EPISODE · Apr 15, 2026 · 37 MIN
The Monk Who Invented Psychotherapy (History Corner)
from The Pocket Contemplative · host Dave Schmelzer
The connection between contemplative practice and psychotherapy is often noted, but how that came to be is a fascinating story. Dave Schmelzer offers a look at fourth century monk Evagrius of Pontus as a key example of what came out of desert spirituality and, in particular, as the (possible) originator of things you might know and love like the Enneagram, the seven deadly sins and, yes, what Freud and Jung spun into modern psychiatry. Dave closes with a brief look at Evagrius's student and champion and a major player in his own right, John Cassian.Mentioned on this podcast:Kim Nataraja's lecture on Evagrius of Pontus (and another on John Cassian) from Journey to the HeartYou can learn more about the Faith Part 2 course or register interest for it here.You can sign up for Dave's "Thursday notes" essays here.
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The connection between contemplative practice and psychotherapy is often noted, but how that came to be is a fascinating story. Dave Schmelzer offers a look at fourth century monk Evagrius of Pontus as a key example of what came out of desert spirituality and, in particular, as the (possible) originator of things you might know and love like the Enneagram, the seven deadly sins and, yes, what Freud and Jung spun into modern psychiatry. Dave closes with a brief look at Evagrius's student and c...
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The Monk Who Invented Psychotherapy (History Corner)
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