Judy Tsafrir, M.D.
Holistic Adult & Child Psychiatry in Newton, MA
I chose a bridge as the symbol for my practice.
I am drawn to consideration and inclusion of disparate contrasting elements in my understanding of people and situations. I like to keep the past and the present, the traditional and innovative, the ordinary and the sacred, the heart, mind, body and soul all present when I try to understand a person and figure out how to help.
The bridge is also a symbol for attachment and connection, a necessary condition if growth is to occur. Attachment provides the central context in which my patients and I work together to heal them, and clear the way for further psycho/spiritual development.
"The stars are like letters that inscribe themselves at every moment in the sky. Everything in the world is full of signs. All events are coordinated. All things depend on each other. Everything breathes together." — Plotinus
"One only sees what one looks for, one only looks for what one knows." — Goethe
"I did then what I knew how to do. Now that I know better, I do better." — Maya Angelou
"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has." — Margaret Mead
Holistic Psychiatric Services
- Holistic Psychiatric Evaluation/Healing
- Psychoanalysis and Psychotherapy
- Tapering from Psychiatric Pharmaceuticals
- Treatment of Environmentally Acquired Illness
- Treatment of Ehlers Danlos Syndrome
- Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy
- Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART)
- Astrology Consultations
- Tarot Consultations
- Body Intuitive Energy Healing Sessions
Joanna Macy on the Shambala Warrior Prophecy
Wisdom from One of My Favorite Teachers
I will be a hummingbird - Wangari Maathai
Get a Signed Copy of Sacred Psychiatry
Signed copies — $24, free shipping in the US
Email [email protected] with your full name, mailing address, number of copies, and any inscription you'd like. I'll reply with payment instructions for PayPal or Venmo, then sign & mail your book(s).
Signed copies of Sacred Psychiatry — $24, free shipping in the US
Sacred Psychiatry — Bridging the Personal and Transpersonal to Transform Health and Consciousness
Awards for Sacred Psychiatry:
- Winner of the Nautilus Award — SILVER Health, Healing, and Wellness
- National Indie Excellence Award WINNER — Alternative Health & Psychology/Psychiatry
- San Francisco Book Festival — Runner Up, Religious/Spiritual
- Eric Hoffer Award — Honorable Mention, Spiritual
Available Everywhere Books are Sold
Sacred Psychiatry is a breakthrough work of cosmic-sized genius. This book is an essential read for every person interested in including the realm of the cosmos into the dynamics of their health as well as the well-being of others. I love this book. — Caroline Myss, Author of Anatomy of the Spirit and Sacred Contracts
Recent Posts
Two Spaces Left for Threshold Medicine Retreat
By Dr. Tsafrir |
As the Spring Equinox approaches, I wanted to reach out with a brief update about our upcoming retreat. Our gathering, Threshold Medicine: Ritual, Writing, and Renewal — A Women’s Spring Equinox Retreat, is now almost full. We have two spaces remaining for the circle that will take place March 19–22 in the mountains of New…
Threshold Medicine: A Spring Equinox Retreat: Ritual, Writing and Renewal
By Dr. Tsafrir |
Dear Friends, You are warmly invited to join me and the gifted shamanic practitioner Carolyn Romano for an intimate Spring Equinox gathering in the mountains of New Hampshire, near Brattleboro, Vermont. Together we will be holding a women’s retreat that we are calling Threshold Medicine: Ritual, Writing, and Renewal. We will gather from Thursday, March…
Sacred Psychiatry for Transformative Times: A Conversation with Regina Meredith on Gaia TV
By Dr. Tsafrir |
In September, I was invited to Boulder, Colorado for a deeply meaningful interview with the legendary Regina Meredith, host of Open Minds on Gaia TV. Our conversation was wide-ranging, intimate, and soulful—an exploration of my personal journey and the evolution of my work into the holistic, integrative approach I practice today. We spoke about the…
Bed Time Rituals to Support Your Spirit
By Dr. Tsafrir |
As we step into 2025, the intensity of the world around us is undeniable. From the violent events on New Year’s Day to ongoing natural disasters and political turbulence, the collective stress can feel overwhelming. These uncertain times call for intentional practices that support our resilience and help us meet the chaos with strength and…
