Oren J. Sofer is a teacher and practitioner of Buddhist meditation, Nonviolent Communication (NVC), and Somatic Experiencing.
He has practiced meditation in the Theravada Buddhist tradition since 1997 and is a long-time student of Joseph Goldstein and Ven. Ajahn Sucitto.
A graduate of the Bay NVC North American Leadership Training, Sofer began teaching NVC in 2006 and has taught classes, workshops, and retreats to a variety of individuals and organizations in the San Francisco Bay Area and elsewhere.
From 2008 to 2010, Sofer was trained and certified in Somatic Experiencing, a modality developed by trauma specialist Peter Levine that emphasizes the role of nervous system regulation in the trauma healing process. Sofer’s teaching has also been influenced by his practice of qi gong over the past 10 years.
Sofer holds a degree in comparative religion from Columbia University and is a current participant in the Insight Meditation Society-Spirit Rock Meditation Center’s Vipassana Teachers’ Training Program.
Known for his clarity, natural presence, and deep care, Sofer's work integrates the insights of Buddhist meditation, contemporary communication tools, and somatic awareness.