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An intro to CODH

Oct 1, 2024

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Read our full call to action

Fellow seekers of healing and depth transformation,


In the face of the social crises that afflict our world, we find ourselves standing at a crucial crossroads. These challenges are vast and multifaceted, ranging from political polarization and environmental degradation to mental health crises and societal inequalities. We must call upon a profound understanding of human nature and behavior to navigate these treacherous waters and bring about meaningful transformation. We must rally behind the banner of depth psychology.


Depth psychology—with its roots in the works of luminaries like Sigmund Freud, Carl Jung, Otto Rank, and Ludwig Binswanger—delves beneath the surface of our conscious minds to explore the hidden realms of our psyche. It recognizes the interconnectedness of our thoughts, emotions, dreams, and experiences, seeking to unveil the underlying forces that shape our actions and beliefs. Today, we stand at a juncture where our collective consciousness yearns for a new paradigm that transcends the limitations of superficial fixes and empowers us to confront the root causes of our social crises. Depth psychology illuminates the shadows within us and society, exposing the repressed traumas, fears, and aspirations manifesting in destructive patterns. This perspective is highlighted in the works of Rollo May (1981) and Ernest Becker (1973), both of whom cleaved beneath the surface traits of functionality to expose the existential anxieties of death and uncertainty. They showed further how avoidance of such anxieties can lead to efficient yet hollow lives, or on the other hand, defensive and reckless lives, as a compensation for such hollowness.


Through the depth psychology lens, we can comprehend the complexities of human motivation, unveiling the inner struggles and the thirst for significance that drive our interactions. By fostering presence to ourselves and others, we can begin to bridge the divides that polarize us and forge connections that facilitate authentic understanding and collaboration. These connections can be seen in bridge-building dialogue groups such as that of Braver Angels and the Experiential Democracy Dialogue (see Schneider, 2020). Such groups promote expanded capacities to tolerate the discomforts of difference within themselves and others, and as a result experience themselves and others as complex evolving people rather than demons or stereotypes.


Depth psychology also equips us to confront the environmental crisis with profound introspection. By understanding the psychological roots of our disconnection from nature, we can rediscover our innate bond with the Earth and strive to build a sustainable future where ecological balance is restored.

Moreover, in a time where emotionally impoverished relationships are rampant and often overlooked, depth psychology offers a path toward healing. We can foster emotionally restorative relationships—relationships that promote resilience, emotional well-being, and psychological growthby acknowledging and addressing the deep-seated wounds that plague individuals and communities alike.


However, our call to action extends beyond personal introspection. We must demand the integration of depth psychology into public policy, education, and leadership. Embracing the principles of depth psychology can pave the way for policies prioritizing holistic well-being, social equity, and long-term sustainability. For example, we call for a revival of liberal arts and humanities courses at the level of high school and college, as Stanford University implemented in 2021 with their Civic, Liberal and Global Education curriculum (Satz & Edelstein, 2023, p. A26). This is a required curriculum that emphasizes socially-relevant inquiry, deep listening, and civil dialogue with those holding politically and culturally contrasting views. That which Schneider (2013, 2023) has termed awe-based education, work, and governance is also an example of how the depth psychology principles of humility and wonder or sense of adventure toward living can reinfuse vitality in key sectors of living.


To achieve this vision, we must collectively disseminate the knowledge of depth psychology, making it accessible to all, regardless of background or privilege. This includes supporting research and funding programs incorporating depth psychology into our institutions.


Let us stand united in this call to action, recognizing the urgent need for a paradigm shift in approaching our social crises. Embracing depth psychology can become the transformative force that propels us toward a more compassionate, just, and sustainable world. Together, we can salve the wounds that divide us, restore an appreciation for life, and pave the way for a more enlightened, awe-inspiring future.


The time for action is now. Join us in embracing depth psychology as a powerful tool for change and be part of the movement that shapes a world worthy of future generations.


(See the CTA in the Society for Humanistic Psychology here.)

Oct 1, 2024

3 min read

1

7

0