Psychic change is the ultimate goal of the 12-Step recovery process. In this episode Father Bill examines the nature of these spiritual transformations while the series builds on Professor William Miller’s book “Quantum Change.”

Both AA Co-founders were members of the Oxford Group before they ever met, but neither was experiencing much “success.” Fr. Bill explores Wilson’s first six months in recovery and traces the providential events that led to his meeting with Dr. Bob in Akron, Ohio.

After Wilson came down from his mountaintop experience, he set out to unlock the mystery of why "it" had worked for him and how "it" might work for others. Fr. Bill explores Wilson's being led out from his cave and being charged with bringing "hope to the hopeless."

Wilson finally cries out for help to a God he isn’t sure is there. Then, like his grandfather, he undergoes his famous “white light,” mountaintop experience. Fr. Bill examines Wilson’s “psychic change” in light of William James’ classic description of a “conversion experience.”

Several “mini-white light” experiences preceded Wilson’s famous “hot-flash” in Towns Hospital. Largely unknown to most in recovery, Fr. Bill shares Wilson’s spiritual encounters within the broader context of Bill’s spiritual journey.

Fr. Bill explores the effects of Bill Wilson’s childhood traumas on his early life. Wilson’s autobiography provides insights into his developing alcoholism. The myth of Icarus serves as a psychological model.

Links for this episode:

Father Bill W.'s Autobiography: https://www.amazon.com/Bill-First-Years-Autobiography-Co-founder/dp/1592853641  

Ego and Archetype: https://www.academia.edu/8148769/Ego_and_Archetype_-_Edward_Edinger

Bill Wilson grew up in a dysfunctional family. His childhood traumas compounded his depressions and contributed to his alcoholism. Fr. Bill explores Wilson’s early years sharing stories from Wilson’s little known autobiography. Find the book here.

Father Bill gives a brief overview of Jung's contributions to AA and to the spiritual journey we call recovery. He references Inner Work by Robert A. Johnson.

A "psychic change" was the prescription Rowland H. received from Dr. Jung. Does religion have anything to contribute to this?