Soul-Centered Coaching explores the unconscious mind, tapping into symbols, dreams, and archetypes to reveal the patterns that shape your life.
Continue reading »Author: Bonnie Bright, Ph.D.
Bonnie Bright, Ph.D. holds M.A. degrees in Psychology from Sonoma State University and Depth Psychology from Pacifica Graduate Institute, where she also completed her doctorate. She is a certified Archetypal Pattern Analyst™ and Transpersonal Soul-Centered Coach, using Somatic, Symbolic, and Shamanic perspectives to guide clients through spiritual awakening, integrate mystical experiences, and overcome creative blockages. She founded the Institute for Soul-Centered Psychology and Coaching™ in 2020.
Bonnie is accredited through the International Association of Coaches, Therapists, & Mentors (IACTM) and has extensive training in dream work, Holotropic Breathwork, and the Enneagram. She also completed a 2-year training in Indigenous African Spiritual Technologies with elder Malidoma Somé, has lived with indigenous Shipibo people in Peru as part of a shamanic initiation to learn medicine and healing modalities , and has worked with shamans and healers in the Africa, and North and South America.
In 2010, she founded Depth Psychology Alliance™, an online organization with over 5,500 members, and served as Executive Editor of Depth Insights™ journal for six years. Bonnie is the editor of "Earth, Climate, Dreams: Dialogues with Depth Psychologists in the Age of the Anthropocene" (2019) and "Depth Psychology and the Digital Age" (2016). Her journey into soul-centered work began with a mystical experience in 2006, which continues to inform her daily quest for awakening and helping others find their own path to soul.
Nurturing the Planet in a Time of Crisis: A Soul-Centered Approach to Climate Change
If you follow the headline news at all, It’s virtually impossible not to know that over the past couple of weeks, hurricanes Helene and Milton have once again brought the global climate crisis into sharp focus. These devastating storms, which have ravaged homes, taken lives, and caused widespread destruction, are the latest in a string of extreme weather events that scientists attribute to our warming planet. As we witness the increasing frequency of such disasters, it’s natural to feel profound despair. In fact, just today, The Living Planet Report broke the alarming news that a staggering 73% of wildlife has […]
Continue reading »A Soul-Centered Reflection on the One-Year Anniversary of the Hamas Attack on Israel
As the world reflects on the one-year anniversary of the tragic Hamas attack on Israeli citizens in southern Israel—including the large-scale massacre at a music festival where hundreds of civilians were killed or taken hostage—most of us can’t begin to understand the unfathomable loss that took place (and continues to take place), and the deep suffering that has unfolded on both sides of the conflict. For many, this date signifies a day of terror, destruction, heartbreak, and despair, on both a personal and collective level. However, from a soul-centered perspective, it also invites us to explore the depths of human experience, […]
Continue reading »Embracing Uncertainty Using Soul-Centered Psychological Perspectives (2-3-minute read)
Life’s uncertainties can be overwhelming, causing fear and anxiety. But what if we could find a way to embrace the unknown and transform it into an opportunity for growth and self-discovery?
This thought-provoking article explores the wisdom of spiritual teachings and psychological insights to help us navigate uncertainty and find deeper meaning in our lives. From confronting our inner shadows to accepting paradoxes, this captivating read highlights the importance of managing anxiety and embracing ambiguity. Discover how uncertainty can be a transformative crucible, leading us towards wisdom and ultimately a more meaningful existence.
Continue reading »Leaning into Your Soul’s Calling: Self-Discovery and Your Inner Essence
For millennia, wisdom traditions have beckoned us to pause, reflect, and delve into the deeper questions that govern our lives. In today’s fast-paced world, where the external often takes precedence over the internal, the concept of leaning into your soul’s calling offers a powerful path to rediscovering what truly makes meaning in life. This short article is inspired by a fireside talk I delivered on New Year’s Eve 2020, where I had the privilege of exploring these profound themes with a live audience whom I invited to consider one of C.G. Jung’s most essential inquiries: “The decisive question for man […]
Continue reading »Depth Psychology in Daily Life: Unconscious Projection in Work, Money, and Relationships
Blog post by Dr. Bonnie Bright and Dr. James Newell Watch the Replay: Depth Psychology in Daily Life: A Community Conversation” with Dr. Bonnie Bright and Dr. James Newell Read Part 1 of this Blog series: Depth Psychology in Daily Life: Making the Unconscious Conscious in Work, Money, and Relationships Depth psychology is a field that explores the unconscious aspects of the human psyche, seeking to understand the underlying motivations and patterns that guide human behavior. By bringing these unconscious motivations, beliefs, and behaviors to light and integrating them into our conscious awareness, we can achieve greater self-awareness and personal growth. Because the […]
Continue reading »Depth Psychology in Daily Life: Making the Unconscious Conscious in Work, Money, and Relationships
By Dr. Bonnie Bright and Dr. James Newell Register here for “Depth Psychology in Daily Life—an Online Community Conversation” Swiss psychiatrist Carl Jung (1875-1961) is widely known as a pioneer and founder of the field of depth psychology, which is based on his theories about archetypes, the unconscious, and the process of individuation. Depth psychology offers a rich and nuanced perspective on the human psyche and provides an effective framework for understanding how our beliefs and behaviors are driven by what is unconscious within us. When we learn how our daily difficulties can be transformed by shining a light into […]
Continue reading »What Is Soul-Centered Coaching Psychology?
