Go Not to The Elves for Counsel

Holding difficult feelings (or can the Valar go to therapy, please!)

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. Oh and I tell the Valar they need therapy - badly! Willow Moot link https://blackberry.signumuniversity.org/events/willowmoot2026/ The Big Read - https://www.tolkiensociety.org/members/big-read/ Follow me on Threads - @counsellingkaren Bluesky karen.bskyb.social and email me on northumberlandcounselling@gmail.com

Aule wins best Dad award

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: * The parallels between mythological stories and parenting, especially the hopes and fears involved in nurturing others * The story of Ale (Aule) and Yvanna, and their roles as archetypes of creator and nurturer * The evolution of Tolkien's Valar and how their stories reflect changing ideas about power and stewardship * The importance of humility, acceptance, and growth in both the legendarium and real life * The significance of mistakes and humility in creation and personal development * How Tolkien's mythic themes relate to mental health and self-awareness * The contrast between Ale's desire for control versus his genuine wish to nurture and love * The role of compassion and acceptance in healing and growth * Tolkien Society [https://tolkinsociety.org.uk/] * WillowMoot (belgium) [https://blackberry.signumuniversity.org/events/willowmoot2026/] * EuroMoot (Prague) [https://blackberry.signumuniversity.org/events/euromoot2026/] * Hephaestus - Greek God of Fire and Forge [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hephaestus] * Vulcan - Roman God of Fire [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vulcan_(mythology)] * Understanding Myth as a Reflection of Human Experience [https://www.mythology.net/]

The Silm Season - Melkors Shame and Secret Anger

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 anger You can contact me on northumberlandcounselling@gmail.com and @karenpollock.bsky.social Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction to the episode and themes of Tolkien and mental health 01:09 - The Tolkien Society’s read-alongs and community engagement 02:34 - The dual passions of Tolkien and demystifying mental health 03:29 - Exploring the emotional space of shame, with insights from Tolkien’s lore 05:00 - The music of the Ainur and the creation of the universe as a metaphor for identity 06:37 - The significance of Melkor’s shame and creation out of rebellion 09:47 - Differentiating guilt ("I did bad") from shame ("I am bad") 12:22 - Freud’s theory of shame and the superego’s role in internalized shame 15:11 - Shame as systemic and culturally embedded, using Foucault’s framework 16:04 - How societal shame targets marginalized communities and enforces norms 17:42 - Weaponization of shame, internalized prejudices, and societal control 18:54 - The role of divine compassion versus shame in Tolkien’s Valar 19:54 - The shame of Melkor’s rebellion and failure, and the importance of compassionate guidance 24:00 - The protective role of anger and how recognition can help process shame 26:32 - Gentle approaches to healing shame, like caring for a rescue dog 29:14 - Closing thoughts on healing shame and fostering self-compassion Remember — 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 2024⁠ [https://harpercollins.com/products/the-silmarillion-tolkien] * ⁠The Tolkien Society Big Read⁠ [https://tolkingsociety.org/2026-big-read] * ⁠ The Alliance of Arda ⁠ [https://www.facebook.com/groups/allianceofarda/] * Life isnt Binary [https://uk.jkp.com/products/life-isnt-binary] Music by https://pixabay.com/music/beautiful-plays-cloud-of-sorrow-13984/

The Silm Season - Families can have their own headcanons

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-expression Content contains themes related to darkness, family myths, and personal identity. * Tolkien’s Legendarium & The Silmarillion (HarperCollins Edition 2024 [https://harpercollins.com/products/the-silmarillion-tolkien] * The Tolkien Society Big Read [https://tolkingsociety.org/2026-big-read] * The Alliance of Arda [https://www.facebook.com/groups/allianceofarda/] Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction and the excitement around Tolkien’s 2026 Big Read 00:29 - The upcoming legendarium discussions and the Sylm season focus 01:29 - Dark themes in Tolkien and the importance of self-care when engaging with heavy content 02:47 - The influence of myth and legend on Tolkien’s work, with a focus on darkness and heroism 03:46 - Exploring the theme of family canon: how stories shape our identities 04:14 - Definition of canon in literature, religion, and fandom and its implications 05:14 - The fluidity of subcreated worlds versus rigid Tolkien canon enforcement 06:42 - The danger of weaponizing canon in fandom disputes 09:11 - Families’ own attitude towards myths, legends, and individual roles within family canon 09:41 - Personal reflection on being the “messy” middle child and family mythologies 10:38 - How family legends can influence behavior and perceptions across generations 11:08 - The potential harm of family canon—such as expectations around gender, career, and sexuality 12:49 - How family myths can be harmful, especially when they dismiss personal truth 13:32 - Examples of how family canon can impose limits on individuals' identity and life choices 15:01 - Personal story about family canon regarding education, class, and sexuality 16:43 - The importance of breaking free from harmful myths and myths as prisons 17:55 - Ending reflection on the importance of valuing people over things and myths 18:36 - A reading from Tolkien’s "Anilindole" and its themes of harmony and divine music 22:54 - 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 northumberlandcounselling@gmail.com or find me on Bluesky @karenpollock.bsky.social

Alone with his servant

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 counsellinginnorthumberland@gmail.com