by Karen Pollock
Exploring the intersections of Middle Earth and the therapy room, two worlds which have far more in common than you might think! Karen will be your host ,passionate about Tolkien, and fantasy in general, and their work as a psychotherapist. Alongside deep dives into passages of text, which shine a light on theraputic ideas and theories, there will be guests bringing their own experiences of Tolkien and mental health. A light to you in dark places when all other lights go out
Language
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Publishing Since
1/25/2025
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June 8, 2026
<p>In a special Pride Month Episode I explore what queer readings, queer coding, and explicity queer characters mean in subcreation, and ask myself - what would a Shire Pride look like? </p><p>The cannonical answer is - there would be a drag queen story time! </p>
May 18, 2026
<p>In this episode I explore how we anxiety and fear can make us feel we have to erradicate all risk, and the life limiting, and joy limiting implications of that.</p><p>Oh and I tell the Valar they need therapy - badly!</p><p><br></p><p>Willow Moot link https://blackberry.signumuniversity.org/events/willowmoot2026/</p><p><br></p><p>The Big Read - https://www.tolkiensociety.org/members/big-read/</p><p><br></p><p>Follow me on Threads - @counsellingkaren</p><p> Bluesky karen.bskyb.social</p><p><br></p><p>and email me on northumberlandcounselling@gmail.com</p>
May 10, 2026
<p>Exploring Myth, Parenthood, and Growth through Tolkien's Legendarium In this episode, psychotherapist and Tolkien enthusiast Karen Pollock dives into the profound themes of myth, parenting, and personal growth as reflected in Tolkien's works, particularly focusing on the story of Aule, Yvanna, and the dwarves. Perfect for lovers of literature, psychology, and Middle-earth, this episode reveals how myths mirror our own internal journeys.Key Topics:</p><ul><li>The parallels between mythological stories and parenting, especially the hopes and fears involved in nurturing others</li><li>The story of Ale (Aule) and Yvanna, and their roles as archetypes of creator and nurturer</li><li>The evolution of Tolkien's Valar and how their stories reflect changing ideas about power and stewardship</li><li>The importance of humility, acceptance, and growth in both the legendarium and real life</li><li>The significance of mistakes and humility in creation and personal development</li><li>How Tolkien's mythic themes relate to mental health and self-awareness</li><li>The contrast between Ale's desire for control versus his genuine wish to nurture and love</li><li>The role of compassion and acceptance in healing and growth</li></ul><ul><li><a href="https://tolkinsociety.org.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Tolkien Society</a></li><li><a href="https://blackberry.signumuniversity.org/events/willowmoot2026/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferer">WillowMoot (belgium)</a></li><li><a href="https://blackberry.signumuniversity.org/events/euromoot2026/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferer">EuroMoot (Prague)</a></li></ul><ul><li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hephaestus" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Hephaestus - Greek God of Fire and Forge</a></li><li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vulcan_(mythology)" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Vulcan - Roman God of Fire</a></li><li><a href="https://www.mythology.net/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Understanding Myth as a Reflection of Human Experience</a></li></ul><p><br></p><p></p>
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Exploring the intersections of Middle Earth and the therapy room, two worlds which have far more in common than you might think! Karen will be your host ,passionate about Tolkien, and fantasy in general, and their work as a psychotherapist. Alongside deep dives into passages of text, which shine a light on theraputic ideas and theories, there will be guests bringing their own experiences of Tolkien and mental health.
A light to you in dark places when all other lights go out
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