Category Archives: John Bradshaw

John Bradshaw on magical thinking

“Children are magical. “Step on a crack, break your mother’s back.” Magic is the belief that certain words, gestures, or behaviours can change reality. Dysfunctional parents often reinforce their children’s magical thinking. For example, if you tell children that their … Continue reading

Posted in child development, cognitive, conditions of worth, Disconnection, empowerment, family systems, generational trauma, growing up, human condition, identity, John Bradshaw, meaning, metaphor & dream, perception, power and powerlessness, self, self concept, spirituality, transformation | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

John Bradshaw on the process of alienation

‘A child is born self-connected and has an organismic sense of wholeness with relation to each of its powers, drives, and needs. Once a power, drive, or need is shamed, it becomes disconnected. As the shaming continues and intensifies, the … Continue reading

Posted in 'evil', abuse, childhood abuse, compulsive behaviour, cultural questions, Disconnection, emotions, empathy, external locus, fear, growing up, James Hillman, John Bradshaw, objectification, perception, power and powerlessness, relationship, sadness & pain, self concept, sexual violence, shadow, shame, shaming, trauma, violence, vulnerability | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment