‍I'm passionate about helping individuals and couples lead more vibrant, purposeful lives. As a therapist, I strive to be compassionate, warm, and practical. I enjoy taking the time to understand and appreciate my client's unique aspirations and strengths, while empowering them with modern, effective tools to bring rapid change to their lives.

Drawing from practices in innovation, positive psychology, and behavioral science,  I've developed simple yet powerful techniques to help people change and grow. I'm the author of the best-selling book, Fail Fast, Fail Often: How Losing Can Help You Win—an Oprah editor’s choice selection—and my work has been featured in the New York Times, NPR, The Atlantic, GQ, Forbes, and Success Magazine. I've studied and collaborated with renowned experts in human development, including Howard Gardner, creator of the theory of multiple intelligences, William Damon, a leading scholar on life purpose, and John Krumboltz, the legendary therapist who founded the Stanford Counseling Program.

At Stanford University, I created and taught the popular course, "Do It Anyway! Creating a Life of Passionate Action," and I've also led experiential workshops at Esalen. My therapeutic approach is deeply informed by over 25 years of Buddhist practice, and I’ve served as an adjunct professor in Naropa University’s contemplative psychology program.

My experience as a tech entrepreneur during graduate school has given me a personal understanding of the creativity, passion, and stresses that come with startups and technical careers. I’ve been an invited speaker on innovation at the U.S. State Department, served as a CEO coach at the Boomtown business accelerator, and have extensive experience supporting tech founders, engineers, designers, and executives. Additionally, I’ve developed wellness and personal development programs specifically for teens, taught at Stanford Online High School and various California public schools. I’m passionate about helping young people flourish in today’s high-stress, complex world.

I look forward to connecting with you!

ryan@bouldertherapycenter.com

‍Welcome! I’m the host Life Examined, a radio show and podcast on KCRW, and a therapist focused on high performance. I’ve interviewed many leading thinkers, including Jack Kornfield, Deepak Chopra, Gary Snyder, Oliver Sacks, Sharon Salzberg, Mark Epstein, Pico Iyer, Alain de Botton, Robert Macfarlane, David Whyte, and Tara Brach. My work has aired nationally on NPR's All Things Considered and Marketplace. Prior to KCRW, I worked for the NPR affiliate in Louisville, KY, and hosted a public television program that aired across the American Southeast.

I have a masters in counseling psychology and work as a licensed therapist (LPCC) with both individuals and couples. My approach bridges the gap between therapy and coaching. I specialize in working with athletes, artists, and leaders who are going after big goals, but need support on their journey. My unique approach to working with clients is as much informed by evidence-based psychology as it is from the insights I’ve gained speaking with many of the world's great thinkers.

Psychotherapy is a mysterious but simple practice: something magical happens when two people come together in the spirit of vulnerability and healing. For me, nothing is more important than the connection I establish with my clients. And indeed, all the research points to the power of this very thing: the tighter the alliance, the more impactful the therapy. My grounding is in humanistic therapy: which posits that we all have the ability to grow when encircled by empathy, safety, and insightful questions. I also approach much of my work from a Buddhist perspective.

I am drawn to working with goal-oriented people. Accomplishing big things can come with big costs personally and emotionally. As a competitive athlete and musician myself, I have first-hand knowledge of the sacrifices it takes to pursue these dreams. For me, it is a privilege to work with people through these periods of growth.

Outside of my radio and client work, I compete in endurance sporting events across the country. A former collegiate basketball player, my notable races include a full Ironman triathlon, multiple half Ironmans, and the Leadville 100 mountain bike race.

jonathan@bouldertherapycenter.com