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Mark Epstein

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

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

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.

Career

Mark Epstein is a psychiatrist in private practice in New York City and a clinical assistant professor at New York University. His work and public writing focus on psychotherapy, trauma, and Buddhist practice.

Books and writing

Epstein has authored several books exploring how Buddhist ideas relate to Western psychotherapy. His titles include Thoughts Without a Thinker, Going to Pieces Without Falling Apart, The Trauma of Everyday Life, Advice Not Given, and The Zen of Therapy.

Buddhist practice

Epstein has been a Buddhist practitioner since his twenties. Sources describe him as having studied under Joseph Goldstein and Jack Kornfield and as integrating Buddhist perspectives into his clinical and writing work.

Education

He received both undergraduate and medical degrees from Harvard University, including Harvard College and Harvard Medical School.

Key facts

  • Mark Epstein is an American psychiatrist and author who writes about Buddhism and psychotherapy.
  • He studied at Harvard College and Harvard Medical School.
  • He has practiced Buddhism since his twenties under Joseph Goldstein and Jack Kornfield.
  • He is a clinical assistant professor at New York University and works in private practice in New York City.
  • His books include Thoughts Without a Thinker, Going on Being, Psychotherapy Without the Self, Advice Not Given, and The Zen of Therapy.
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Canadian context

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.

Frequently asked 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.
Where did Mark Epstein study?
He studied at Harvard College and Harvard Medical School.
Does Mark Epstein teach?
Yes. He has been listed as a clinical assistant professor at New York University’s postdoctoral psychotherapy and psychoanalysis program.
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.

References

  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.