New Moon in Sagittarius: Truth as Refuge
By Dr. Tsafrir |
I recently listened to a dharma talk by Buddhist teacher Tara Brach about honesty. She described a cartoon featuring two dinosaurs who look up and see an asteroid hurtling towards the Earth. One reassures the other, “Maybe it won’t be so bad.” The problem with denial is that it prevents us from seeing things as…
Strategies to Nourish and Soothe Ourselves in Transformational Times
By Dr. Tsafrir |
These are transformational times where in the words of mythologist Michael Meade, “nature is rattling and culture is unraveling” simultaneously. The intensity, pressure, and radical uncertainty in the world are creating so much collective stress, fear, and suffering. We all need strategies at this time to nourish and soothe ourselves. Last weekend I gathered with…
Whole Cod Liver: A Super Food Flying Under the Radar
By Dr. Tsafrir |
This week one of my patients told me about a nutrient-dense food I had never heard of, Icelandic Cod Liver. Recently there has been a controversy in the news about the advisability of taking fish oil supplements and that previous health claims about their benefits had been exaggerated. A July 2024 Harvard newsletter featured a…
Acute Benzodiazepine Withdrawal: A Public Health Crisis
By Dr. Tsafrir |
Late last week a desperate 46-year-old woman contacted me. She was experiencing symptoms of acute benzodiazepine withdrawal including palpitations, constant pacing, and exhaustion. When her prescribing PCP retired, she could find no one willing to continue to prescribe the benzodiazepine she had been taking for most of her adult life. She was someone who did…
Food Intolerances, Connecting the Dots, Gluten and Bladder Health
By Dr. Tsafrir |
I just returned from a ten-day camping trip on Cape Cod where my usual dietary routine went out the window. Truro is stunningly beautiful, but I am so glad to be back home. At home, I mostly eat whole foods, aspire to eat more protein than is my natural inclination, limit the amount and types…
A Tribute to Ellen Tadd and Opening the Third Eye for Wisdom and Guidance
By Dr. Tsafrir |
Ellen Tadd was a gifted spiritual teacher, clairvoyant counselor, educator and author who used to live in the Boston area. I recently learned of her passing. I don’t think that she was much older than me. She had cancer. In the letter from her family announcing her death they wrote: “Please know that in her…
“Sacred Psychiatry” Won a Nautilus Award and Inspires an Invitation to You
By Dr. Tsafrir |
Dearest Readers, I just learned that my book “Sacred Psychiatry: Bridging the Personal and Transpersonal to Transform Health and Consciousness” won a Nautilus Award. The core mission of the Nautilus Awards is to celebrate and honor books that support conscious living and green values, wellness, social change, social justice, and spiritual growth. I…
Abracadabra and Eclipse Blessings
By Dr. Tsafrir |
Though a matter of debate, some believe that the incantation ABRACADABRA originated in the ancient language of Aramaic, from the words “avra kadavra” translated as “I create as I speak.” As early as the third century AD, there is historical evidence that abracadabra was included in a Roman physician’s magical healing ceremony for the…
"TO BE HOPEFUL in bad times is not just foolishly romantic. It is based on the fact that human history is a history not only of cruelty, but also of compassion, sacrifice, courage, kindness.
"What we choose to emphasize in this complex history will determine our lives. If we see only the worst, it destroys our capacity to do something. If we remember those times and places — and there are so many — where people have behaved magnificently, this gives us the energy to act, and at least the possibility of sending this spinning top of a world in a different direction.
"And if we do act, in however small a way, we don't have to wait for some grand utopian future. The future is an infinite succession of presents, and to live now as we think human beings should live, in defiance of all that is bad around us, is itself a marvelous victory." — Howard Zinn
Are you feeling BLUE? Here’s what your inner child might be trying to tell you...
Adults are just big kids, carrying the same thought patterns we developed early on. I recently learned about a powerful acronym from children’s cognitive behavioral therapy called BLUE. While it was designed for kids, I’ve found it’s just as relevant for us adults.
