Shadow Work Solutions

22/08/2026

The second edition of Shadows of Sylvaheim is due to be published shortly! ✨️

Some of Dr Toula Gordillo's family and friends will know she originally wrote the novel (and audiobook) to help young people learn more about Jungian psychology, Stoic philosophy and other positive mental health messages.

This new edition will now be used to help adults work through issues that may have commenced during their teenage years... like living in poverty, parent-child conflict, bullying, alcohol and drug abuse etc. Basically, anything that they may be still affected by today.

Reframed as a mythic fantasy novel (like Harry Potter but for adults), she's so excited to share the next step in her own 'hero' s journey' of healing!! 💕🎉💯💐

30/07/2026

Developing Your Intuition as a Mental Health Practitioner

Mental health practitioners are trained to observe behaviour, understand psychological theory and apply evidence-based interventions. Yet one of our most valuable skills is often overlooked—intuition.

Intuition is not about guessing or relying on supernatural abilities. It is the quiet inner knowing that develops through experience, self-awareness, reflection and careful observation. It helps us notice subtle emotional cues, recognise patterns and ask the questions that matter most.

Carl Jung believed that developing a relationship with the unconscious was an essential part of becoming a more integrated person. In my own work through Story Image Therapy (SIT®), I have found that intuition grows when we become more aware of ourselves—not just our clients.

Some simple ways to strengthen intuition include:
• Practising mindfulness to quiet mental noise.
• Listening to your body's responses and emotional reactions.
• Reflecting through journalling and supervision.
• Paying attention to recurring symbols, patterns and meaningful coincidences.
• Learning to recognise the difference between fear and a calm inner knowing.

The more we understand our own unconscious patterns, the more present and attuned we become with others. Developing intuition is not a substitute for clinical knowledge or evidence-based practice—it is something that complements it.

When balanced with professional judgement, ethical practice and ongoing self-reflection, intuition can become one of the most valuable tools we bring into the therapy room.

For those working in the health industry, how have you found intuition influencing your work with clients?

08/06/2026

“The shadow is a moral problem that challenges the whole ego-personality, for no one can become conscious of the shadow without considerable effort.”
— Carl Jung
Jung believed that real personal growth begins when we are willing to look honestly at the parts of ourselves we would rather avoid.
Our shadow self includes the thoughts, emotions, fears, habits and reactions that often operate outside our conscious awareness. When left unexplored, these hidden influences can quietly shape our decisions, relationships and wellbeing.
Shadow work is not about judging ourselves. It is about becoming more aware, more authentic and more whole.
By bringing the unconscious into awareness, we create opportunities to:
• Understand our emotional triggers
• Recognise unhealthy patterns
• Build stronger relationships
• Develop greater self-awareness
• Lead ourselves and others more effectively
The goal is not perfection. The goal is integration.
As Jung taught, we do not grow by pretending the darkness is not there. We grow by understanding it, embracing it and learning from it.
What part of your shadow might be asking for your attention today?
www.drtoulagordillo.com

Meet Dr Toula Gordillo Hello, I’m Dr Toula, an Australian clinical and Jungian psychologist and the creator of Story Image Therapy (SIT®) and SIT Shadow Work™. For over thirty years, I’ve supported people from diverse backgrounds using creative, holistic approaches to personal growth and tran...

19/05/2026

05/05/2026

Known as the keys to resilience, or the Shadow Self Keys in Story Image Therapy, here are the steps needed to work on your shadow self according to clinical and Jungian psychologist, Dr Toula Gordillo.