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Andrea F. Polard Psy.D.

About

Andrea F. Polard, Psy.D., founded and teaches Zen Psychology and Zen Psychology Therapy. She derived the approach from her book, A Unified Theory of Happiness. Her work is rooted in science and Western thought as well as in Eastern thought, especially Zen Buddhism, reflecting her multicultural background. After having started with humanistic approaches, she subsequently trained in self-psychology, system-oriented therapy, cognitive-behavioral psychology and mind-body work. Polard studied at the Freie University Berlin, focusing on creativity and non-verbal expressions, using the Facial Action Coding System to analyze the smile. Her dissertation examined the phenomenon of emigration: Leaving the Circle. She is now an independent researcher and scholar of wisdom traditions, aspiring to revitalize Zen Buddhism in form of Zen Psychology.

Books by Andrea F. Polard Psy.D.
Recent Posts
3 Ways to Shake Off Cynicism
Cynical people can be brave, but often, and more likely, they can bring about their own depression, loneliness, and disease.
Ten Steps to Return to the Path of Wisdom
When the loudest people influence the rest of society, wisdom goes out the window. How can we return to our more intelligent hearts and minds? It is about time to return to wisdom.
Relax, Nothing Is Under Control

Naturally, we must assume control. However, when things are chaotic and the sea is rough, we need to be able to let go of the illusion.

Naturally, we must assume control. However, when things are chaotic and the sea is rough, we need to be able to let go of the illusion.

Thoughts on Reducing Anguish

"Are we there yet?" seems to cause great anguish. The future is always uncertain, but now things seem entirely out-of-control. Here's one thing that helps YOU, others, & your teen.

"Are we there yet?" seems to cause great anguish. The future is always uncertain, but now things seem entirely out-of-control. Here's one thing that helps YOU, others, & your teen.

Five Strategies to Deal with a Compulsive Attention-Seeker

When attention-seeking behavior causes drama, everyone becomes emotionally charged, restless, and generally unhappy. Here is what we can do.

When attention-seeking behavior causes drama, everyone becomes emotionally charged, restless, and generally unhappy. Here is what we can do.

The Life You Did Not Have 

Often we wonder, "What if I had taken a different path?" Is this oddly modern preoccupation with our alternative lives conducive to happiness or not? Here is what to watch out for.

Often we wonder, "What if I had taken a different path?" Is this oddly modern preoccupation with our alternative lives conducive to happiness or not? Here is what to watch out for.

How to Manage Social Awkwardness

Here are three ways to accept, relax, and decrease social awkwardness in the age of high anxiety and AI.

Here are three ways to accept, relax, and decrease social awkwardness in the age of high anxiety and AI.

Get Over It Already

Who hasn't been told to snap out of sadness or just let it go? It is not merely annoying to hear this advice, it is harmful. Happiness and sadness belong together.

Who hasn't been told to snap out of sadness or just let it go? It is not merely annoying to hear this advice, it is harmful. Happiness and sadness belong together.