Rick Hanson

Rick Hanson, Ph.D., is a psychologist, neuropsychologist, and Senior Fellow at the Greater Good Science Center at the University of California, Berkeley. He holds a Ph.D. in clinical psychology from the Wright Institute in Berkeley and is a New York Times best-selling author whose work focuses on contemplative neuroscience and positive neuroplasticity. He is the founder of the Wellspring Institute for Neuroscience and Contemplative Wisdom and a founder of the Global Compassion Coalition, and has taught meditation since the 1970s, including at centers worldwide.

Hanson is the author of several books that integrate neuroscience, psychology, and contemplative practice, including Buddha’s Brain: The Practical Neuroscience of Happiness, Love, and Wisdom (with neurologist Richard Mendius), Just One Thing: Developing a Buddha Brain One Simple Practice at a Time, Hardwiring Happiness: The New Brain Science of Contentment, Calm, and Confidence, Resilient: How to Grow an Unshakable Core of Calm, Strength, and Happiness, Neurodharma, Making Great Relationships, and Mother Nurture. His books have been translated into more than 30 languages and have sold over a million copies in English, and his work has been featured by major media outlets such as the BBC