Career
Young developed an interest in the teaching functions of stories through early exposure to folklore. He was one of six children in a much-traveled family. His graduate studies focused on the psychology of stories, and included work with Viktor Frankl, Rollo May, Abraham Maslow, and Carl Rogers.
He earned his Doctor of Philosophy in Clinical Psychology from Alliant International University.
Young is best known for his series of books He assisted mythologist Joseph Campbell for several years at seminars.
In addition to the Campbell archives, he organized the collections of psychologist James Hillman, and archeologist Marija Gimbutas. As a professor, Young created and chaired the Mythological Studies Department at the Pacifica Graduate Institute, working with Jungian theorists such as Robert Bly, Marion Woodman, Robert A. Johnson, Jean Houston, and Thomas Moore.
He launched the Center for Story and Symbol in Santa Barbara, California to continue the work of Joseph Campbell.
Through the center"s programs, he presents seminars internationally on the uses of mythic stories for therapists, writers, clergy, and teachers. He also teaches the hero"s journey in screenwriting programs. He lectures occasionally at universities, such as University of California, Los Angeles, Notre Dame, and Oxford.
He is featured in the History Channel documentary Star Wars: The Legacy Revealed.
He also frequently appears on the History Channel and H2 television series Ancient Aliens.