Overview
The Twelve Steps are more than a recovery strategy—they are a path of transformation. When viewed through the lens of Joseph Campbell’s Hero’s Journey, the Steps take on a new narrative clarity: each is part of a powerful arc that begins with surrender and ends in renewal. Dr. Michael Cowl Gordon’s work bridges these two frameworks to help individuals understand recovery as an act of courage, meaning-making, and self-discovery.
The Journey Mapped to the Steps
- Call to Adventure → Step 1: Hitting bottom – Admitting powerlessness and recognizing the need for change
- Crossing the Threshold → Steps 2 & 3: Acceptance of the challenge – Turning to a Higher Power and making the decision to trust something beyond oneself
Trials, Allies, and Challenges → Steps 4–9: Inventory, confession, and amends—all hard-won steps of growth - Continuous Transformation → Step 10: Ongoing self-examination and character development
- Return with Wisdom → Steps 11 & 12: Spiritual growth, service, and sharing the journey with others
Why This Framework Matters
- Clarifies the Path: Helps individuals understand that it is a journey, where they are on their journey and what’s next
- Builds Emotional Resilience: Reframes struggle as a necessary and noble part of growth
Invites Engagement: Turns abstract or intimidating Steps into a story people can recognize and relate to - Supports Sponsors and Facilitators: Provides language for guiding sponsees and others through emotional or spiritual resistance
Approach & Applications
- Used in step studies, family education, and professional workshops
- Complements spiritual, therapeutic, and narrative work
- Adaptable for secular, interfaith, or culturally inclusive audiences
- Useful in primary treatment to offer clients another way of thinking about themselves and about recovery
About Dr. Michael Cowl Gordon
Dr. Gordon is a retired addiction medicine physician and spiritual mentor with over 50 years of experience. His writings guide people of all beliefs through the emotional and spiritual terrain of recovery—offering a voice of clarity, humility, and hope.
Let’s Connect
For copies of Dr. Gordon’s books, staff training, or speaking inquiries please reach out via the below form: