Rick Hanson American psychologist Country: USA

Biography of Rick Hanson

Rick Hanson is an American psychologist, neuroscientist, and writer. He is a senior fellow at the Greater Good Science Center at the University of California, Berkeley and his books have been New York Times bestsellers. With over 40 years of meditation practice and study, Hanson is knowledgeable in the field he writes about, which explains the success of his books on achieving well-being and reducing stress. His works have been translated into many languages, including Russian.

As the founder of the Wellspring Institute for Neuroscience and Contemplative Wisdom, Hanson has been invited to speak at prestigious institutions such as Oxford, Stanford, and Harvard. He has also taught at meditation centers around the world. In addition to writing books, Hanson has recorded several audio programs and his free newsletter, 'Just One Thing,' has over 100,000 subscribers.

Hanson's interests as a neuroscientist lie in various aspects of positive psychology. He focuses on the inner skills of personal well-being, psychological growth, contemplative practices, relationships, family life, and child development. Growing up in a loving and stable family in the suburbs of Los Angeles, Hanson developed a passion for books and outdoor activities. He attended the University of California, Los Angeles, graduating with honors in 1974. After founding a successful company that specialized in risk analysis, he pursued a master's degree in developmental psychology and earned his doctorate in clinical psychology in 1991.

In his clinical practice, Hanson works with individuals, couples, families, and conducts psychological assessments. He has worked as a school psychologist in various private schools and has conducted numerous discussions with parents and child development specialists. Hanson served on the board of FamilyWorks, a California agency for family resources, for many years and was its chairperson for two years. He currently serves on the Board of Trustees at Saybrook University in San Francisco.

Hanson's interest in the intersection of modern neuroscience and ancient contemplative practices grew as his children became independent. Along with Rick Mendius, he founded the Wellspring Institute for Neuroscience and Contemplative Wisdom. The institute publishes the monthly bulletin 'Wise Brain Bulletin,' maintains the website WiseBrain.org, and sponsors 'Skillful Means,' an online encyclopedia of psychological and spiritual practices.

Hanson's books, including 'Buddha's Brain' (2009), 'Just One Thing: Developing a Buddha Brain One Simple Practice at a Time' (2011), and 'Hardwiring Happiness: The New Brain Science of Contentment, Calm, and Confidence' (2013), have been well-received and have become bestsellers. In these books, Hanson explores practices and techniques to achieve inner peace, develop confidence, and rewire the brain for happiness and contentment.

Outside of his work, Hanson enjoys rock climbing, reading seafaring novels, and traveling. He has spent a year in Finland and another year in Germany. Spending time with his family and friends is also a priority for him.