You’re invited to The Tools - real change in real time
Phil: Barry, how did you get me roped into this? I’ve told you before, no advertising for restaurants. What is Substack, a pancake place?
It's Phil and Barry here, and we're thrilled you've come across our new way of sharing our work. If you're wondering why two seasoned therapists “to the stars” with a combined 90 years of experience decided to jump into the deep pool of Substack, well, pull up a chair (or a therapy couch, if you prefer), and let's dive in.
Why Substack? Why Now?
Barry: So Phil, we’re supposed to be talking about our new Substack, whatever that is.
Phil: Barry, how did you get me roped into this? I’ve told you before, no advertising for restaurants. What is Substack, a pancake place?
Barry: Phil, stop. Substack is … well, I’m not exactly sure what it is, but we’re going to put out a lot of material on it.
Phil: Oh, more material? We haven’t given enough? I have to open up a new artery? Really, when does it end?
Barry: The modern media machine is a truly voracious beast. The good news is we’re fucking prolific. We’re going to give them:
Weekly Insights: We'll delve into core concepts of The Tools, shadow work, and modern psychological insights into accessible wisdom for daily life.
Advice and Recommendations: From time to time, we will answer a subscriber’s question with anecdotes and practical advice. As well, you will see what books we recommend from our bookshelves for further exploration into your psyche.
Shadow Prompts: These prompts are for getting your hands dirty (metaphorically, of course). We'll share exercises and prompts to help you apply The Tools in your daily life.
Personal Reflections: Once or twice a month, we'll share a more personal post – stories from our own journeys, case studies (with names changed, of course), or reflections on current events through a shadow work lens.
Monthly Q&A: Monthly, we'll host a subscriber Q&A. Bring your insights, challenges, and questions as we collectively work towards greater consciousness.
Community Challenges: Periodically, we will offer paid subscribers a space for exploring a specific aspect of The Shadow together.
Occasional Surprises: Because who doesn't love a good plot twist? Expect the unexpected – whether it's a guest post from a fellow practitioner, a former or current client, a deep dive into one of The Tools, or maybe even a shadow work meme or two.
A Peek Behind the Curtain
Barry: I know what you’re thinking. Shadow work? Seriously? You’re going to have us talk to an imaginary friend inside – someone who’s more than a little off-putting?
Phil: Speak for yourself, Barry. Your Shadow may be repellant, but the rest of us have perfectly respectable, normal Shadows. In fact, all the Shadows had a meeting last week and decided to ban your Shadow — just your Shadow — from any future Tools events – we’re just fed up with all that negative energy.
Barry: Oh my god, I can’t believe it! My Shadow has been banned from future Tools events! What am I going to do? What would I tell a patient of mine to do? I'd tell them to view the rejection as forcing them to feel how you’ve made your Shadow feel: rejected, judged, insecure, and hurt. Once you acknowledge the hurt, take every opportunity to assuage that hurt. Feel your Shadow taking in your loving kindness and support. Now that’s Shadow work!
Our Promise to You
We're not here to be gurus or to pretend we have all the answers. We're fellow travelers on this journey of self-discovery, and we're still learning every day. What we can promise you is:
Honesty: We'll share our successes, our struggles, and everything in between. No bullshit – just real talk about the messy, beautiful process of growth.
Practical Wisdom: Everything we share will be grounded in psychological research and our clinical experience. But we'll always translate it into practical, actionable tools.
A Judgment-Free Zone: Your shadows are welcome here. This is a space for curiosity, compassion, and growth – not shame or judgment.
A Dash of Humor: Because if you can't laugh at the absurdity of the human psyche sometimes, what's the point?
Community: We're not just writing into the void. We want to foster a community of shadow warriors and The Tools users, supporting and learning from each other.
Join Us in the Shadows
So, are you ready to embark on this journey of self-discovery? To peek into the corners of your psyche and embrace what you find there? To laugh, cry, grow, and transform?
If so, hit that subscribe button. Your unconscious awaits, and it's got stories to tell.
Here's to embracing our whole selves, shadow and all.
Yours,
Phil & Barry
Coming Up:
September Shadow Support Group
With Barry Michels and Kristan Sargeant
Registration Link Here | Tomorrow, September 15th from 10-11:30am PT
The Tools for Professionals
This ongoing monthly group led by Jamie Rose is designed for coaches and therapists who wish to incorporate the Tools® into their practices. It’s also open to long-time practitioners who wish to deepen their understanding of the work.
Registration Link Here | Next Session: Saturday, September 21st at 10am PT
Dark Shadows with Barry Michels
Community members are invited to explore and confront the shadows that lurk in the darkness, embracing the complexities and difficulties that often go unspoken. In this safe and inclusive space, Barry shares his own experience with LBD and the unknown future navigating it, fostering an atmosphere of openness and vulnerability.
Registration Link Here | The next session will be Sunday, September 22nd at 10am PT
Find more information about The Tools at www.thetoolsbook.com
These shrinks are the best. Phil is a genius. Don't laugh at his funny little drawings, they can change your life. The Tools really work.
This is so great! I love seeing and hearing the guys here. Can’t wait for more!