B - Blaming yourself
L - Looking for bad news
U - Unhappy guessing
E - Exaggerating
Here’s the deeper truth:
We blame ourselves to feel in control and less helpless.
Those other three? They’re actually your brain trying to keep you safe (even when it’s overreacting!)
In Sacred Psychiatry, I explore how understanding our patterns can help us respond with more compassion to both our adult selves and our inner children.
The next time you experience anxiety, ask yourself: “Am I feeling BLUE?” Your answer might surprise you.
Ready to transform your relationship with anxiety? Grab your copy of Sacred Psychiatry (link in bio) 📚
#mentalhealthawareness #innerchild #anxietyrelief #healingjourney #sacredpsychiatry
“Given what is, what is mine to do?”
This powerful question from my late teacher Ellen Tadd completely transformed how I approach life’s challenges. It’s the perfect balance between acceptance and action - and it might just change your perspective too.
How often do we waste energy fighting against what already is? Like being frustrated about jet lag instead of simply taking that nap our body needs😴
It’s not the situation that causes most of our suffering - it’s our resistance to it.
The Buddhists call this “the second arrow” - the first arrow is the pain itself, but the second (and optional!) arrow is our reaction to it.
In my book Sacred Psychiatry, I dive deeper into these ancient wisdom traditions and show you how to apply them to modern life. Grab your copy of Sacred Psychiatry (link in bio) and discover how to navigate life’s challenges with less resistance 📚✨
#mindfulness #spiritualwisdom #mentalhealth #holistichealing #personalgrowth #sacredpsychiatry
Embracing the Energy of Venus in Libra
As Jupiter moves through Leo, we find ourselves in a powerful moment with Venus currently residing in Libra — one of her two ruling signs. This is a time to reflect on relationships, resources, and what we truly value. With Venus shining brightly as an evening star, we have an opportunity to delve into our hearts and desires.
The new moon on August 12th coincides with this energy. Venus governs love, beauty, pleasure, and the dynamics of our relationships. As she takes center stage, it’s the perfect moment to get deliberate about these areas of your life before she turns retrograde in early October and disappears into the sun’s glare.
This isn’t merely an invitation to observe; it’s a call to action. Go outside after dark, seek her out in the sky, and allow the questions to flow. Where do your relationships need more honesty or fairness? Are your resources supporting what you say matters most to you?
Libra embodies balance, and with Venus in this sign, we’re encouraged to check in with ourselves. Standing under the influence of a bright planet while articulating your desires is an ancient and simple practice.
What would you like to ask Venus for right now? I invite you to share your intentions in the comments below. I would love to hear from you.
Ready to explore the transformative energy surrounding relationships and self-worth? Grab your copy of Sacred Psychiatry (link in bio).
#VenusInLibra #NewMoon #astrology #SacredPsychiatry #CosmicEnergy shamanicastrology
DISCLAIMER: Content shared is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice or establish a doctor-patient relationship. Astrological insights are offered as complementary perspectives, not as diagnostic tools or medical treatment. Always consult with appropriate healthcare providers regarding medical decisions.
Many of us are experiencing a great deal of fear during these times. It is important for us to witness how we are feeling with compassionate honesty and continue to stay in touch with ourselves.
A very simple way to do this is by checking in. What feels true for you right now? What thoughts and feelings are you noticing? Is your heart wide open or more closed? This daily practice will help you keep a pulse on what is truly going on inside of you. ❤️
For more rituals to support you in becoming fully in tune with yourself, grab my book Sacred Psychiatry 📚 Available everywhere books are sold!
#sacredpsychiatry #psychiatry #psychiatrist #psychiatristsofinstagram #psychology
Embracing Change: The Total Solar Eclipse on August 12th
On August 12th, we will experience a total solar eclipse during the new moon at 20 degrees Leo, and this marks a significant moment in our cosmic landscape.
