About
Michael Sapiro, PsyD is a clinical psychologist, ordained Zen monk and poet, psychedelic psychotherapist, Dharma teacher and meditation teacher, author, and workshop and retreat leader.
Dr. Sapiro teaches Internationally on the art and science of transformation . . .
He is a Fellow at the Institute of Noetic Sciences where he engages in research on meditation, transformation, and consciousness. He completed his postdoctoral fellowship in advanced psychology at the Boise VA Medical Center where he specialized in rural health, PTSD, and combat trauma.
Dr. Sapiro teaches internationally on psychedelic psychotherapy, the art and science of transformation, expanded human capabilities, self-care, and meditation for personal and community growth. He is the integrative psychologist at Boise Ketamine Clinic, where he offers ketamine assisted psychotherapy for first responders, veterans, and community members.
His primary clinical focus is on First Responder health and wellbeing. He works extensively with firefighters, wildland firefighters, police officers, and those in other LE agencies. He also works closely with those in the Special Operations and Intelligence communities.
He began his yoga and meditation training early in 1998, and has received certification as a Traditional Hatha Yoga instructor and Teacher Trainer. He is a certified iRest teacher under Richard Miller. Michael has trained extensively in the disciplines & practices of Zen (under Abbot Jan Chozen Bays, Gyokuko Carlson, and Larry Jissen Christensen) and Theravada Buddhism, Raja and Hatha Yoga philosophy. He has received certification as an Ayurvedic Life-Style Counselor with Dr. Frawley of the American Institute of Vedic Studies. Michael has worked in the Social Justice field for over two decades, serving marginalized populations in prisons, hospitals, clinics and rehab centers.
Besides his PsyD in clinical psychology, he holds a Master’s in Clinical Psychology from JFK University. He also holds a Master’s of English from Illinois State University where he studied Social Justice and Feminist Pedagogy in the English Studies program. He has received certification as a facilitator of cultural competency, diversity, youth and community development trainings and still works in the community as a trainer.
Michael's Teachers
Michaels lineage of teachers spans the globe and several generations. Follow the links below for more information about each of these beautiful souls.
Community Partners
Michael works closely with the Institute of Noetic Sciences (IONS), the DAYA Foundation, the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies(MAPS), the Mind & Life Institute and many other organizations around the globe. Click the button below for a full list of community partners.
Education
Fellow
Institute of Noetic Sciences, 2016-Present
Postdoctoral Fellowship in Advanced Psychology
Boise VA Medical Center, 2015-2016
PsyD Clinical Psychology
John F. Kennedy University- APA Accredited, September, 2015.
M.A Clinical Psychology
John F. Kennedy University, June 2012
M.A English Studies
Emphasis: Cultural Theory and Feminist/Social Justice Pedagogy
Illinois State University, May 2002
B.A. English
Illinois State University, December 1999
Honors
2015 Celebration of Scholarship Recipient, JFK University
2013 Celebration of Scholarship Recipient, JFK University
2013 Student Award, Society for Military Psychology, Division 19
2001-2002 Sigma Tau Delta, International English Honors Society, Illinois State University
Clinical Experience
7/21-2022 Integration Coach
VETS (vetsolutions.org)
San Diego, CA
Offering prep and integrative sessions for former Navy Seals and special ops team members undergoing psychedelic-assisted therapy
1/21-Present Integrative Psychologist
Boise Ketamine Clinic,
Boise, ID
Offering Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP), prep, and integration sessions
1/20-Present Clinical Psychologist/Co-PI on clinical study on time travel, hope, and unconditional love. The Institute for Love and Time (TILT)
10/16-Present Private Practice/Consultation/Coaching Maitri House Yoga, LLC Boise, ID
8/15-8/16 Psychology Fellow, Boise VA Medical Center, Boise, ID
Rural Health; PTSD and Combat Trauma; Research/Quality Improvement
7/14-7/15 Psychology Doctoral Intern
Hope Counseling Center, Fairbanks, AK
Alaska Psychology Internship Consortium (APA accredited)
7/13-5/14 Psychology Extern
VA Northern California Health Care System
Neurocognitive Rehabilitation Program
Center for Rehabilitation and Extended Care (CREC), and
Center for Integrated Brain Health and Wellness, Martinez, CA
7/12-6/13 Doctoral Practicum Student
VA Northern California Health Care System
Psychosocial Rehabilitation and Recovery Center (PRRC) and the Mental Health Outpatient Clinic, Martinez, CA
8/11-6/12 Doctoral Practicum Student
Walden House, Inc
Residential Substance Abuse Treatment Program, San Francisco, CA
8/11-6/12 Yoga, Relaxation, and Mindfulness Instructor
VA Northern California Health Care System
Center for Integrated Brain Health and Wellness
Center for Rehabilitation and Extended Care (CREC), Martinez, CA
8/10-7/11 Doctoral Ethnographic Practicum Trainee
Anka Behavioral Health, Inc, Oakland, CA.
