Gerald G. May
Born: June 12, 1940 – Hillsdale, Michigan, United States
Gerald G. May was an American psychiatrist, theologian, and spiritual writer whose work explored addiction, grace, contemplative prayer, and discernment. Best known for Addiction and Grace and The Awakened Heart, he helped bridge psychology and Christian spirituality, and his books became enduring resources in spiritual direction and pastoral care.
Biography & Author's Journey
Gerald G. May was an American psychiatrist, theologian, and spiritual writer whose career joined clinical practice to contemplative Christianity. Born in Hillsdale, Michigan, on June 12, 1940, he was the half-brother of the existential psychologist Rollo May. He graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University in 1962 and earned his M.D. from Wayne State University in 1965. Early posts in Air Force hospitals and at Andrews Air Force Base, followed by work in addiction treatment, prison mental health, and medical teaching, exposed him to dependence, suffering, and the limits of purely technical care. ((https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/local/2005/04/13/jerry-may/2eb46c5b-ef15-49f5-b79b-31c794224eb8/?utm_source=openai))
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Popular Books
The wisdom of wilderness
Gerald G. May
A psychiatrist's spiritual journey into nature, revealing profound lessons on healing, wholeness, and our connection to the wilderness within.
Addiction and Grace
Gerald G. May
A compassionate exploration of addiction's grip and the transformative power of grace in healing and spiritual growth.
The dark night of the soul
Gerald G. May
A psychiatrist explores spiritual growth through darkness, blending mysticism and psychology to illuminate life's challenging periods.
The wisdom of wilderness
Gerald G. May
A psychiatrist's spiritual journey into nature, revealing profound lessons on healing, wholeness, and our connection to the wilderness within.
Addiction and Grace
Gerald G. May
A compassionate exploration of addiction's grip and the transformative power of grace in healing and spiritual growth.
The dark night of the soul
Gerald G. May
A psychiatrist explores spiritual growth through darkness, blending mysticism and psychology to illuminate life's challenging periods.
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Master psychology, wisdom, books & prayer.
Master psychology, wisdom, books & prayer.
In an era of digital distraction, this plan bridges the gap between scientific understanding and spiritual depth. It is designed for lifelong learners seeking to integrate psychological insights with ancient wisdom and sacred practices for a more examined life.
Grow psych & faith insight
Grow psych & faith insight
This learning plan is designed for individuals seeking a deeper, more integrated approach to personal growth that honors both psychological science and spiritual wisdom. It's particularly valuable for therapists, spiritual seekers, clergy, counselors, and anyone experiencing the tension between their faith life and modern psychological understanding who wants to bridge these worlds authentically.
Wellness, Psychology & Personal Growth Guide
Wellness, Psychology & Personal Growth Guide
This guide bridges the gap between psychological theory and practical self-improvement for anyone seeking a more balanced, intentional life. It is ideal for individuals looking to break negative cycles, manage stress effectively, and apply evidence-based strategies to achieve personal flourishing.
Read books on psych & spirit
Read books on psych & spirit
The psychology-spirituality intersection offers a powerful framework for holistic personal development, addressing both mental health and existential questions. This plan benefits seekers wanting to deepen their understanding of consciousness, therapists integrating spiritual elements into practice, and anyone seeking to heal psychological wounds through spiritual awareness.
Holistic Health, Pleasure & Recovery Guide
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This guide is essential for individuals seeking a balanced approach to healing and personal growth. It is designed for anyone looking to overcome stress and trauma while rediscovering genuine joy and sustainable health.
Holistic Self-Improvement & Wellness Guide
Holistic Self-Improvement & Wellness Guide
In an era of burnout and fragmentation, this guide offers a cohesive framework for integrating mental clarity with physical vitality. It is designed for individuals seeking a sustainable, evidence-based approach to personal growth and long-term well-being.
Inner peace. Clarity. Freedom from addiction.
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This learning plan offers a holistic approach to overcoming addiction through mindfulness, mental clarity, and spiritual renewal. It's designed for those seeking freedom from addictive patterns while developing sustainable practices for inner peace and personal transformation.
Addiction
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This plan is essential for individuals seeking a science-based approach to overcoming dependency and reclaiming their lives. It benefits both those in recovery and their loved ones by shifting the focus from moral judgment to neurological healing.
Community Voices
"Gerald May finds a language for his soul in his experiences of nature and the poetry of John of the Cross"
— John Welch
"Gerald May was a psychiatrist whose work with chemically addicted people convinced him... every human is addicted"
— Christianity Today
"Jerry May was a great soul who teaches us to be present in the world and to notice things in their mystery"
— Alan Jones
"A gifted and insightful writer, Gerald May's book uses the same title... to place it in a modern setting"
— Conversations Journal
"As the humble, lucid, earthy spiritual master that he is, Jerry May shares with us the guiding, healing spiritual power"
— Tilden Edwards
From Columbia University alumni built in San Francisco
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"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
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"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
From Columbia University alumni built in San Francisco
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
