As a highly empathic and intuitive child, Melissa Kim Corter was captivated by the dark corners of basements and the unseen aspects of the psyche. That early fascination laid the foundation for decades of work exploring the shadow side of human experience. In this rich and layered conversation, Melissa joins host Nicky Yazbeck to discuss how to approach shadow work and how it can be reframed not as something negative, but as a powerful portal for healing and integration.
Melissa shares her unique lens on shadow work, rooted in traditional Jungian studies and brought to life through her book Apothecary for the Afflicted: Shadow Work for Invisible Wounds. Together, we explore the role of avoidance and disassociation, how nightmares and fairy tales can offer symbolic insight, and how tools like the darkness journal create a safe space to give voice to intense and untamed emotions.
We also talk about the duality of light and dark, how to stop pushing the shadow away, and why engaging it directly is key to no longer being ruled by it. Whether you’re a therapist, seeker, or simply curious, this episode offers creative, symbolic, and grounded ways to explore the parts of yourself often left in the dark.
Takeaways:
- Shadow work involves confronting uncomfortable truths about ourselves.
- Disassociation can manifest in seemingly positive behaviors.
- Curiosity is essential for understanding our shadows.
- The darkness journal allows for safe expression of difficult emotions.
- Fairy tales can help articulate and process our experiences.
- Personal stories have the power to heal and connect us.
- The transformation of trauma can lead to empowerment.
- Engaging with our shadows can illuminate our true selves.
Chapters
00:00 Navigating Grief and Mortality
20:36 Understanding Shadow Work
23:47 Avoidance and Disassociation
26:41 Tools for Shadow Work
29:42 The Darkness Journal
32:24 Transforming Darkness into Light
35:28 The Role of Fairy Tales
38:24 Dreams and Nightmares
41:30 The Impact of Personal Stories
44:18 Conclusion and Resources
57:46 OUTRO
Connect with me:
https://nickyYyoga.com
https://www.youtube.com/@TheConnectedCommunity
support@nickyYyoga.com
Connect with Melissa:
https://www.instagram.com/melissakimcorter/
https://www.facebook.com/melissakcorter/
https://www.youtube.com/c/MelissaKimCorter
https://melissakimcorter.substack.com/
Keywords: shadow work, disassociation, fairy tales, personal stories, emotional healing, journaling, self-discovery, mental health, darkness journal, Jungian, Depth Psychology, grief, mortality, dreams, nightmares, transformation, self help
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