David G. Benner, Ph.D.

Founder, Teacher, Mentor

David is an internationally known depth psychologist, author and wisdom teacher whose life’s work has been directed toward facilitating not merely healing and growth but the unfolding of the self associated with a journey of awakening, transformation and living wisdom. He was the Founder of Cascadia Living Wisdom School which now operates as Cascadia Living Wisdom. Currently in the process of turning over the ownership, governance, and administration of the community to the community, David continues to serve as our teacher and mentor, guiding us as we make our passage toward wholeness, alignment with the Spirit of Wisdom, and engagement with the world.

After completing his Honours B.A. at McMaster University and M.A. and Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology at York University, David completed post-doctoral training in psychoanalytic psychotherapy at the Chicago Institute of Psychoanalysis. Subsequently he held faculty appointments at York University, University of Toronto, McMaster University Divinity College, Redeemer University College, Wheaton College, Psychological Studies Institute (Richmont Graduate University), and the Centre for Studies in Religion and Society (University of Victoria). He has also served as Chief or Senior Psychologist in a number of clinics and hospitals in Canada and the USA. He has authored or edited more than 30 books that have been translated into 24 foreign languages, and has lectured or offered consulting services in more than 30 countries around the world.

Beyond his academic and clinical work, David has had longstanding involvement in the promotion of social healing and reconciliation through dialogue. Working within the Children in War Zones Program of the Centre for International Health (McMaster University), he and two colleagues developed a program for social healing and prejudice reduction in children in the war zones of Sri Lanka and Israel’s West Bank. He also served as a delegate to the Truth and Reconciliation hearings around the legacy of the Indian Residential Schools in Canada, and worked with peace volunteers during the dismantling of apartheid in South Africa.

His citations and honours include being named in International Men of Achievement, The Directory of Distinguished Americans, The International Book of Honour, Dictionary of International Biography, International Directory of Distinguished Leadership, Who’s Who Among Human Service Professionals, and Who’s Who in Theology and Science.

Apart from his work with Cascadia, David’s other passions are sailing, cycling, walking, jazz, good food and soulful conversation.