Salish Wolf #43 Kim Barta on Shadows, the Perpetuation of Trauma, and Shamanism
In this episode, Kim Barta casts light on some of our most hidden aspects, our shadows. Kim is an internationally-recognized psychotherapist, coach, and spiritual guide with extensive experience in shadow work and spectacular results in his psychotherapy practice.
During this conversation, Kim defines what shadows are and indicates that the risk of not recognizing and integrating them is not fully fulfilling our destiny. He supports this concept with clear examples of how shadows can continually sabotage our journey through life. Meanwhile, they also provide beautiful opportunities for growth and healing when we choose to steer our journey through them.
Kim highlights how shadows impact society and cultures, especially our projection onto others of our own inborn shadows. We see the ill effects of projection in all areas of life including politics, media, and right at home in our families. The collective familial trauma that we choose to carry forward by not assimilating our shadows perpetuates those traumas and sadly breeds new ones. When we align our identities with the darkness in our cultural history, we block out the light and cast the next generation in shadows.
Kim’s unique background has deep spiritual roots, including a reverence for shamanism. He not only lived with a Native American shaman, but he also did his master’s thesis on shamanism in modern psychotherapy and continues to use aspects of it in his clinical practice. Alongside his sister, Dr. Terri O’Fallon, Kim presents workshops and trainings at STAGES International, the platform they co-created to offer training and resources informed by the STAGES Model of human development developed by Dr. O’Fallon.
Be prepared to explore deeply the potential light hidden in the dark in this episode of Salish Wolf with Kim Barta.
Episode Links:
Anchor Point Links:
Men’s Retreats at Anchor Point Expeditions
Men’s Group at Anchor Point Expeditions
Grief Recovery Program with Brea Segger