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
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
The Heart of the Lion and the Price of Revenge
The current president has Regulus conjunct his Ascendent and natal Mars. There’s an ancient astrological teaching about fixed star Regulus that feels incredibly relevant right now. Regulus is called “The Heart of the Lion” - one of the four royal stars of Persia, associated for thousands of years with kingship, power, visibility, and extraordinary success.
Fixed stars are different from planets - they appear stationary from our perspective, distant suns carrying immense archetypal force. When a fixed star is conjunct a personal point in a birth chart (sun, moon, ascendant, or midheaven), its symbolism becomes amplified in that person’s life.
Regulus, when prominent, can grant high honors, influence, and leadership. But it comes with a condition that ancient tradition and modern astrologers like Bernadette Brady emphasize:
Regulus promises success only if revenge is avoided.
If someone strongly marked by Regulus acts vindictively, tradition says the fall can be swift and public - loss of reputation, reversal of fortune, even imprisonment.
Regulus is like a watchdog over character. It rewards nobility and punishes vengeance. The lion’s true strength is restraint.
What does this bring to mind for you? What do you see unfolding in our collective story? Share below!
Ready to explore more cosmic wisdom? Grab your copy of Sacred Psychiatry (link in bio) 📚
#astrology #astrologypost #astrologyposts #astrologyfacts #astrologylover
Don’t throw the baby out with the bathwater: Holding paradox with integrity
This is an Oracle card from the deck I’ve been creating - one of the concepts I return to most often in my work. It’s harder than it sounds.
Yogi Bhajan built a Kundalini yoga lineage that genuinely transformed thousands of lives, and he was also a serial sexual predator who exploited followers in egregious ways. J.K. Rowling gave an entire generation a mythic world that still lives inside them, and she has used her platform repeatedly to harm trans people.
Both things are true. The harm doesn’t disappear because the gift was real. The gift doesn’t disappear because the harm was real.
What I’ve seen in my patients and myself is that when we split, we force ourselves to choose between grief and gratitude when both are actually true simultaneously.
This isn’t only about public figures. Many have had parents who caused real harm and also passed down something genuinely loved - the artistic eye, work ethic, humor, the way you move through the world.
You don’t have to renounce those blessings to hold them accountable. The baby is real. The bathwater is real. Naming each clearly without collapsing them is its own integrity - and how you actually get to keep what’s genuinely yours.
This capacity to hold paradox without splitting allows us to be whole humans navigating a complex world where most things contain both shadow and light.
✨ Do you resonate with the challenge of holding them both? Share below!
#psychiatry #oracledeck #oraclecards #oraclecardreading #holistichealing
Harvesting Sweetness and Honoring Sorrow: The New Moon in Virgo
On September 10th, we welcome the new moon in Virgo at 18 degrees — a time that encourages us to reflect on the themes of harvest and renewal as we prepare for the Jewish New Year. This lunation presents an opportunity to align ourselves with the energy of this season, gathering insights about what we wish to cultivate in our lives.
This year, the new moon coincides with significant astrological movements, including the shift of the lunar nodes into Leo and Aquarius.
As we celebrate Rosh Hashana, we participate in sacred rituals that resonate with this lunar energy. The sound of the shofar, a ram`s horn, is blown to awaken the soul, reminding us of our shared responsibilities and connections. This experience is amplified by the practice of Tashlich, where we cast away the old year’s mistakes into flowing water, symbolically releasing what no longer serves us as we prepare for new beginnings.
This year the new year arrives on September 11th, a date that holds deep grief for many. This coincidence is a powerful invitation to cultivate a consciousness of celebration — fostering sweetness while also acknowledging sorrow. It encourages us to hold space for both the beauty and the pain without allowing one to overshadow the other.
What sweetness are you inviting into your life this year, and how are you holding space for sorrow alongside it?
Please share your thoughts and intentions in the comments below; I would love to hear from you.
Ready to explore more about the balance of joy and healing in your life? Grab your copy of **Sacred Psychiatry** (link in bio).
#NewMoon#RoshHashana #Harvest #SacredPsychiatry #EmotionalHealing #Balance
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.
