Buddhist Psychotherapy Connecting Early Buddhism to Mindfulness and Western Psychotherapy

Dr. Liang Tien (Tien) is a retired Professor from the California School of Professional Psychology PsyD Program – Hong Kong. Since retirement, she has studied for a PhD in Buddhist Studies at the University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, and is a co-founder of the Illumination of Mindfulness Institute at Alliant International University. She is a long-time meditator. As a licensed clinical psychologist, her independent practice focuses on individuals with ancestry from Asian Buddhist-based countries and woman with histories of abuse. Her research interest has been in ethics and immigrant acculturation.  

Dr. Debra M. Kawahara is the Associate Dean of Academic Affairs and Distinguished Professor at the California School of Professional Psychology, Alliant International University. She is the 2025 American Psychological Association President. As a licensed clinical psychologist, her independent practice focuses on psychotherapy with individuals, couples, and families, as well as consulting and conducting trainings to organizations. Further, Dr. Kawahara is a multicultural feminist scholar whose work centers on intersectionality, Buddhist psychotherapy, women’s issues, leadership, and the application of multicultural, feminist, and social justice principles in practice. She is widely published and has presented nationally and globally.

Ven. Dhammadinna took robes in 1983 at the age of 25. From 1985 until 2006 she studied under several esteemed meditation teachers in Southeast Asia and India, namely Ven. U Pandita Sayadaw, Dipama Barua, Ajahn Buddhadasa, Ajahn Sumedho, and His Holiness the Dalai Lama. She began teaching retreats in 1989. In 2006 she accepted an invitation to return to the States and is a resident teacher at Bodhiheart Sangha Buddhist Meditation Center. Visit https://bodhiheart.wpcomstaging.com.