Susan Wright, MA

My own spiritual journey started decades ago. In the 1990s I studied world religions, reading a variety of Hindu, Buddhist, and Taoist texts. I'm especially fond of Buddhist teachers Thich Nhat Hanh and Pema Chödrön. I spent years delving into the  transpersonal psychologically of Ken Wilber,  John Wellwood, and others. For two years I meditated weekly with the disciples of Sri Chinmoy before discovering the work of Thomas Merton and Thomas Keating, which led me to the Christian contemplative practice known as Centering Prayer. I've been centering ever since. In 1999, I began my theological studies at Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School/Bexley Hall Episcopal Seminary.

I've been immersed in this work for over twenty years. I earned a Masters Degree in Pastoral Theology from Bexley Hall Episcopal Seminary and prior to that a BA in Medieval History. I'm currently in my final year of the Horizons Program for Spiritual Directors. I'm also pursuing my PhD in Jungian and Archetypal Studies at Pacifica Graduate Institute, a world leader in Jung's general psychology. 

My Expertise:

Christianity: I've led a variety of groups inside and outside the church, including contemplative prayer groups, courses leading to Christian baptism, numerous bible studies, a Science & Spirituality group, and Pub(lic) Spirituality, a casual group that met in bars and cafes, and much more. 

World Religions: I've taught religious studies, including the ancient roots of world 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 theadvisory 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 the important of these two thinkers.

Jungian Dream Analysis and Working with Archetypes: I've always been a vivid dreamer. I am utterly convinced that 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: I've been an active member of the Episcopal Church for twenty-five years. I wholeheartedly welcome atheists and clients from other religious traditions.

My areas of interest:

• Contemplative Practices
• Dreamwork and the Intuitive Faculties
• Jungian 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 Tradition
• Feminine Spirituality
• 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 on below. 

Peace and blessings,

Susan Wright