Karen Kissel Wegela, PhD, has been studying, practicing, and teaching the integration of Buddhist teachings and psychotherapy for more than 40 years. She has been a professor at Naropa University in Boulder, Colorado, in the Buddhism-informed Contemplative Counseling program training clinical mental health counselors for more than 40 years.

As a therapist, Karen worked in a variety of settings. After 45 years, she retired from private practice. She has presented at numerous workshops and conferences both nationally and internationally and is the author of three books: How to Be a Help Instead of a Nuisance (re-issued as The Courage to Be Present: Buddhism, Psychotherapy and the Awakening of Natural Wisdom), and her most recent, Contemplative Psychotherapy Essentials: Enriching Your Practice with Buddhist Psychology.