In astrological history, eclipses have always been seen as powerful omens. In ancient Assyria, when a solar eclipse was interpreted as a sign against the king, a substitute would be enthroned to absorb the danger while the real ruler went into hiding. This illustrates just how fragile perceptions of power can become when the light is obscured.
Leo, the sign in which this eclipse falls, represents visibility, leadership, and the self that desires to be seen. This moment prompts us to ask ourselves: Where have you been performing a version of yourself that you’ve truly outgrown? What aspects of your life are reaching the end of their usefulness?
As the light dims for a brief period, it’s a reset button, allowing something that seemed fixed to shake loose and to embrace the change that lies ahead. Let`s use this opportunity to declutter our lives—emotionally, mentally, and spiritually—allowing space for new growth and discoveries.
I would love to hear your thoughts on this. What shifts are you ready to acknowledge as we approach the eclipse? Please share in the comments below.
Ready to explore the transformative energies of this eclipse and how they can guide you? Grab your copy of Sacred Psychiatry (link in bio).
#leosolareclipse #newmoon #eclipseseason #SacredPsychiatry #astrology
DISCLAIMER: Content shared is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice or establish a doctor-patient relationship. Astrological insights are offered as complementary perspectives, not as diagnostic tools or medical treatment. Always consult with appropriate healthcare providers regarding medical decisions.
Embracing Courage Under the New Moon
On August 12th at 1:36 PM Eastern Time, we experience a new moon at 20 degrees Leo, coinciding with a total solar eclipse. This lunation gathers significant energy as the sun, moon, south node, Mercury, and Jupiter all align in Leo, while Mars sits at 0 degrees Cancer — an intersection of personal and collective themes that speaks volumes.
This alignment is reminiscent of pivotal moments in history. As the gravitational pull of this new moon shows our path, it also calls us to reflect on the shifts in our values and commitments. The south node in Leo invites us to release the need for applause and validation that keeps us tethered to outdated roles.
When we chase approval, we risk performing for others long after our truths have shifted. As we navigate this moment, it’s important to remember that the essence of Leo lies in embracing the personal. In contrast, the north node in Aquarius reminds us of the power of the collective voice. Together, they urge us to balance individuality with community, to honor our unique expressions while remaining connected.
The word "courage" originates from the Latin cor, meaning heart. This new moon invites us to cultivate the courage to let our hearts be touched by the world around us. It’s about acting authentically on behalf of what we love and believe in, regardless of external pressures.
What do you love enough to defend? What values and passions are you willing to stand up for during this transformative time?
I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.
Ready to explore how cosmic energies influence our personal journeys? Grab your copy of Sacred Psychiatry (link in bio).
#solareclipse #newmoon #courage #SacredPsychiatry #astrology
DISCLAIMER: Content shared is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice or establish a doctor-patient relationship. Astrological insights are offered as complementary perspectives, not as diagnostic tools or medical treatment. Always consult with appropriate healthcare providers regarding medical decisions.
Have you had this experience? It’s so important to be able to discern who you can trust.
Sociopaths and narcissists are what we call energy vampires. Learn more about these types of people and how to free yourself in my book Sacred Psychiatry. Comment: “BOOK” below and I’ll send you the link to get your copy today! 📚
#sacredpsychiatry #psychiatry #psychiatrist #psychiatristsofinstagram #psychology
Chiron in Taurus: Exploring Collective Values and the Cost of Greed
Chiron is now in Taurus, highlighting the collective wound we are currently navigating — one that resides in the realm of resources: money, land, ownership. It prompts us to ask, "How much is enough?" This questioning leads us to reflect on a concept known as Wetiko, an Algonquin term for a mind virus characterized by insatiable consumption. This idea appears in various forms across cultures, often linked to the consequences of unattainable desires and the relentless pursuit of more.
In the cultures from which Wetiko originates, someone afflicted by this mindset was seen as having lost their wits, engaging in excess that far exceeds what any individual needs. The community recognized this behavior as an illness rather than an inherent trait of humanity. In these societies, possessions were shared, no one person could accumulate more wealth than anyone else.
