Mark Robert Waldman is a therapist and an Associate Fellow at the Center for Spirituality and the Mind, University of Pennsylvania (www.spiritualityandthemind.org), where he currently conducts research with Andrew Newberg, MD, on the neuropsychology of beliefs, morality, compassion, and spiritual experiences. He lectures frequently at conferences, colleges, and churches on the topics of relationships, dreamwork, creativity, transpersonal psychology, and the biology of religious experience.
His most recent book, coauthored with Dr. Newberg, is Born to Believe: God, Science, and the Origin of Ordinary and Extraordinary Beliefs. The book includes our recent brain-scan studies with Buddhists, Nuns, Pentecostals, and atheists, describing how our brains construct a unique vision of reality that is maintained by a vast network of perceptual, cognitive, emotional, and social beliefs. There are many ways that we can change this inner reality – through meditation, counseling, focused attention, and compassionate communication – and the changes that take place in the brain promote physical and emotional health by reducing stress, anxiety, depression, and anger.
We are currently exploring how meditation and prayer can forestall, and possibly reverse, the neurological damage caused by anger, anxiety, depression, and age-related disorders, including Alzheimer's Disease. In conjunction with a growing network of psychologists, social workers, and research scientists, Mark is developing a new form of psychotherapy, called Compassionate Communication, that integrates mindfulness meditation with intentional dialogue, a strategy that facilitates rapid, intimate communication between people. This simple technique, which can be learned in a matter of minutes, can be used with couples, families, friends, and business associates. It can also facilitate cooperative and meaningful dialogues between different religious, secular, political, and social groups. We are currently developing research alliances with universities, counseling centers, and local church and civic groups interested in promoting personal and global peace.
If you would like Mark to give a presentation to your organization or school, please call 805-907-1181 or email him at markwaldman @ sbcglobal.net. For a list of topics, click on the "Lectures and Workshops" tab on the menu bar above.
Counseling
Mark has an innovative counseling practice for individuals and couples, with offices in Camarillo and Woodland Hills, California. In conjunction with the law offices of Heidi Tuffias in West Los Angeles, he co-mediates marital problems and dissolutions in a conflict-free environment. Mark also specializes in family business counseling. For appointments, please call 805-907-1181.
Mark is the author of ten books and anthologies, and his professional papers have been published throughout the world. He was the founding editor of the academic journal, Transpersonal Review, chairman of the Los Angeles Transpersonal Interest Group, regional coordinator for the Spiritual Emergence Network, and holds a ministerial credential in pastoral counseling.
Writing and Editorial Services
For writers who are interested in publishing nonfiction books for the general public or professional audiences, Mark offers a comprehensive consulting service covering all aspects of the field: book proposal development, manuscript editing, creative writing development, and agent/publisher advice. He has served as a developmental editor to New York publishing houses and literary agents. His editorial specialities include psychology, science, religion, spirituality, and complementary medicine.
Mark Robert Waldman Counseling, Research, Workshops, Lectures, and Editorial Services
1601 Carmen Drive, Suite 203 Camarillo, California 93010
805-907-1181
markwaldman@sbcglobal.net
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How God Changes Your Brain: Breakthrough Findings by a Leading Neuroscientist by Andrew Newberg, MD and Mark Robert Waldman Ballantine Books, March 2009  Born to Believe: God, Science, and the Origin of Ordinary and Extraordinary Beliefs by Andrew Newberg and Mark Waldman (October, 2007) | Why We Believe What We Believe: Uncovering Our Biological Need for Meaning, Spirituality, and Truth by Andrew Newberg and Mark Waldman (September, 2006) |
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| . | | The Art of Staying Together: Embracing Love, Intimacy and Spirit in Relationships by Mark Waldman (February, 1998) |
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| . | | Love Games: How to Deepen Communication, Resolve Conflicts, and Discover Who Your Partner Really Is by Mark Waldman (February, 1998) |
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| The Spirit of Writing: Classic and Contemporary Essays Celebrating the Writing Life by Mark Waldman (August, 2001) |
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Dreamscaping: New Techniques for Understanding Yourself and Others by Stanley Krippner and Mark Waldman (Sept 1999) | |
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In addition the the above books, Mark has edited a series of literary anthologies, Archetypes of the Collective Unconsious: Shadow, Seeker, Lover, and Healer:
Links to Related Websites:
At the University of Pennsylvania, the Center for Spirituality and the Mind was established to develop, organize, and coordinate research, scholarship, education, and dialogue, both locally and globally, that focuses on the relationship between spirituality and the brain. The Center fills a major gap that was specifically identified by University President Amy Gutmann, and it establishes a University-wide interdisciplinary program that is highly relevent to the health-care professions, education, and society. The Center seeks to increase public and academic access to recent research in this multi-disciplinary field. By developing courses, teaching materials, lecture programs, and local and internet outreach programs, the dialogue regarding the relationship between the mind and spirituality will be available for all interested individuals. The Center also creates an interdisciplinary group of faculty throughout all of the departsments of the University.
www.spiritualityandthemind.org
For more information on spirituality, beliefs, and the brain,
visit Andrew Newberg's website at:
And don't miss the interactive slide show on the
"Book Excerpts" page (click on the icon at the top left of this page).
You'll see what happens inside your brain when you sit down
to meditate or pray.
Mark Robert Waldman Counseling, Research, Workshops, Lectures, and Editorial Services
5800 Santa Rosa Rd. Suite 110, Camarillo CA 93012
805-907-1181
markwaldman@sbcglobal.net