Soul-Centered Coaching Psychology, as envisioned and practiced by Dr. Bonnie Bright, is based on tenets of Depth psychology, Transpersonal Psychology, and Archetypal psychology, as well as on many wisdom traditions. It engages Somatic, Symbolic, and Shamanic approaches for working experientially with clients. Through these three key perspectives, we learn to listen to and translate messages from the soul to help guide our lives. Understanding and working with the power of a somatic approach grants access to a sense of being and feeling fully embodied in life. Using a symbolic perspective, based largely on the work of Carl Jung, we understand that […]
Continue reading »A Soul-Centered Perspective on Suffering
Suffering seems to be a fundamental part of the human journey, but taking a depth psychological or soul-centered perspective can help us find meaning. When we look at suffering as an alchemical and/or initiatory experience, we can begin to identify learning and healing in every experience—though sometimes it takes some time to really allow ourselves to be touched and transformed in the process. Sharing this interview I did in partnership with my alma mater, Pacifica Graduate Institute, with Jungian Lionel Corbett on the topic way back in 2015, though it seems ever more relevant today. Listen to the full audio […]
Continue reading »Childhood, Trauma, Personality: How our Coping Mechanisms Affect Us Unconsciously
How and why do our personalities develop the way they do, and what do they have to do with our wounding? Dr. Gabor Mate’ was born in Hungary in 1942 during the Nazi occupation. His grandparents were both killed at Auschwitz and his father was carted off to a forced labor camp, leaving his mother alone with her newborn son. To hear Dr. Mate’, now a medical doctor based in Canada, tell the story, his mother called the doctor at one point and asked him to come because her baby (Gabor) just wouldn’t stop crying and she didn’t know what […]
Continue reading »Seeking Personal Transformation? Soul-Centered Coaching Psychology Offers Powerful Possibilities
Feeling called to experience soul-centered coaching and to create more meaning and joy in your life? Contact us today to see if free sessions are available through Advanced Student Practitioners pursuing certification through the Institute for Soul-Centered Psychology and Coaching The word “psyche” actually means “soul” in Greek (Hillman, 1989), and the Greek philosopher Heraclitus posited the importance of the soul as long as 2500 years ago (Hillman, 1995). C. G. Jung, widely acknowledged alongside well-known pioneers like William James and Sigmund Freud as one of the founders of the field of psychology, emphasized the importance of soul in his […]
Continue reading »Soul-Centered Resources in the Time of Coronavirus
In the midst of pandemic and these challenging times , I continue to believe there is an invitation!…not only for each of us individually to step into ourselves more fully—to face our fears, to eliminate what is no longer serving us, and to truly let our Soul Self take over the navigation of our brave and beautiful lives—but also for each of us to come into better relationship with the anima mundi, the World Soul, that knows we are all interconnected. While I have been writing on this topic for many years, I’m currently also personally taking my own time in this […]
Continue reading »Shamanic Initiation, Descent, and Learning through Direct Experience of the Sacred
LISTEN TO THE AUDIO VERSION VIA YOUTUBE HERE (approx 7 mins) A common and compelling component of both shamanism and Jungian or depth psychology is that each seeks to treat soul loss by retrieving and reintegrating vital essence that is missing. This must occur through direct experience; therefore, the underworld journey to retrieve the soul is one of necessity and initiation. Swiss psychiatrist C. G. Jung believed symptoms of soul loss, such as disorientation, lack of focus, or feelings of powerlessness, exist because a portion of psychic energy that is normally available to the ego has vanished into the unconscious; […]
Continue reading »Coming Home to Your Self: Depth Psychology and the Symbolic Life
Learn about the 3-day Coming Home event, Jan. 16-19, 2020 Read the post below, or listen to an Audio version on YouTube by clicking the following image As spiritual beings having a human experience, each of us longs for meaning. “Humans are living stories, each imbued with an inherent message and a meaning trying to find its way into the world,” writes mythologist Michael Meade. However, without a sense of calling or capacity to live into the unique gifts we each possess, we can feel ourselves lost, alone, depressed, or despairing, not knowing how we belong in the world. On […]
Continue reading »Coming Home: An Age-Old Story Seen Through “Soul Eyes”
A Guest Post created for Pacifica Graduate Institute Alumni Association Scroll down to read the post here, or listen on YouTube (10 mins) by clicking below Human beings are made of stories—the stories we have lived; stories that serve to guide us, and the stories that we aspire to create. One ancient and archetypal story that each of us carries within is that of coming home. In mythology, the story of Odysseus offers a beautiful perspective on homecoming. Odysseus, who initially left his home to go to war, ends up being away for 10 long years, and the adventures that […]
Continue reading »Earth, Climate, Dreams—The Book!
