

Soul Sessions | Jungian Coaching Podcast by CreativeMind
Debra Berndt Maldonado and Robert Maldonado PhD Life Coach Training and Personal Transformation Experts
Explore Jungian Depth Coaching with Soul Sessions by CreativeMind. This is your guide to uncover your authentic self and live in true purpose, success and fulfillment. Join life coaching experts and Founders of CreativeMind, Debra Berndt Maldonado and Robert Maldonado, PhD, as they explore personal growth through Jungian Theory, Eastern Spirituality and Social Neuroscience in a deep, but practical way.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Sep 15, 2025 • 33min
Harnessing Anxiety: Transforming Fear into Fuel
Dealing with anxiety? This is common, especially in changing times. Join Debra Maldonado and Dr. Rob as they discuss the intricacies of anxiety and the unexpected joys of surprise. This episode explores the human condition, the illusion of control, and how to harness anxiety for personal growth.Key Points:Understanding Anxiety: Anxiety is a natural part of the human experience, often stemming from a perceived loss of control. The Brain's Role: The amygdala and prefrontal cortex play crucial roles in how we process anxiety and respond to stressors. Harnessing Anxiety: Mild anxiety can be beneficial, acting as a motivator and enhancing performance when managed effectively. Embracing Surprise: Viewing surprises as opportunities can diminish anxiety and lead to personal growth and creativity.Share Your Thoughts with Us... •••Want to be a Certified Jungian Life Coach? Download your free program brochure: https://www.creativemindlife.com/download-now-lct-brochure Stay Connected with Debra and Dr. Rob:Instagram | LinkedIn | YouTube | Facebook | creativemindlife.com | connect@creativemindmethod.com

Sep 8, 2025 • 27min
Hidden Gift of Sadness
In this episode of Soul Sessions, Debra Maldonado and Dr. Rob explore the complex emotion of sadness, distinguishing it from depression and discussing its universal nature. They emphasize that sadness is not inherently negative but rather a gift that can lead to personal growth and deeper understanding. Discover how sadness can serve as a catalyst for change, particularly in relationships, and the importance of embracing it with compassion. Learn about the transformative power of sadness and how to approach their emotions with openness and curiosity, ultimately leading to self-discovery and healing.Tune in to learn:Sadness is not inherently negative; it can be a profound teacher and a path to deeper self-awareness.Distinguishing between sadness and depression is crucial; while sadness is a natural emotion, depression is a mood disorder that requires attention.Emotions are essential to the human experience, providing meaning and guiding us toward personal growth.Embracing sadness can lead to self-discovery and transformation, revealing what is truly important in our lives.Techniques like active imagination can help explore the unconscious mind and uncover the messages behind our emotions.Share Your Thoughts with Us... •••Want to be a Certified Jungian Life Coach? Download your free program brochure: https://www.creativemindlife.com/download-now-lct-brochure Stay Connected with Debra and Dr. Rob:Instagram | LinkedIn | YouTube | Facebook | creativemindlife.com | connect@creativemindmethod.com

Sep 1, 2025 • 31min
Transforming Guilt: A Path to Free Self-Expression
In this episode of Soul Sessions, Transforming Guilt: A Path to Free Self-Expression, Debra Maldonado and Dr. Rob explore the complex emotion of guilt. They discuss its evolutionary purpose, the neuroscience behind it, and the distinction between moral and existential guilt. They explore how guilt can serve as a mechanism for personal growth and transformation, as well as the importance of understanding one's shadow. They also touch on the spiritual aspects of guilt and how it relates to non-duality, emphasizing that guilt does not define one's identity. The episode concludes with a reflection on how to acknowledge and work with guilt in a constructive way.The key points covered are:Understanding Guilt: Learn the fundamental differences between moral and existential guilt and how they affect our lives.Ethical Decision-Making: Discover how moral guilt influences our choices and adherence to societal norms.Personal Identity: Explore the role of existential guilt in shaping our self-perception and life decisions.Cultural Perspectives: Understand how different cultures perceive and handle guilt.Impact on Relationships: Discuss how guilt can affect interpersonal dynamics and communication.Share Your Thoughts with Us... •••Want to be a Certified Jungian Life Coach? Download your free program brochure: https://www.creativemindlife.com/download-now-lct-brochure Stay Connected with Debra and Dr. Rob:Instagram | LinkedIn | YouTube | Facebook | creativemindlife.com | connect@creativemindmethod.com

Aug 25, 2025 • 30min
Unlocking Joy: The Psychology and Philosophy of Happiness
Join us in this new episode of Soul Session: A Jungian Coaching Podcast called “Unlocking Joy: The Psychology and Philosophy of Happiness” , we explore the essence of joy and how it can be cultivated in our lives. Discover the difference between modern and depth psychology's views on happiness, and learn how Eastern philosophy offers a unique perspective on finding bliss.Key Points:Joy as a Natural State - happiness is our natural state, achievable regardless of life circumstances. Modern psychology views happiness as a result of neurobiology, while depth psychology focuses on the unconscious mind. Explore the concept of Ananda, or bliss, as our true nature, and how non-attachment can lead to deeper joy. Practical Exercises: Debra shares the practice of "neti neti" to help disengage from the ego and access pure awareness.Share Your Thoughts with Us... •••Want to be a Certified Jungian Life Coach? Download your free program brochure: https://www.creativemindlife.com/download-now-lct-brochure Stay Connected with Debra and Dr. Rob:Instagram | LinkedIn | YouTube | Facebook | creativemindlife.com | connect@creativemindmethod.com

