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People File • Psychologist

Mark Epstein

Mark Epstein is an American psychiatrist, psychotherapist, and author known for writing about the intersection of Buddhism and psychotherapy.

Updated July 27, 20261 min readCited sources

Mark Epstein is an American psychiatrist, psychotherapist, and author known for writing about the intersection of Buddhism and psychotherapy. He is a Harvard-educated physician who has practiced in New York City and taught at New York University.

What it is

Mark Epstein is a psychiatrist and author who bridges Buddhist thought and Western psychotherapy. He has been a Buddhist practitioner since his twenties, studying under teachers Joseph Goldstein and Jack Kornfield, and integrates these perspectives into his clinical work and writing.

Why it matters

Epstein's work explores how mindfulness and Buddhist concepts can inform trauma treatment and psychotherapy. His books, such as *Thoughts Without a Thinker* and *The Zen of Therapy*, have contributed to the broader North American interest in mindfulness and mental health, resonating with Canadian readers as well.

Key details

Epstein studied at Harvard College and Harvard Medical School. He is a clinical assistant professor at New York University’s postdoctoral psychotherapy program and maintains a private practice in New York City. His books include *Going to Pieces Without Falling Apart*, *The Trauma of Everyday Life*, and *Advice Not Given*.

In short

  • American psychiatrist and author blending Buddhism and psychotherapy.
  • Harvard-educated; practices in New York City.
  • Books include *Thoughts Without a Thinker* and *The Zen of Therapy*.
  • Influenced by teachers Joseph Goldstein and Jack Kornfield.
Canadian angle

His books and talks are part of the broader North American interest in mindfulness, psychotherapy, and Buddhist practice, topics that also resonate with Canadian readers in mental-health and wellness contexts.

Quick questions

Who is Mark Epstein?
Mark Epstein is an American psychiatrist, psychotherapist, and author known for books on Buddhism and psychotherapy.
What is Mark Epstein known for?
He is known for exploring the overlap between Buddhist ideas, trauma, and psychotherapy in his clinical work and books.
What books has Mark Epstein written?
His books include *Thoughts Without a Thinker*, *Going to Pieces Without Falling Apart*, *Open to Desire*, *The Trauma of Everyday Life*, *Advice Not Given*, and *The Zen of Therapy*.

Sources

  1. Wikipediehttps://cs.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mark_Epstein
    Supports: Birth year, Harvard education, Buddhist practice since twenties, NYU teaching, private psychiatry practice.
  2. Wikipediahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mark_Epstein_(author)
    Supports: Born 1953, American author and psychotherapist, Buddhism and psychotherapy focus, NYU clinical assistant professor.
  3. Nalanda Institute for Contemplative Sciencehttps://nalandainstitute.org/staff/epstein-mark/
    Supports: Harvard-trained psychiatrist, NYU teaching role, private practice, contributing editor to Tricycle, major books.
  4. New York Insight Meditation Centerhttps://www.nyimc.org/teachers/mark-epstein/
    Supports: Private practice in New York City, books, Harvard degrees, latest book The Zen of Therapy.
  5. Dharmahttps://www.dharma.org/inside-the-mind-of-a-buddhist-therapist-a-qa-with-mark-epstein/
    Supports: Discussion of Buddhism and psychotherapy, major books, and therapeutic perspective.