaval

Jonathan Foiles LCSW on June 11, 2019

The author of Guns, Germs, and Steel believes that short-term crisis therapy has lessons to offer countries navigating conflict. Does he succeed in his efforts?

The author of Guns, Germs, and Steel believes that short-term crisis therapy has lessons to offer countries navigating conflict. Does he succeed in his efforts?

Trauma

What Happens When a Community is Traumatized?

Jonathan Foiles LCSW on June 4, 2019

We have tools for treating post-traumatic stress disorder in individuals, but what do we do when an entire community has been scarred?

We have tools for treating post-traumatic stress disorder in individuals, but what do we do when an entire community has been scarred?

Gratitude

Thoughts and Prayers

Jonathan Foiles LCSW on May 13, 2019

The saying thoughts and prayers has become a commonplace refrain in the aftermath of a tragedy. Is that the best response to tragic violence?

The saying thoughts and prayers has become a commonplace refrain in the aftermath of a tragedy. Is that the best response to tragic violence?

Freudian Psychology

What Can Psychology Learn from Buddhism?

Jonathan Foiles LCSW on April 17, 2019

Buddhism is a popular addition to psychological theory and practice, but David Loy suggests they be understood as different answers to the same questions.

Buddhism is a popular addition to psychological theory and practice, but David Loy suggests they be understood as different answers to the same questions.

Health

Do Humans Need Each Other?

Jonathan Foiles LCSW on April 9, 2019

Modern life has left us increasingly isolated from one another. What does this mean for our long-term mental health and our health as a society?

Modern life has left us increasingly isolated from one another. What does this mean for our long-term mental health and our health as a society?

Grief

The Human Toll of Chicago's Violence

Jonathan Foiles LCSW on March 28, 2019

Many know of Chicago's staggering murder rate, but statistics are often hard to fully grasp. My patients remind me of the human cost of gun violence.

Many know of Chicago's staggering murder rate, but statistics are often hard to fully grasp. My patients remind me of the human cost of gun violence.

Trauma

This Too Is America: An Interview with Alex Kotlowitz

Jonathan Foiles LCSW on March 22, 2019

The award-winning journalist who has written about violence in Chicago for almost thirty years reflects upon the lingering impact of trauma in our American cities.

The award-winning journalist who has written about violence in Chicago for almost thirty years reflects upon the lingering impact of trauma in our American cities.

Suicide

Where Reasons End

Jonathan Foiles LCSW on February 7, 2019

Yiyun Li's beautiful new novel confronts the pain of losing a child to suicide. The result is not just heartbreaking but beautiful.

Yiyun Li's beautiful new novel confronts the pain of losing a child to suicide. The result is not just heartbreaking but beautiful.

Health

Are Colleges Failing Students with Mental Illness?

Jonathan Foiles LCSW on January 28, 2019

A recent report gives America's most prestigious universities a failing grade when it comes to supporting students experiencing a mental illness.

A recent report gives America's most prestigious universities a failing grade when it comes to supporting students experiencing a mental illness.

Openness

How to Hold onto Hope

Jonathan Foiles LCSW on December 19, 2018

This year has been exhausting for many. A recent collection of Thomas Merton's letters offers encouragement and perspective to the weary.

This year has been exhausting for many. A recent collection of Thomas Merton's letters offers encouragement and perspective to the weary.

Depression

Have We Been Getting Schizophrenia Wrong?

Jonathan Foiles LCSW on November 19, 2018

How much are our thoughts about schizophrenia based on stigma rather than science?

How much are our thoughts about schizophrenia based on stigma rather than science?