My Philosophy
Psychotherapy is a unique experience. It is built, first of all, on a good human relationship with a therapist. What makes this unique is that the focus remains on the client. In order to facilitate a real connection or to provide a different perspective, therapists may disclose information about themselves, but never to the extent that it changes this focus. This differentiates the therapy experience from all other human interactions.

Most people benefit from psychotherapy. For many, it is a deeply transformative experience. Some findings suggest that the longer one stays in therapy, the greater the change.

While people learn new perspectives and new ways of handling difficulties in therapy, these things are often available in books and videos. What makes therapy unique is that insight and tools grow out of the relationship, rather than being generic techniques for everyone. The primary healing lies in the ongoing relationship itself.
About Dr. Bien
Dr. Bien is a licensed psychologist, author, and mindfulness teacher. In addition to his doctorate in psychology, he also holds a master's degree in theology from Princeton Theological Seminary. He has been a life long student of Asian spirituality and meditation and is a former United Methodist pastor. His psychology background includes extensive clinical practice and research in the field of addictive behavior. He conducts workshops on Mindful Living and is the author of :

Mindful Recovery: A Spiritual Path to Healing From Addiction,
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Finding the Center Within: The Healing Way of Mindfulness Meditation,
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Mindful Therapy: A Guide for Therapists and Helping Professionals,

The Buddha's Way of Happiness: Healing Sorrow, Transforming Negative Emotion, and Finding Well-being in the Present Moment
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and is co-editor of Mindfulness and the Therapeutic Relationship.
