Matthew Goodman, Ph.D.

My deepest value and guiding principle is compassion. At the heart of my work is the desire to see human beings realize our interconnectedness and common humanity. I view the world as a giant organism that mirrors the individual. I believe that we can develop innovative solutions to the world’s problems—economically, socially, politically, and ecologically—by appreciating and applying the biological, psychological, and spiritual principles that govern the evolution and healing of individual organisms.

I am originally from suburban Detroit, Michigan and attended Michigan State University. Prior to beginning graduate school, I lived and practiced for one year in a Zen Buddhist monastery in Los Angeles. I have been a meditation practitioner for 15+ years, but this path has not been all “sunshine and rainbows”; going through my own Dark Night of the Soul, I was inspired to create a documentary film (while in graduate school in in San Diego) on the challenges of meditation and spiritual practice. I graduated with my Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology and, upon completing internship in Anchorage, Alaska, returned to Los Angeles.

I am currently a Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Faculty at USC, and Founder/CEO of The Middle Way Consulting. I enjoy writing, speaking, teaching, and consulting. I am a student of improv comedy and currently teach classes weaving together improv and mindfulness. I am increasingly embodying the Los Angeles archetype as I spend my days drinking overpriced lattes and eating avocado toast.