Announcing the long-awaited new book, Earth, Climate, Dreams: Dialogues with Depth Psychologists in the Age of the Anthropocene, based on the global symposium of the same name: Over time, humans in western cultures have undergone a profound restructuring of the psyche, resulting in a traumatic sense of separation from nature and the larger forces that sustain us. In modern day, this egoic isolation contributes to a growing set of challenges on ecological, psychological, and social fronts. Industrial development, technological advancement, the rise of consumerism, and increasing populations—combined with a tendency to prioritize science and rational thought over tending nature and […]
Continue reading »Transpersonal Coaching Psychology: Bonnie Bright PhD Interviewed by Olga Ferreras
As a certified Transpersonal Soul-Centered Coach and Mentor who uses archetypal, shamanic and and depth psychological perspectives, I am passionate about helping clients navigate the process of spiritual awakening through dreams, imagination, and somatic sensibilities. People I meet in my work are seeking a variety of creative solutions to help integrate psychedelic, breathwork, or meditative experiences; to move through creative blockages and limiting beliefs; to make (or deal with) significant life changes; and to open their lives to joy and transcendence. Huge thanks to Olga Ferreras for interviewing me about transpersonal soul-centered coaching here! Check out this relatively short (22 […]
Continue reading »Frankenstein’s Monster, the Plight of our Planet, and Seeds of Hope—Interview: Robert Romanyshyn
In this hour-long interview, Robert Romanyshyn and Bonnie Bright discuss Frankenstein, the Monster, and the plight of our planet. Focused on Romanyshyn’s new book, Victor Frankenstein, the Monster, and the Shadows of Technology: The Frankenstein Prophecies (May 2019), the pair engage in depth psychological perspectives on culture, crisis, poetry, imagination, embodiment, community, and dreams, among other important topics. >View the full VIDEO dialogue (1 hour)>View a 5-minute excerpt>Access the full AUDIO dialogue See below for a written transcript
Continue reading »On Transpersonal Psychology: Science, Consciousness, Spirituality—Interview with Les Lancaster
LISTEN to the full interview with Les Lancaster here (approx. 35 mins) Though Les Lancaster has a long history as a neuroscientist, he has always been fascinated by mysticism and spirituality. He ultimately found a way to bring his two passions together through the field of Transpersonal Psychology, and currently serves as the Founding Director of The Alef Trust, an online graduate school offering transformational programmes and open learning courses for in consciousness, spirituality, and transpersonal psychology. Transpersonal Psychology is interested in what goes beyond on that small part of ourselves that we know as the “ego,” notes Lancaster. So […]
Continue reading »Trauma, Transcendence, and Jung’s Notion of the Psychoid—Interview with Ann Belford Ulanov
Jungian analyst, Ann Belford Ulanov’s most recent book, The Psychoid, Soul and Psyche: Piercing Space-Time Barriers, explores Carl Gustav Jung’s concept of the “psychoid.” “Psychoid refers to unconscious processes that are unrepresentable in word or image,” Ulanov says. “We live them, but we don’t know about them. And they can make us feel mad, not angry, but crazy, and I believe they can also be a third source of healing.” Jung described the unus mundus, or “one world,” as more than psychological. It also has social, international, environmental, chemical, and cosmological properties. Ulanov is interested in the effects of experiencing the unus mundus, […]
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