Dr. Sharrin
Ronald Sharrin began studying at the Los Angeles Zen Center in 1969 after receiving a B.A. from Reed College in 1967. In 1976 he received his Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the California School of Professional Psychology after completing a dissertation on using Buddhism as a framework for psychotherapy. Since then he has been a practicing clinician in psychotherapy, working to deepen his understanding of the relationships between Buddhist contemplative practice, Buddhist psychology, and psychotherapy.
Dr. Sharrin’s approach to psychotherapy is based on an understanding of the relationship between therapist and client as being primarily one of inquiry. This is an experiential, in-depth examination of the ways in which both individuals enter into and engage in an examination of how experience is constructed in the here and now in ways that lead to both suffering and to happiness. Rather than adopting a medical model in which “treatment” is offered in order to “cure” the patient, this is more of a dialogue with its roots in the philosophical traditions of both Socrates and the Buddha. Experience is looked at as it arises in the relationship, how it is sustained, how it disappears, and how new experience arises. The principle of “sinking-in and staying with” what is happening can lead to an opening to different mind states and a deepening understanding of how one’s mind works.
Psychology License Information
- License State: California
- License No.: PSY 5775
- License State: Oregon
- License No.: 2679
Education
| Degree |
Major |
School |
Year |
| PhD |
Clinical Psychology |
CSPP |
1976 |
Professional Affiliations