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Faculty
The faculty of Integrative Psychology & Medicine has been working together for over twenty years in many cases. We have a broad range of backgrounds and are linked by our passion for the work and for our commitment to walking the walk not just conceptualising it. In this sense we all have deep experiential practices that help us understand the changes and the strengths of the training that we provide. One of the principles, Nigel Denning has been studying since the 1980’s with leaders in the field. Dave Misso has a long-standing background in narrative therapy, family violence and metacognitive work. Traill Dowie has been an educator for a quarter century and is now Associate Professor of Psychotherapy at Ikon Institute where he continues to lead innovative practice throughout the country.
Our international faculty includes Dr David S. Elliott a master at adult attachment repair and Steven Hassan, a world leader in cult recovery. Geshe Sonam links us to the 18000 year old Tibetan Bon tradition. Dr Gina Zappia is a Social Scientist and leading conference presenter and organiser, she keeps the ship on course with her patience, skill and passion.
Our international faculty includes Dr David S. Elliott a master at adult attachment repair and Steven Hassan, a world leader in cult recovery. Geshe Sonam links us to the 18000 year old Tibetan Bon tradition. Dr Gina Zappia is a Social Scientist and leading conference presenter and organiser, she keeps the ship on course with her patience, skill and passion.
International Guests
We have a close relationship with Dr Steven Hassan, who is an international specialist in cult and high demand, high control groups, which is particularly pertinent to areas where the mind is manipulated, such as in sex trafficking, undue influence, and family violence.
We are honoured to welcome Geshe Sonam Gurung, who's an expert in Tibetan Bön Dzogchen meditation technique with a particular interest in psychology. Geshe Sonam visits Australia bi-annually to teach through the The Australia Bön Mustang Foundation and we are pleased to host these retreats in our East Melbourne practice.
We have welcomed an international guest, the late Dr Daniel P. Brown, Professor at Harvard Medical School.
We are honoured to welcome Geshe Sonam Gurung, who's an expert in Tibetan Bön Dzogchen meditation technique with a particular interest in psychology. Geshe Sonam visits Australia bi-annually to teach through the The Australia Bön Mustang Foundation and we are pleased to host these retreats in our East Melbourne practice.
We have welcomed an international guest, the late Dr Daniel P. Brown, Professor at Harvard Medical School.
Geshe Sonam Gurung
Geshe
Director Mustang Culture & Education CentreGeshe Sonam Gurung received his Geshe degree under the guidance of H.H 33rd Menri Trizin, the Abbot of Bön Menri Monastery and lineage holder of the Yungdrung Bön spiritual tradition.
Geshe Sonam served as personal assistant to His Holiness and following the direction and guidance of His Holiness, Geshe Sonam and the late Dr. Daniel P Brown translated many of the key texts in the Bön Dzogchen canon. In particular, they translated significant works from Shardza Tashi Gyaltsen Rinpoche. Shardza Rinpoche’s key texts (Heart Drops of Kuntuzangpo, Kusum Rangshar, and the Treasury of the Expanse) are detailed yogic roadmaps of the Bön Dzogchen pathway to enlightenment, combining both utterly clear philosophic foundation as well as detailed practice explanation.
Geshe Sonam’s goal is to make these teachings available on a global basis in forms appropriate for the 21st Century. Geshe Sonam visits Australia bi-annually to teach and facilitate meditation retreats and the Australia Bön Mustang Foundation is fortunate to be advised by and work closely with Geshe Sonam, who was born in the Mustang Valley of Nepal.
The Australia Bön Mustang Foundation has been established with the primary intent to support, preserve and revitalise the precious Bön traditions and lineage teachings of the Mustang Region. The organisation is 100% funded on a volunteer and donation basis with all funds going to the direct support of The Children’s Hostel in Mustang, Nepal and for the continued development of The Shenten Thagye Ling Monastery at the request of H.H the 33rd Abbot of Menri Monastery.
Steven Hassan
Licensed Mental Health Professional
PhD, MA, MEd, LMHC, NCCDr. Hassan is a licensed mental health professional, a recognized expert on cults and undue influence, and possesses professional experience both in the US and abroad.
His work encompasses various areas, including consultation, coaching, public speaking, media appearances, activism, writing, research, teaching, intervention, and recovery services, as well as expert consulting and testimony to aid individuals and families dealing with issues related to undue influence.
Dr. Hassan’s expertise extends to the realm of undue influence in a wide array of contexts, including destructive one-on-one relationships, family dynamics, parental alienation, small cult-like groups, religious cults, therapy and self-improvement groups, professional abuse, institutional abuse, corporate settings, multi-level marketing, political groups, human trafficking, hate and violent extremism, deconstructing colonialism, and other challenging situations. He actively advocates for the recognition of terrorist groups as destructive cults and addresses their importance.
Over the course of his 49-year career, Dr. Hassan has assisted numerous individuals and families in their recovery from undue influence. He is highly sought after as one of the foremost authorities on the subject of undue influence by both controlling groups and individuals. Steve possesses a unique perspective, having experienced life as a former cult member who was successfully deprogrammed in 1976, and as a clinical professional who has dedicated his life to aiding others in similar situations.