Aug 18, 2025 • 34min
Power of Love for Personal and Spiritual Transformation
Debra Maldonado and Dr. Rob explore the profound and transformative power of love. They discuss the intricate layers of love, examining its psychological, biological, and spiritual dimensions. Through engaging discussions, they reveal how love is not just an emotion but a complex force that influences our relationships and personal growth.Key Takeaways:Love as a Multifaceted Force: Love is more than an emotion; it includes behavioral patterns, communication, and spiritual elements. Understanding love's complexity can enhance personal and relational growth.Neuroscience of Love: Neurotransmitters like dopamine and oxytocin play crucial roles in attraction and bonding. These chemical processes help form deep connections with others.Attachment and Psychological Patterns: Early relationships shape our attachment styles and influence current romantic bonds. Recognizing and addressing unconscious patterns can lead to healthier relationships.Spiritual Dimension of Love: Love transcends the physical and psychological, connecting us to a higher spiritual purpose. Embracing spiritual love fosters a deeper connection with oneself and others.Personal Growth and Intimacy: Self-awareness and personal growth are essential for meaningful and lasting relationships. Overcoming fears of intimacy can lead to more fulfilling connections.Resources:Debra's book "Let Love In" (Wiley 2010)Next Episode Preview: Tune in next week as we shift focus to "Happiness and Joy," exploring the lighter side of emotions and their role in a fulfilling life.Share Your Thoughts with Us... •••Want to be a Certified Jungian Life Coach? Download your free program brochure: https://www.creativemindlife.com/download-now-lct-brochure Stay Connected with Debra and Dr. Rob:Instagram | LinkedIn | YouTube | Facebook | creativemindlife.com | connect@creativemindmethod.com

Aug 11, 2025 • 40min
Facing The Fire: A Look At Anger
In this episode of Soul Sessions, we discuss the misunderstood emotion of anger. We explore how anger, when faced consciously, can reveal the warrior within us and serve as a force of clarity, courage, and even love. Through the lens of Jungian psychology, we discuss the purpose of anger, its evolutionary roots, and how it can be transformed from a destructive force into a powerful ally. Join us as we uncover the wisdom anger carries and how to reclaim it for personal growth and empowerment. Don't miss this insightful conversation that challenges the conventional view of anger and offers a new perspective on embracing all emotions for a more fulfilling life.Episode Highlights:Discover how anger can be a source of strength and protection when understood and channeled correctly. Learn about the role of anger in Jungian psychology and its purpose in our emotional landscape. Explore practical ways to transform anger from a destructive force into a tool for personal growth. Understand the evolutionary roots of anger and its impact on modern society.00:00 - Introduction to Anger as an Ally05:12 - Jungian Psychology and Anger 15:30 - Transforming Anger into Strength 25:45 - Evolutionary roots of anger and its societal impact.35:20 - How to Work with AngerShare Your Thoughts with Us... •••Want to be a Certified Jungian Life Coach? Download your free program brochure: https://www.creativemindlife.com/download-now-lct-brochure Stay Connected with Debra and Dr. Rob:Instagram | LinkedIn | YouTube | Facebook | creativemindlife.com | connect@creativemindmethod.com

4 snips
Aug 4, 2025 • 33min
The Power of Facing Fear: Breaking Ego Patterns
Fear is a primal force that can drive personal growth if faced head-on. The discussion highlights the importance of shadow work, helping individuals integrate their hidden selves. Emotional awareness is key to turning fear into empowered action. By embracing the unknown, listeners discover their true potential and understand the link between personal and collective challenges. The coaching aspect is emphasized as a vital support in navigating these fears, encouraging transformation in both individual lives and society.

Jul 27, 2025 • 35min
The Creative and Destructive Power of Emotions
Are you ready to transform your relationship with emotions and unlock their hidden creative power? Join Debra and Dr. Rob Maldonado as they challenge common myths around “positive” and “negative” feelings and reveal a Jungian coaching model that can help you tap into the full spectrum of your humanity.Whether you struggle with vulnerability or want to deepen your self-awareness, this episode will shift the way you view your emotional life and empower you to live more passionately and purposefully. In this episode, we discuss:Why emotions aren’t problems to be fixed—but messengers from your unconscious with vital informationHow repressing uncomfortable feelings leads to a “numb” or mediocre lifeThe difference between feelings and emotions, and why sensation alone isn’t the whole storyHow to approach emotions through Jungian coaching for greater self-mastery, meaning, and fearless action00:00 Introduction03:05 The Role of Emotions in Jungian Coaching05:54 Emotions as Messengers of Meaning12:06 Transforming Fear into Empowerment15:13 The Journey to Wholeness through Emotions21:05 Creating Space for Emotional Expression23:51 Emotions as the Key to Purpose27:01 Facing the Dragon: Courage in Emotional Work29:56 The Path to Wholeness and IntegrationShare Your Thoughts with Us...•••Want to be a Certified Jungian Life Coach? Download your free program brochure: https://www.creativemindlife.com/download-now-lct-brochure Stay Connected with Debra and Dr. Rob:Instagram | LinkedIn | YouTube | Facebook | creativemindlife.com | connect@creativemindmethod.com

