Alfred W. Kaszniak, Ph.D., University of Arizona, Head, Department of Psychology, Professor of Psychology, Neurology and Psychiatry

Andrew Bein's The Zen of Helping provides a wonderfully insightful, compassionate, and practical resource. Few publications provide the helping professional with guidance on how to develop the presence, nonjudgmental acceptance, compassion, and connection that are at the heart of helping relationships. Dr. Bein fills this gap in a compelling volume that reflects his extensive experience as a teacher and helping professional, combined with his deep grounding in Zen practice, and his compassionate caring in response to human suffering. I highly recommend this book.

Larry Yang, LCSW, Guiding dharma teacher, East Bay Meditation Center

Through the gathering of wisdom of his teachers, the insights of his own clinical experience, and the deep spiritual exploration of his own personal journey, Dr. Bein has collected a remarkable roadmap of “pointing instructions” and guidance through the complexities of our hearts and minds for all of us in the healing professions.

He beautifully balances the expansiveness of our universal experience with trauma, pain, and suffering with the specificity of direct life experiences (from his clients and his own life) to create the possibility of the healing which we all search for. His book is valuable tool for anyone engaged in the work of healing the suffering of others, and the work of healing the suffering of one’s self.

Ann W. Nichols, PhD, Arizona State University, School of Social Work and Director, Society for Spirituality and Social Work

The Zen of Helping offers spiritual principles and practice [practical] wisdom in a profound yet delightfully readable resource manner. While grounded in Zen thought, concepts are presented in a framework accessible and acceptable to helping professionals from diverse spiritual traditions. Readers will find guidance for self-care as well as for effective practice in this deep and thoughtful book. This work book makes a significant contribution to the literature on spirituality and counseling practice.

Shauna L. Smith, MSW, MFT, co-founder, Therapists for Social Responsibility

The Zen of Helping is a must-read, must-have book for anyone who is serious about helping those in need of care, understanding, and comfort. It is relevant across the spectrum from the novice student to the experienced master therapist. Detailed case examples and personal narratives breathe life into this nuanced and revealing, well-crafted, multi-dimensional book.

Joan Halifax Roshi, PH.D., Upaya Zen Center

I have read the manuscript with great heart and joy. It is so well-written, original, clear, helpful, and wise. I think this book will be an invaluable contribution, not only to social work, but many other disciplines.