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Episode Description

Dr. Gary Reiss holds an LCSW, PhD., and is a certified trainer in Process-oriented Psychology. Drop in with us to learn how you can benefit from Getting Off the Wheel; A Process-Oriented Psychology Approach to Personal and World Liberation! “I live in the country near Eugene, Oregon with my partner Sage Emery. My daughter Eliana is working on her doctorate in child clinical psychology. My work includes my private practice, teaching Process Work and writing books. When I am not working I love being active including running, skiing, biking, and camping as well as having time to meditate, practice Akido and especially enjoy the time for laughter and fun with family and friends.I am particularly interested in applying World Work in situations of ethnic conflict, and as an alternative to war and violence. I have always considered World Work a spiritual path, and am researching moments of oneness and the use of sentient methods in the midst of great tension and violence. My work has often taken me into working with not only countries in crisis, but organizations of all kinds. I especially focus on preventing violence, and avoiding burnout, as part of organizational life. I also have been writing on connections between Coma Work, World Work, and Process Oriented Family Therapy, and am about to begin my next book on Coma Work. My main focus has been on developing this method of family therapy; on working with people in coma and recovering from head injuries; on work with the psychology of body symptoms; and on conflict resolution.” Gary has a private practice in Eugene and Portland, Oregon, has been Director of Rivers Way Community Clinic in Portland for 20 years, and teaches Process oriented Psychology worldwide, now actively teaching in 17 countries. He is a senior faculty member at the Process Work Institute, and brings 40 plus years’ experience to his work. His specialties include family therapy, sex therapy, working with coma patients, Worldwork in hot spots in the world, organizational development, and integrating Process Work with different spiritual traditions. He has published 10 books including The Dance of Sex; Dreaming Money: and Families that Dream Together. His latest book is Love, Power, and Wisdom. “Gary Reiss is a deep teacher. He has a wizardry about him, in that he is able to tap into many levels of consciousness at once. He is acutely aware of the students, consistently responding to us with a very direct and unique brand of sensitivity. Gary has a way of teaching through personal experience and story that paints a picture and invites us into a world of symbolism and metaphor. He has a great sense of humor, a lightness that creates a surprisingly colorful, fun atmosphere in which to learn about difficult topics. He is also a very physical person, which helps us connect more deeply to an inner awareness of our own bodies. I always feel at ease when I’m around Gary, knowing I am welcome and valued in his class.” – Student

Gary Reiss, Ph.D.

Gary Reiss holds a Masters degree in Social Work from Washington University, St. Louis. A Doctorate in Integrative Studies with a Specialization in Process oriented Psychology and Conflict Resolution. He has been in private practice in Oregon as a LCSW for over 30 years, and teaches worldwide as a Certified Process Oriented Psychology Trainer. Gary is especially excited about facilitating conflict work, particularly in the Middle East; helping develop Process oriented family therapy and coma work; and integrating shamanism, Taoism, Kabbalah, and other spiritual approaches into Process Work. Within his community, Gary has been active for many years in the Middle-East peace group, as well as other community and parent associations. Gary’s lifelong deep love for Nature has often led him to the wilderness for inspiration and renewal. He makes his home on a farm in rural Oregon, where he houses a small herd of horses. He also goes on retreat to the wild Oregon coast, where he does much of his writing. He stays active with a regular Akido practice, as well as a vigorous daily run, which he loves to use as a time for considering and discussing new ideas, dreams, and theories. “Gary has worked with me through trauma, critical life changes, and personal growth…Sensitive and centered, he is sometimes shamanic-like and has many strategies for helping me find the connections and meaning in my experiences.” Client