Any of us who tries to use a few titles to describe who we are limits ourselves from really describing our in-depth, ever-evolving being.  For a conventional language purpose, and to create a bit more credibility before you know me, I submit the following.

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Among who I am to my family or others, I offer to you my skills as a psychotherapist, business psychologist, and coach.  My goal is to help you achieve mental and emotional balance by developing a healthy mind.

Using simple and clear terms combining modern psychology and secular (non-religious) principles of Buddhist psychology, I work with you as a team to explore and develop your vast inner qualities and potential.  I offer content usable in everyday life, regardless of one's religious or cultural background. The intention is greater personal happiness both in your own life and in any organizational culture.

 

My undergraduate work in Asian Studies brought me to Nepal in a study abroad program. There, I became fascinated by the culture, in particular, Tibetan Buddhism.  I acquired a level of fluency in Nepali while there.

My understanding of the Buddhist teachings grew through the guiding wisdom of Lama Yeshe, and his protege Lama Zopa Rinpoche. At the request of Lama Yeshe I established a Western Studies Program for the monks at Kopan Monastery.

 

In the twelve years I spent in Nepal I became part of an incredible community of leaders and students of Buddhism. One day Lama Zopa Rinpoche suggested it was time for me to move back to the United States. He advised me to study western psychology and use my knowledge of Buddhist psychology to enhance the understanding of its principles within western cultures.

I earned a Master’s Degree in clinical psychology at JFK University in and have been a licensed Marriage and Family Counselor (#31860) since 1992.  I have worked as a counselor at the Children’s Health Council at Stanford University and was part of a research team developing ideas concerning Narrative Therapy as well as other constructivist theories at Mental Research Institute (MRI) in Palo Alto.

My executive coaching clientele has included top executives from companies such as Aruba Networks, 3com, Martin Land Company, FPMT (a leading Buddhist organization) and OnStor. My work with Dominic Orr, CEO of Aruba Networks, was featured as the cover article for the November 2007 issue of Fortune magazine. I have been a senior trainer with the Danish company The Potential Project (www.potentialproject.com) and its representative for North America. I have practiced and taught mind training for over 30 years and am certified by the Hay Group (now Korn Ferry) in conducting their Emotional Intelligence 360 assessments. These assessments are specifically designed for executives and others in a leadership role. 

I have been a member of the board of FPMT, a Buddhist organization with over 160 centers and projects around the world, including North and South Americas, Europe, Asia, Middle East, Africa and the Pacific.

 

I live in Santa Cruz with my wife and whichever of my three adult children need a place to sleep.

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