Contrast this with our current culture, which glorifies extreme wealth and consumption. There is an insidious belief that one cannot be "too thin or too rich," and as a result, excessive accumulation is often admired rather than viewed as a sickness that undermines social harmony.
Imagine a world where accumulation ceases to be an addiction. What if vast wealth was no longer something we revered, but instead, we prioritized community, connection, and wellbeing for all?
What does this shift in perspective mean for you? How does your understanding of value and enoughness evolve in this context?
I would love to hear your thoughts and insights in the comments below.
Ready to delve deeper into your relationship with resources and self-worth? Grab your copy of Sacred Psychiatry (link in bio).
#ChironInTaurus #Wetiko #CulturalValues #SacredPsychiatry #greed
DISCLAIMER: Content shared is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice or establish a doctor-patient relationship. Astrological insights are offered as complementary perspectives, not as diagnostic tools or medical treatment. Always consult with appropriate healthcare providers regarding medical decisions.
Embracing the Lion`s Gate
On August 8th, we enter the Lion`s Gate portal. This portal, represented by the number 8, symbolizes infinity—a continuous loop that reflects the energy of flow, abundance, and power. It`s a time when the universe invites us to tap into the creative currents that nourish our spirits.
The recent shift of the lunar nodes into Leo and Aquarius emphasizes a vital transformation. The south node in Leo asks us to release the shadow aspects of the ego—the need for validation and self-aggrandizement—while the north node in Aquarius urges us toward a more humanitarian and interconnected existence. Rather than seeing these signs as oppositional, we can view them as two poles of a single axis, where the continuous circulation of energy connects and empowers us.
This is not merely a theoretical exploration. It`s a heartfelt reminder that self-expression is not vanity; it is the current that keeps the proverbial loop alive. We are called to align our hearts with our words and actions, recognizing that our unique fire contributes to the greater whole.
As we navigate this dynamic energy, I encourage you to reflect: What is in your heart that you are ready to express? What dreams and aspirations would you like to voice?
Please share your thoughts in the comments below. I would love to hear from you.
Ready to uncover more about the transformative power of expression? Grab your copy of Sacred Psychiatry (link in bio).
#LionsGate #JupiterInLeo #SelfExpression #SacredPsychiatry #8
The Power of Posture
As Jupiter moves through Leo, I want to take a moment to discuss the connection between our posture and our emotional well-being. The current planetary shifts remind us that our physical state can significantly influence our mental landscape.
Research shows that our posture doesn’t just reflect our mood; it actively influences it. In studies, slouched individuals found it easier to recall negative memories, while sitting up straight improved mood and reduced fatigue in those with mild to moderate depression.
This isn’t meant to turn into another lecture about sitting up straight; let’s be honest—adjusting our posture is one of the hardest patterns to shift. Years spent at desks, screens, and the physical manifestations of old injuries, grief, and fatigue all contribute to how we hold ourselves. A slump can often be a record of past hardships, not a reflection of our character.
I encourage you to view your posture as information rather than criticism. The next time the world feels heavy, check in with your physical position before jumping to conclusions. Consider lifting your sternum an inch and see what shifts for you. When you catch yourself slumping, ask: What am I feeling in this moment?
I would love to hear your insights and experiences in the comments below.
Ready to explore more about the connection between body, mind, heart, Spirit and healing? Grab your copy of Sacred Psychiatry (link in bio).
#PostureAndEmotion #BodyMindConnection #holistichealing #SacredPsychiatry #holisticpsychiatry
Love is the work of mirroring and magnifying each other’s light. Share this with someone who is full of light ❤️
#bethelight #loveothers #bethelight #bethelightinthedarkness #bethelighthouse
“Whatever happens, I don’t mind.”
I encourage you to cultivate equanimity so that no matter what happens you have an acceptance to what goes on in the world. What I am working on right now is cultivating a peaceful and open heart that is ready for anything.
❤️ Double tap if you’re keeping a peaceful and open heart too.
Make sure to follow @sacred_psychiatry for more like this!
#sacredpsychiatry #psychiatry #psychiatrist #psychiatristsofinstagram #psychology #psychologist