The Symbolism of Pomegranates: Abundance and New Beginnings
As we approach the new moon and the upcoming Jewish New Year, I want to reflect on the significance of pomegranates, which epitomize the themes of harvest, abundance, and fertility.
Pomegranates originate from regions spanning modern-day Iran to the Caucasus and the Himalayan foothills and have appeared in art and literature across many cultures. In the Book of Exodus, pomegranates are embroidered into the hem of the high priest`s robe, symbolizing their deep-rooted connection to tradition and spirituality.
Tradition holds that a pomegranate contains 613 seeds, paralleling the 613 commandments in Jewish law, though if you actually count them, the number can vary by fruit. The abundance within each fruit reflects the blessings we wish to invite into our lives.
Growing up in Pittsburgh, pomegranates were a seasonal delight that we called “Indian apples.” I remember picking those ruby-red seeds one by one, savoring each juicy burst without realizing there was a more efficient method.
To make it easier, cut the fruit in half, hold the cut side down over a bowl, and with a firm tap on the back using a wooden spoon, the seeds will tumble out effortlessly.
As we gather to celebrate Rosh Hashanah, my wish for you is that you receive as many blessings in the coming year as the pomegranate holds seeds.
Do pomegranates carry a special meaning for you? Please share your experiences in the comments below. I would love to hear from you.
Ready to explore more about the connections between nature, abundance, and celebration? Grab your copy of **Sacred Psychiatry** (link in bio).
#Pomegranate #Abundance #JewishNewYear #Harvest #SacredPsychiatry #Celebration
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 Abundance: The New Moon in Virgo and the Influence of Jupiter
On September 10th, we welcome a new moon in Virgo at 18 degrees, a time for introspection and intention-setting. Virgo is known for its talent in gathering, refining, and noticing what can be improved. This same instinct can sometimes turn into self-criticism, making it difficult to appreciate what is already good in our lives.
We must also consider that Chiron is sitting at 0 degrees Taurus, directly opposite Venus in Scorpio. Chiron represents old wounds, particularly focused on our bodies and self-acceptance. Many women are vulnerable to this type of self-criticism, perceiving their worth as tied to their appearance or productivity.
This new moon provides us with a clear invitation to change that narrative. Jupiter is sitting at 15 degrees Leo - a powerful and magical point. Jupiter expands the energy of warmth, play, and joy. It reminds us that the worry Virgo generates can obscure the magic and abundance that Jupiter wants to offer.
As we navigate this new moon, it’s essential to plant seeds of discernment that do not devote into self-rejection. Let`s allow ourselves to experience pleasure without guilt and fully embrace the sweetness that life has to offer.
Are you familiar with this shadow aspect of Virgo? How can you embody the expansive and joyful energy of Jupiter at 15 degrees Leo in your life?
I would love to hear your insights in the comments below.
Ready to explore how these planetary energies influence your well-being? Grab your copy of **Sacred Psychiatry** (link in bio).
#NewMoon #Virgo #astrology #SacredPsychiatry #EmotionalWellness
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.
🗡️ The Seven of Swords: What if this “deceptive” card is actually about strategic wisdom?
Some of the most feared cards in Tarot actually hold the most empowering wisdom - like the Seven of Swords. Traditionally linked to deception, evasion, and sneakiness, it understandably provokes fear when it appears. “Who’s trying to pull the wool over my eyes? How might I be fooling myself?”
In the Rider-Waite-Smith deck, we see a trickster-like figure in red boots and a fur hat reminiscent of a shaman, arms full of five swords while two remain standing. Unlike the cool blues and grays that dominate the suit of swords, this card glows with bright yellow.
I want to offer a more empowering perspective: The Seven of Swords can remind us of the power of strategy and discernment - choosing your battles wisely, protecting your energy, and quietly walking away from what no longer serves.
Sometimes direct confrontation isn’t the best path, and clever, resourceful approaches may be far more effective. Rather than a warning of betrayal, this card can be an invitation to:
Trust your unconventional path
Honor your independence
Think outside the box
Guard your truth until the time is right
Not every battle needs to be fought head-on. Sometimes the wisest move is the one others don’t see coming.
