Susan Wright, MA, Theology, Certified Spiritual Director

MY STORY:

My spiritual journey started decades ago. In the 1990s, studying world religions and reading a variety of ancient texts--Hindu, Buddhist, and Taoist texts--I was drawn to Buddhist teachers Thich Nhat Hanh and Pema Chödrön. I delved into the transpersonal psychologically of Ken Wilber,  John Wellwood, and Frances Vaughn. For a number of years I meditated weekly with the disciples of Sri Chinmoy. Ever searching, I eventually discovered the work of Trappist monks, Thomas Merton and Thomas Keating, which led me to the Christian contemplative practice known as Centering Prayer. I've been centering ever since. A practicing Episcopalian, I am open to all spiritual orientations. 

MY CREDENTIALS:

• Certified Spiritual Director, Horizons Program for Spiritual Directors, 2023.
• MA, Pastoral Theology, Bexley Hall Episcopal Seminary, 2008.
• PhD student in Jungian and Archetypal Studies at Pacifica Graduate Institute, a world leader in the academic study of Jungian depth psychology. 

MY AREAS OF EXPERTISE:

Christianity: For twenty-five years I've been an active member in my Episcopal church, preaching, leading prayer groups and worship, teaching Christian education classes and serving on the Vestry. I've led a variety of groups inside and outside the church, including contemplative prayer groups, classes leading to Christian baptism, numerous bible studies, a science & spirituality group, and Pub(lic) Spirituality, a casual group that met in bars and cafes. 

World Religions: I've taught religious studies, including the roots of Western and Ancient Near Eastern religions. Before turning to Christianity I spent substantial time reading the texts of other religious traditions, including Hindu, Buddhist, Sufi, Taoist, ancient Hebrew, Jewish, Kabbalist, and New Age texts. I served five years on the organizing committee for the CNY World InterFaith Harmony Assembly.

Mimetic Theory: I served a three year term as president of Theology & Peace, a national organization dedicated to the theological application of René Girard's mimetic theory. Girard's interpretation of the bible and his understanding of human relationships contributes to most of my spiritual and theological work. At present, I serve on the advisory board for COV&R, the international association of scholars and practitioners utilizing and developing René Girard's mimetic theory. 

Postmodern Philosophy: I am deeply influenced by thinkers John Caputo and Jacques Derrida, who introduced me to "the possibility of the impossible" and "hope and against hope." I cannot overemphasize their importance in my life.

Jungian Dream Analysis and Working with Archetypes: I've always been a vivid dreamer. I'm convinced the Spirit comes to us in dreams. Dreamwork is not only "the royal road to the unconscious," it gives us daily access to the deepest wells of healing, discernment, and inspiration. Engaging in dream interpretation with a trained spiritual director is especially helpful for those who've experienced childhood trauma, women who have suffered abuse, and individuals struggling with depression or addiction.

Religious Affiliation: Since 1998, I've been an active member of the Episcopal Church. I wholeheartedly welcome atheists, agnostics, and clients from other religious traditions. My role is to accompany you on your chose, path. I will not try to win you over to my own religious perspectives.

MY AREAS OF INTEREST:

• Contemplative Practices
• Dreamwork and the Intuitive Faculties
• Jungian Depth Psychology
• Saints and their Impact on our Lives
• The Medieval Christian Mystics
• Jewish and Christian Origins
• Sacred Texts
• René Girard and Mimetic Theory
• Continental Philosophy of Religion, Deconstruction & Radical Theology
• The Biblical Prophetic Tradition: Then and Now
• The Ancient Near Eastern Wisdom Traditions
• Feminine Spiritualities
• Responses to Human Suffering
• Spiritual Responses to Childhood Trauma
• Non-Violence
• Coping with a World in Crisis 
• Spiritual Community

Please feel free to email me, using the contact link below.  I always welcome your questions.

Peace and blessings,

Susan Wright