THE ROOTS OF INQUIRY

My journey began on the cusp of adolescence with a compelling dream. That experience sparked a deep connection to Nature, a lifelong search into the nature of consciousness, and a deep desire to understand multidimensional reality. In my early teens, I found my first companion-guides in Jungian thought, the Daoist text known as the Dao De Jing as well as the I Ching.

Since those early years, I have been a devotee of Nature, a lifetime student of Jungian ideas, informed by studies in Aikido, Daoist philosophy, and the Shinto and Zen-influenced spirituality of Wabizumai.

THE WAYFARING PATH

a Wayfaring man

the name I would be

called by —

first winter drizzle

- Matsuo Basho (1644-1694)

I avoid formal religious labels, following the lead of my late teacher. However, in keeping with the "circuit of practice" shared with me, I consider myself a Wayfarer and think of my spiritual path as Wayfaring: a lifestyle oriented toward reverence for Nature, simplicity, and contemplative practice.

For a decade, I studied the Wayfaring Path under the tutelage of Darion Kuma Gracen (1949–2007). Twenty years my senior, she was a wilderness guide and mentor whose unique approach to "holding space for others" continues to shape my work and my personal path today.

While this is my personal footing, my academic study of comparative religions (and having parents who were ordained United Methodist ministers, social activists, and chaplains) has left me with a profound interfaith respect for the unique path each individual walks.

ACADEMIC & PROFESSIONAL FOUNDATION

Complementing my personal spiritual studies, I hold a Master of Arts in Transpersonal Counseling Psychology from Naropa University, with a deep focus on Jungian Psychology.

In my undergraduate years, I studied with internationally renowned scholar T.P. Kasulis, author of Zen Action, Zen Person and Shinto: The Way Home, as well as with Michael Piechowksi, one of the central figures in developmental psychology of the gifted and the theory of positive disintegration.

My post-graduate training includes:

• Dreambody Work (Process-Oriented Psychology)

• Spiritual Direction

• Spiritually-Integrated Psychotherapy (SIP) through the Association for Clinical Pastoral Education.

DWELLING IN THE SPIRIT OF PLACE

Today, I live within the Appalachian Piedmont of north-central Georgia, on the ancestral lands of the Cherokee, Muskogee, and Yuchi peoples.

When I am not in dialogue with fellow travelers, I am an apprentice to the seasonal cycles, tending to an organic garden, or hillwalking through the local landscape. As a Wayfarer, my solitary spiritual path is comprised of contemplative practice, connecting with Nature, and creative expression (often taking the form of poetry). The voices of other Wayfaring poets and spiritual ancestors of The Way are always in my vest pocket.

Frank Inzan Owen, M.A.

These diverse streams of clinical training and spiritual apprenticeship converge in the practice of Soulfaring.

Academic Foundation

• M.A. in Transpersonal Counseling Psychology, Naropa University (1996)

• B.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies (Jungian Psychology & Anthropology), Naropa University (1993)

• Education, Humanistic Psychology & Japanese Religions, Northland College (1988–1991)

Clinical & Specialized Training

• Year-long ACPE SIP Program (Spiritually-Integrated Psychotherapy), 2021

• 850-hour Supervised Graduate Clinical Internship in Counseling Psychology

• Life Path Exploration Facilitator Training I, II, III with Darion Kuma Gracen (1996–1998)

FORMAL EDUCATION & TRAINING

The following specialized studies represent the deeper currents of my practice—disciplines I continue to draw upon to navigate the complexities of the human process.

Depth Psychology & Advanced Dreamwork

• Post-Graduate Jungian Studies with Clyde Reid, Ph.D.

• Process-Oriented Psychology & Dreambody Training with Max Schupbach and Jytte Vikkelsoe (senior students of the late Arnold Mindell).

Cultural & Social Awareness

• Diversity Awareness with Victor Lewis.

FURTHER STUDIES

© 2026 / SOULFARING / Frank Inzan Owen / All Rights Reserved

DISCLAIMER

Soulfaring is a practice of spiritual companioning, intuitive inquiry, and life-path exploration. Our work is held in strict confidentiality.

While my background includes a Master’s degree in counseling psychology and advanced training in psychotherapy, this work is not reparative psychotherapy or therapeutic in focus. It is not intended to serve as a substitute for mental health counseling, psychiatric treatment, addiction/trauma recovery, or other medical care.

If, in the process of our co-walking, themes or issues arise that necessitate traditional clinical services or psychiatric care, every effort will be made to assist you in connecting with those specialized resources.