Jul 21, 2025 • 36min
From Wounded Healer to Empowered Coach: Transcending Pain in Jungian Coaching
Join Dr. Rob and Debra as they explore the story of the "wounded healer" and why it resonates so deeply, especially in the world of therapy, coaching and personal development. Many of us step onto the path of personal growth or become coaches, therapists or healers after facing our own pain. The “wounded healer” is a compelling archetype—someone who has been through suffering and channels that experience to help others.In this episode, we discuss:Why pain is a calling and how these experiences nudge us to seek change, deeper understanding or even to help others on their own journeyThe "Stages of Seeking" and how borrowing from the wisdom of the Gita can help explain the four types of seekers—those in pain, creators, knowledge-seekers, and wisdom-seekersMoving beyond the pain and how true transformation only comes after discovering who we want to become. As Debra shares, “The archetype of the wounded healer, you want to transcend that. You don’t want to own it for the rest of your life”How our own self-work directly impacts how we support others. The deeper we’ve gone in our personal growth, the more space we can hold for clients to transcend, create and connect to their true selfThe struggle with receiving money for your healing work and how our cultural complexes around money often show up in coaching and therapyInspired to embark on your own journey of return? Dive deeper into these powerful ideas with the full Hero’s Journey series on Soul Sessions with CreativeMind. Take the first step toward integrating your own wisdom and creating a truly spiritual life.00:00 Introduction00:40 The Wounded Healer: Jung’s Legacy and Concept04:38 Healing Pain vs. Creating Change: Four Types of Seekers07:27 Limits of the “Wounded Healer” Identity10:09 Creation and Ego: Moving Beyond Pain14:05 Coaching, Manifestation, and Redefining Success26:15 Steps Beyond the Wounded Healer: Embracing Individuation32:08 The Soul vs. Ego: True Freedom and Potential33:20 From Wounded Healer to Empowered LeaderShare Your Thoughts with Us...•••Want to be a Certified Jungian Life Coach? Download your free program brochure: https://www.creativemindlife.com/download-now-lct-brochure Stay Connected with Debra and Dr. Rob:Instagram | LinkedIn | YouTube | Facebook | creativemindlife.com | connect@creativemindmethod.com

Jul 14, 2025 • 38min
Returning to Real Life After Transformation
Join hosts Debra Maldonado and Dr. Rob Maldonado as they wrap up their enlightening series on the Hero’s Journey and Jung’s Individuation Process. In this episode, they dive deep into "The Return," the final, transformative phase of personal growth, providing practical insight and wisdom for integrating your inner journey back into everyday life.In this episode, we discuss:The three major stages of the Hero’s Journey’s: Departure, Initiation, and ReturnHow this mythic journey parallels Jung’s individuation processWhy the return is just as crucial (and challenging) as setting out on the journeyHow to integrate profound inner transformations once you “return” to ordinary lifeThe confusion and ambiguity that often arises after a major self-discoveryInspired to embark on your own journey of return? Dive deeper into these powerful ideas with the full Hero’s Journey series on Soul Sessions with CreativeMind. Take the first step toward integrating your own wisdom and creating a truly spiritual life.00:00 Introduction, the Hero’s Journey & Jung’s Individuation Process02:18 Diving Into the Return: Who Am I Now?03:15 Mythology & Individuation: Symbolic Meaning05:25 Entering the Unconscious: Resistance from Ego06:52 The Return: Gifts, Intuition, and Courage07:24 Refusal of the Return08:41 Challenges of Reintegration13:40 CreativeMind Life Coach Training Mention13:49 The Magical Flight: Dangers on the Return Path15:37 Ambiguity and Balancing the New Self17:10 The Final Challenge and Intention for Return18:28 Rescue from Without: The Role of Relationships21:24 Crossing the Final Threshold: Integrating Wisdom23:16 Integration, Not Isolation24:36 Symbolic Living: Seeing the World Anew29:04 Embracing Human Dualities32:33 Outward Radiance & Spiritual Fulfillment35:31 Recap: Stages of The Return36:01 Invitation to the Journey & Closing ThoughtsShare Your Thoughts with Us...•••Want to be a Certified Jungian Life Coach? Download your free program brochure: https://www.creativemindlife.com/download-now-lct-brochure Stay Connected with Debra and Dr. Rob:Instagram | LinkedIn | YouTube | Facebook | creativemindlife.com | connect@creativemindmethod.com