Research Experience
1/17-Present Research Fellow
Institute of Noetic Sciences, Petaluma, CA
Principle Investigator: Helane Wahbeh, ND, MCR
Study title: iRest Meditation for Older Adults with Depression Symptoms
1/16-1/18 Principle Investigator
Boise VA Medical Center
Study Title: Including the Veteran’s Voice: An exploration of the essential elements in the therapeutic relationship needed to engage combat veterans in treatment.
1/13-11/18 Future of Meditation Research Group
Institute of Noetic Sciences (IONS)
Primary Investigator: Cassandra Vieten, Ph.D., President of IONS
8/13-6/14 Research Associate III
Northern California Institute for Research and Education (NCIRE)
San Francisco VA and VA Northern Health Care System Martinez, CA
Program in Rehabilitation Neuroscience
Primary Investigator: Anthony Chen, MD
Study Title: Neural bases of plasticity with cognitive rehabilitation after brain injury
7/12-10/13 Principle Investigator
Dissertation (successfully defended 10/13)
John F. Kennedy University, Pleasant Hill, CA.
Study Titel: To Care for a Killer: A Phenomenological Exploration of Empathic Failures in the Work with Sexually Violent Offenders
CONSULTATION AND PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT
7/12-Present Delivering Accessible Yoga Alternatives Foundation (DAYA), Portland, OR
1/11-Present Institute of Noetic Science (IONS), Petaluma, CA
9/15-1/16 Zag Group International, Vancouver, BC, Canada
Teaching Experience
7/16-Present Teaching Faculty
Esalen Institute, Big Sur, CA
12/17-Present Maitri Sangha Boise
Founding teacher
Integrated Buddhist Community, Boise, ID.
7/00-Present Yoga and Meditation
National and International retreats, workshops, classes and trainings
10/12-6/13 Teaching Assistant, Integrated Professional Seminar I
John F. Kennedy University, College of Graduate and Professional Studies
1/12-3/12 Teaching Assistant, Lifespan Development
John F. Kennedy University, College of Graduate and Professional Studies
Pleasant Hill, CA
1/05-3/07 ESL Teacher, PeaceCorps Thailand
Tessaban Municipality Schools 1 and 4, Tak Province, Thailand
8/00-5/01 Graduate Assistant, English Dept
Illinois State University, Bloomington, IL.
Course: English 101, Writing Composition
Community Service Experience
6/07-Present Maitri House Yoga
Co-founder, Director, Lead Teacher
International cultural retreats to Thailand
1/05-3/07 Peace Corps Thailand
Teacher Collaboration and Community Development Specialist, Tak, Thailand
8/02-7/04 AmeriCorps, Oregon State Service Corps
Higher Stages Arts Academy
Volunteer Coordinator and Program Supervisor, Portland, OR
Professional Activities
2/13-Present DAYA Foundation: Delivering Accessible Yoga Alternatives
Board of Directors, Portland, OR.
Sub-committee: Training and Curriculum Development
12/10-Present Institute for Spirituality and Psychology
Board of Directors, San Rafael, CA
1/09-7/11 MATI (Media, Arts and Technology Institute)
Board of Directors, Portland, OR.
Professional Affiliations
American Psychological Association
Divisions: Military Psychology; Health Psychology
LANGUAGES
Thai- (Conversational Proficiency)
Relevant Trainings/Certifications
2014 Prolonged Exposure Training
Center for Deployment Psychology
2014 FASD 4-digit Diagnostic Code for Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders
University of Washington FAS Diagnostic and Prevention Network
2014 Integrative Restoration (iRest) Training, Level I/II
Integrative Restoration Institute, with Richard Miller, PhD.
2008 Experienced Registered Yoga Teacher and Teacher Trainer
Yoga Alliance. (ERYT 200hrs; RYT 500hrs)
2002-2004 Multicultural Competency, Diversity and Youth Development Facilitator
Northwest Facilitator Academy, Portland, Oregon