How do you approach challenging cards? What reframes have shifted your relationship with Tarot’s “difficult” messages?
Ready to explore more transformative perspectives? Grab your copy of Sacred Psychiatry (link in bio) 📚
#sevenofswords #tarot #discernment #sacredpsychiatry #tarotwisdom #spiritualhealing #holistichealing #holisticpsychiatry #tarotdeck #tarotcard #tarotguidance #tarotreadings #tarotdecks
Meet Mugwort: The dream-awakening herb hiding in plain sight
Can you identify this herb? This is mugwort, gathered this morning on my walk around the reservoir. Right now, it’s growing wild all over Boston. Notice its feathery, silvery-green leaves that shimmer like moonlight - long associated with Artemis, the lunar goddess who protects travelers venturing into the wilderness.
In folklore, pilgrims placed mugwort in their shoes for protection on long journeys. One of mugwort’s most cherished gifts is its power to awaken dreaming:
Fresh leaves can be brewed into bedtime tea
Dried leaves tucked into a sachet under your pillow
Burned as incense to open doorways between worlds
Some even smoke the leaves before sleep to stir dream visions
These plant allies can support our inner journeys. Individual sensitivity varies - mugwort’s medicine can be too strong for some, and it should never be used during pregnancy.
I plan to dry these leaves and make a sachet for under my pillow. In many ways, during these uncertain and transformative times, we are all travelers journeying through wilderness. Mugwort may be just the guide we need.
Have you ever worked with mugwort in your dreamtime? What was your experience? I’d love to hear from you!
#mugwort #dreamherb #plantmedicine #artemis #dreamwork #sacredpsychiatry #herbalism #wildplants #dreamtime #holistichealing #holisticpsychiatry
Navigating the Energy of Virgo Season: Embracing Clarity and Ease
As we enter Virgo season, the energy of the harvest invites us to gather, sort, and refine what we’ve cultivated over the year. This time reminds us that while Virgo is about diligence, it can also lead us into overthinking and worry.
We have an opportunity to address our mental clutter, with Chiron moving through Taurus, highlighting our relationship with self-worth. If you’ve felt overwhelmed, you’re not alone. I want to share a powerful acupressure point known as Stomach 8, or “Head Tied.”
Located at the corner of your forehead where your hairline meets your temple, this point can help untangle a busy mind and restore a sense of clarity. Massaging it gently can assist in cutting through the noise of excessive thoughts and feelings of being overwhelmed, allowing you to focus on the tasks that truly matter.
If you have some tangerine oil, consider using it to work with this point. I encourage you to take a moment to find Stomach 8, apply some tangerine oil if available, and let yourself be present to what is here today, rather than rehearsing worries about tomorrow.
What thoughts or reflections does this stir in you? How are you working with the current energy to to cultivate balance and ease in your life and to calm your mind. Please share your experiences in the comments below; I would love to hear from you.
Ready to explore more about the connections between body, mind, and nature? Grab your copy of **Sacred Psychiatry** (link in bio).
#VirgoSeason #SelfCare #Clarity #Acupressure #SacredPsychiatry #InnerPeace
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.
Understanding Our Body`s Signals: The Astrological Insight of Uranus in Gemini
Right now, Uranus is in Gemini, a powerful placement that speaks directly to the nervous system, breath, and the pathways that carry signals through our bodies. This alignment highlights the connection between technology, awareness, and our physical selves.
Uranus embodies the realm of innovation and electricity, and when combined with Gemini’s focus on communication, we see how technology increasingly monitors our bodily responses. A device like an Oura ring can provide valuable data, but there are some aspects of monitoring that feel more intrusive.
Walmart holds a patent for a shopping cart handle that tracks your heart rate, temperature, and how quickly you`re walking. This technology can provide significant benefits, such as alerting an associate if your pulse spikes, potentially catching a stroke before it happens. It also raises concerns about how this data can be used; to learn which displays raise your heart rate or when walking down which aisles does your grip tighten, ultimately guiding you to stay in the store longer.
