Born in 1953, Mark Epstein is an American author and practicing psychotherapist known for his work at the confluence of Buddhist philosophy and psychoanalytic thought. He holds degrees from Harvard College and Harvard Medical School, and completed his psychiatric residency in New York City, where he now maintains a private practice. Epstein also holds a position as a clinical assistant professor of psychiatry at New York University School of Medicine. His exploration of meditation began in his early twenties, influenced by teachers like Joseph Goldstein and Jack Kornfield, and he has been a dedicated practitioner of insight meditation since 1974. His writings often delve into the concepts of "non-self" as understood in Eastern traditions and their relationship to Western psychological approaches, particularly concerning trauma and the mind.

Epstein's literary contributions have significantly shaped the discourse on integrating Eastern spiritual practices with Western psychological frameworks. He has served as a contributing editor for Tricycle: The Buddhist Review, further solidifying his role as a bridge between these disciplines. His personal life includes being married to artist Arlene Shechet and raising two children. His career has also involved contributions to media, including an interview for the PBS documentary "The Buddha."

Mark Epstein has dedicated his professional life to examining the parallels and potential integrations between Buddhist philosophy and Western psychotherapy. His academic background, including degrees from Harvard College and Harvard Medical School, provided a strong foundation in conventional medicine and psychiatry. Following his residency, he established a private psychiatry practice in New York City and currently holds a faculty position as a clinical assistant professor of psychiatry at New York University School of Medicine. This dual focus allows him to approach psychological well-being from both empirical and contemplative perspectives. Epstein's work frequently addresses how Buddhist concepts, such as the nature of the self and impermanence, can inform and enrich therapeutic practices, particularly in understanding and processing trauma.

Epstein's engagement with Buddhist traditions began in his early twenties, notably through attending a Buddhist summer camp in Boulder, Colorado. There, he encountered influential teachers like Joseph Goldstein and Jack Kornfield, who became pivotal in his spiritual and intellectual development. His journey led him to Thailand, where he spent time at Ajahn Chah's forest monastery near Bangkok, an experience that deepened his understanding of Theravada Buddhism. Since 1974, Epstein has consistently practiced insight meditation (Vipassanā), a practice central to many Buddhist traditions that emphasizes mindful observation of present-moment experience. This sustained personal practice deeply informs his writing and his approach to psychotherapy, allowing him to articulate the benefits of mindfulness and contemplative techniques for mental health and self-understanding.