
FRANK INZAN OWEN
In my work, I combine my academic, professional, and spiritual studies with the overall aim of supporting people in their spiritual growth, creative unfoldment, and "inner archaeology" of soul. Thus far, my work has largely revolved around the inner life of caregivers, artists and creatives, people in midlife transition (inner and outer), HSPs (highly-sensitive persons), and individuals engaged in the process of spiritual and life-path clarification.
I earned my M.A. in Transpersonal Counseling Psychology from Naropa University, referred to as the "birthplace of the modern mindfulness movement", and have also pursued post-graduate studies in Jungian psychology, Buddhist psychology, Jungian Dreambody work, and Spiritually-Integrated Psychotherapy (SIP), a course of study developed by the Association for Clinical Pastoral Education.
For a decade, I studied with Darion Kuma Gracen (1949-2007), an educator, wilderness guide, and spiritual mentor who practiced a syncretic path she called Wayfaring (a weave of Nature practices and meditation from multiple streams of Japanese tradition, methods of dreaming-while-awake, with the study and practice of poetics and contemplative arts). Now, following in her footsteps as a Wayfarer, I follow a Nature-oriented contemplative path shaped by mountain-and-forest spirituality (resonant with Japanese Shinto, Tao, and Zen).
When I am not facilitating contemplative soulwork, I go on hillwalking expeditions, tend an organic vegetable garden, and study the lives and verses of the Wayfaring poets of China and Japan.
I am a three-time published poet through Homebound Publications, serve as an Editor-at-Large for Wayfarer Magazine, and curate the Substack and podcast called The Poet's Dreamingbody.


Year-long ACPE (Association for Clinical Pastoral Education) Program
in Spiritually-Integrated Psychotherapy (SIP), 2021
Life Path Exploration Facilitator Training I, II, III
with Darion Kuma Gracen, 1996-1998
M.A. in Transpersonal Counseling Psychology
Naropa University, 1996
B.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies
Naropa University, 1993
Comparative Religious Studies/Psychology/Asian Religious Studies
Northland College, 1988-1991
EDUCATION & TRAINING
Decade of study and practice of Wayfaring
with Darion Kuma Gracen, Dust in the Wind School
Post-Graduate Jungian Studies and Advanced Dreamwork
with Clyde Reid, Ph.D.
Diversity Awareness Training
with Victor Lewis
Process-Oriented Psychology & Dreambody Training
with Max Schupbach and Jytte Vikkelsoe
800-hour supervised graduate clinical internship
Study of Asian religions and Japanese philosophy
with Thomas P. Kasulis, Ph.D., author of Shinto: The Way Home and Zen Action, Zen Person
FURTHER STUDIES
Schedule a Session
If the format of this work sounds like it would be of support to you and your path, send me a note and we can find a time that fits within the flow of our schedules.
© 2023 / The School of Soft-Attention / Frank Inzan Owen / All Rights Reserved
DISCLAIMER
The School of Soft-Attention is a form of contemplative soulwork, spiritual companioning, creative inquiry, and life path exploration. Our work together is held in strict confidentiality. Though I have a graduate degree in counseling psychology and advanced training in psychotherapy, this work is not therapeutic in nature and not intended to serve as a substitute for mental health counseling, psychiatric treatment, addiction recovery, or other medical care. If in the process of working together, themes, content, or issues arise that fall outside the purview of contemplative soulwork, then traditional counseling, psychotherapy, recovery work, or psychiatric services will be recommended. Every effort will be made to connect you with those resources.