The Sacred Path Beyond Trauma: Reaching the Divine Through Nature's Healing Symbols

(Paperback)

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"The Sacred Path" bridges two theoretical perspectives, abuse-focused therapy and depth psychology, for the purpose of encouraging those who have been traumatized to understand the difference between being victimized and being a victim. Focusing on the healing power of Nature, Macfarland describes how other species of the earth look to humankind as symbols for their healing from trauma, and humans in turn seek healing from Nature's symbols. The book focuses on finding one's life path through holding the tension of the opposites between trauma and numinosity (sacredness, transcendence).Three specific elements of Nature are discussed at length as examples: horses, dolphins, and trees. Through the use of mythology, modern film and stories, real life examples, and her personal history, Macfarland explains how one's most terrifying experiences can lead to a sacred path for life. One such story is that of the life of Monty Roberts, a well-known horse trainer. He reported significant childhood abuse in his own life and describes how he was led not only to his impressive work with horses but also to the commitment he and his wife made to foster some forty children while raising their own biological family. Throughout the book the author reiterates the belief that, even though people are psychologically traumatized in a variety of ways throughout life, they do not need to live as victims. The possibility exists to learn the lessons that the soul wishes to teach in order to live meaningfully for the remaining years of life.

Reviews

Ellen Macfarlands book The Sacred Path Beyond Trauma is a fascinating and insightful exploration of the healing power of Nature in experiences of trauma.
from the foreword by Dr. Robert Romanyshyn, author of The Soul in Grief

Dr. Macfarland elegantly weaves the reciprocity between the individual and nature. This dance between the individual and nature is the delicate tao that is essential to the very survival of the human soul and the fragile planet that we inhabit.
Ashok Bedi, MD, Jungian analyst and author of Path to the Soul and Awaken the Slumbering Goddess

Author Bio

Ellen Macfarland received her BS degree in Animal Science from Montana State University. Later, her interest in psychology drew her to the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, where she earned her Masters of Social Work with an emphasis on clinical psychotherapy. Dr. Macfarland practiced psychotherapy for twenty years in the Milwaukee area. She founded and directed Brookfield Counseling Services, Inc., a not-for-profit agency for all in need of therapy regardless of ability to pay. For ten years while practicing as a therapist she directed the agency. Because of the changes brought on by managed care she closed the agency and worked on her own for a time. She then joined a Pastoral Counseling group and practiced out of their agency. Macfarland earned a PhD in depth psychology from Pacifica Graduate Institute while also maintaining a private practice with Pastoral Counseling Services in Milwaukee. Presently, Dr. Macfarland is researching the connections between Nature and healing, particularly for those who have experienced trauma. In 2004, she closed her clinical practice to focus on writing and teaching. Now residing in Big Sky, Montana, Dr. Macfarland offers workshops nationally on the healing of trauma from a depth perspective.