Author and consultant Jean Houston has died at age 89. Known as the "Midwife of Souls," she built a career blending psychology and mythology to guide high-profile individuals. Her influence extended into the highest levels of government, where she provided advice to Hillary Clinton.

Her professional approach focused on experiential learning and the ethos of Esalen. Houston led workshops that challenged participants to explore human potential through a lens of mythology and psychology. These sessions translated academic theories into practical, lived experiences for her students and clients.

Despite her status and the following she cultivated through books like "The Possible Human," Houston avoided specific titles of authority. She explicitly refused to be called a guru, preferring a role that facilitated growth rather than one that demanded devotion. Her work left a mark on the field of human potential.