Karen Kissel Wegela

About the Author

Karen Kissel Wegela, PhD, is a renowned psychotherapist and Buddhist practitioner with over four decades of experience integrating Eastern wisdom traditions with Western psychological approaches. A licensed clinical psychologist and faculty member at Naropa University, she has dedicated her career to helping individuals cultivate mindfulness and compassion in the face of suffering. Drawing from her deep immersion in Tibetan Buddhism and her clinical practice, Wegela explores how contemplative practices can awaken innate human wisdom and foster emotional resilience. Her work bridges the gap between therapy and spirituality, offering practical guidance for personal transformation. In her acclaimed book, The Courage to Be Present: Buddhism, Psychotherapy, and the Awakening of Natural Wisdom, she illuminates pathways to authentic presence and healing in everyday life.