Karen Kissel Wegela, PhD, LP

Karen Kissel Wegela, PhD, is a retired psychologist and professor. She taught in the Contemplative Psychotherapy program (under its various titles) for more than forty-five years. In addition to her work at Naropa, Karen has presented on the intersection of Buddhism and psychotherapy at many conferences nationally and internationally. She is the author of three books: How to Be a Help instead of a Nuisance (re-issued as What Really Helps) (Shambhala), The Courage to Be Present: Buddhism, Psychotherapy and the Awakening of Natural Wisdom (Shambhala), and her most recent book, Contemplative Psychotherapy Essentials: Enriching Your Practice with Buddhist Psychology (W.W. Norton). As a psychologist, she worked in a variety of settings as well as private practice for more than forty years before retiring. She continues to lead annual workshops at Omega Institute.