EP09 Dialogue 05 – Spirituality – Jean Houston, PhD and Cloe Madanes, Lic. Psic.

Description:

Educational Objectives:

1. Given a topic, to describe the differing approaches to psychotherapy, and to identify the strengths and weaknesses of each approach.

*Sessions may be edited for content and to preserve confidentiality*

Outline:

Jean Houston's Introduction to the Zeitgeist

• Jean Houston introduced by C. Alexander Simpkins alongside Cloe Madanes.

• Compares today’s era to the Axial Age, when major spiritual traditions emerged.

• Notes widespread access to ancient spiritual traditions and practices.

• Mentions work with NASA and reflections on the vastness of the universe.

Spirituality's Role in Therapy

• Spiritual traditions help reach the soul and deepen therapy.

• Therapists should integrate spiritual practices to promote growth and responsibility.

• Emphasizes Buddha’s teachings on mind training and compassion.

• Advocates for self-directed thought and inner awareness.

Partnership Spirituality

• Describes a collective spirituality focused on co-creating a better world.

• Cites Meister Eckhart’s idea of transcending to a deeper understanding of God.

• Shares experiences with consciousness-altering practices (drug and non-drug).

• Calls for a spirituality informed by brain and mind research.

Restoration of the Sacred Feminine

• Discusses reviving the sacred feminine as essential for spiritual balance.

• Shares cultural stories (e.g., Italian reverence for the Madonna).

• Advocates for honoring process over product and balancing masculine/feminine.

• Notes how figures like Mother Teresa and the Dalai Lama rely on the Divine Beloved.

Cloe Madanes’ Spiritual Journey

• Reflects on her Jewish roots and early exposure to WWII horrors.

• Focused on understanding violence and healing its spiritual wounds.

• Developed a 15-step process to rehabilitate juvenile sex offenders.

• Emphasizes public acknowledgment, repentance, and community reparation.

Four Steps of Spiritual Development (Madanes)

1. Control – Mastering basic impulses and behavior.

2. Love – Building capacity for emotional connection.

3. Giving Love – Extending compassion and care to others.

4. Repentance & Forgiveness – Healing from harm done or received.

• Each step builds on the last, forming a spiral of growth.

• Therapists can guide clients through these stages to foster spiritual maturity.