Biography
Bill Plotkin, PhD, is a depth psychologist, wilderness rites guide, and ecotherapist. As the founder of Colorado’s Animas Valley Institute, he has, since 1981, guided thousands of people through nature-based initiatory passages, including a contemporary, Western adaptation of the pan-cultural vision quest. Previously, he has been a research psychologist (studying non-ordinary states of consciousness), professor of psychology, psychotherapist, rock musician, whitewater river boatman, and mountain-bike racer. His doctorate in psychology is from the University of Colorado at Boulder. In 1979, on a solo winter ascent of an Adirondack peak, Bill experienced a “call to adventure,” leading him to abandon academia in search of his true calling. He is the author of Soulcraft: Crossing into the Mysteriews of Nature and Psyche (New World Library, 2003) and Nature and the Human Soul: Cultivating Wholeness and Community in a Fragmented World (New World Library, 2008)
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"The Master in the Grove of Elders" with Bill Plotkin
In this teleseminar, Bill Plotkin paints a vision of elderhood as it is for a few and could be for many. He inspires us to realize that true elderhood is a goal worthy of aspiration. And it’s never too late!
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"Nature and the Human Soul" with Bill Plotkin (sample)
Addressing the pervasive longing for meaning and fulfillment in this time of global crisis, this teleseminar introduces a visionary ecopsychology of human development that reveals how fully and creatively we can mature when we allow soul and nature to guide us.
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Great Shift Dialogue: Bill Plotkin and David Abram (part 1 of 2)
Author, depth psychologist and ecotherapist, Bill Plotkin explores the needed great shifts on the planet with cultural ecologist, philosopher and spiritual teacher David Abrams. Their in-depth discussion examines our western culture’s disconnect from nature, the consequences of that disconnection and potential solutions to reconnect not only to nature but to our authentic selves.
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Great Shift Dialogue: Bill Plotkin and David Abram (part 2 of 2)
Author, depth psychologist and ecotherapist, Bill Plotkin explores the needed great shifts on the planet with cultural ecologist, philosopher and spiritual teacher David Abrams. Their in-depth discussion examines our western culture’s disconnect from nature, the consequences of that disconnection and potential solutions to reconnect not only to nature but to our authentic selves.
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The Wild Human
by Bill Plotkin, PhD
In his new book, Nature and the Human Soul, depth psychologist Bill Plotkin introduces a visionary ecopsychology of human development that reveals how fully and creatively we can mature when soul and nature guide us. The goal is to evolve from an egocentric view of ourselves and the planet to ...