The awareness of your body is a powerful source of presence. When you notice those physical responses before your mind catches up, you reclaim your ability to respond rather than be swept away by external pressures.
What is the first thing your body does when it feels stressed? How does it express itself before your mind fully engages?
I invite you to share your experiences in the comments below. I would love to hear from you.
Ready to explore the connection between body awareness and emotional health? Grab your copy of Sacred Psychiatry (link in bio).
#BodyAwareness #NervousSystem #HealingJourney #SacredPsychiatry #EmotionalIntelligence
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.
The Upcoming Trine: Igniting Your Inner Fire
On August 31st, a powerful astrological event unfolds as Jupiter and Saturn form their first trine since the great conjunction that marked the beginning of the Air era in December 2020.
A trine is the astrology of flow, and Jupiter, the planet of expansion, meets Saturn, the planet of structure, at a time when the world is in the throes of an intense transformative process. Think back on that winter solstice; we were deep in the pandemic. Now, as they align in a trine, there is a frequency of ease, creativity and heart-centered action that is available to us.
The shift from Air signs to Fire signs—Saturn in Aries and Jupiter in Leo—infuses this energy with initiative and courage. Aries sparks the fire, while Leo adds warmth and passion. As these signs interact, we are reminded of the importance of our individual expressions and our ability to bring light and creativity to the collective.
Now is the time to consider where you feel drawn to put your fire. What passions are calling you? How can you harness this momentum for your creative pursuits?
I invite you to share your thoughts in the comments below. I would love to hear what’s stirring in your heart.
Ready to explore the powerful transformative energy of astrology in your life? Grab your copy of Sacred Psychiatry (link in bio).
#trine #Astrology #CreativeEnergy #SacredPsychiatry #astrologyposts
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.
Want deeper connections with loved ones? Try this simple dinnertime practice...
In our busy lives, meaningful conversations don’t always happen naturally - sometimes we need to create the space for them. That’s why I developed the “Rose, Thorn, Bud” practice for our family dinners.
Here’s how it works:
🌹 Rose: Share something you’re happy about
🌵 Thorn: Share something challenging or disappointing
🌱 Bud: Share something you’re looking forward to
We played this around our dinner table when my children were young, and it worked magic - opening doorways to each other’s inner worlds. I’ve since introduced it to dinner guests with the same beautiful results.
In Sacred Psychiatry, I explore how these intentional practices deepen our connections and nourish not just our bodies but our spirits. Sometimes the most profound healing happens around the dinner table.
Try this at your next family meal and share how it transforms your conversations!
#meaningfulconversations #familyconnection #dinnertimeritual #sacredpsychiatry #spiritualhealth #holistichealing #intentionalparenting #relationshipwisdom
Virgo Season teaches us that clarity is an act of love
One of Virgo’s greatest superpowers is discernment - the ability to see clearly and sort the wheat from the chaff. Maya Angelou famously said, “When someone shows you who they are, believe them.”
Yet time and again, I witness friends, family, and patients ignore the evidence right in front of them. They explain away harmful behavior, rationalizing why it’s “not such a big deal.” It’s as if they refuse to add up two plus two, and the result? They sign up for more of the same mistreatment.
I often find myself saying, “I’m surprised that you’re surprised.”
Virgo’s wisdom reminds us that discernment isn’t about being judgmental - it’s about being honest with ourselves, noticing patterns, and protecting our boundaries.
Of course, everyone makes mistakes and compassion matters. But as the saying goes: “Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me.”
This season asks us to sharpen our perception and trust what we see. Sometimes the most loving thing we can do for ourselves is to believe the evidence of someone’s behavior rather than their words or our hopes about who they might become.
Clarity protects us. Discernment guides us. Truth serves us.
How has discernment guided you in your own life? What patterns have you learned to trust?
Ready to strengthen your inner wisdom? Grab your copy of Sacred Psychiatry (link in bio) 📚
#virgo #discernment #boundaries #mayaangelou #sacredpsychiatry #spiritualastrology #selfprotection #holistichealing #holisticpsychiatry #astrology #astrologyfacts #astrologyposts #astrologypost #astrologylover