John Amodeo Ph.D., LMFT

About

John Amodeo, Ph.D., MFT, holds graduate degrees in both clinical and transpersonal psychology. He is a life coach and has been a licensed marriage and family therapist for over 45 years in the San Francisco Bay area. He is the author of five books, including his most recent, The Power of Gentle Presence: Insights for Inner Peace and Deeper Relationships. His previous book, Dancing with Fire: A Mindful Way to Loving Relationships, won the Spirituality and Practice Award as one of the best spiritual books of 2013. His other books include The Authentic Heart and Love & Betrayal. With Dr. Sue Johnson, he co-authored a chapter on EFT and Buddhism in The Emotionally Focused Casebook. He contributed a chapter to The Theory and Practice of Focusing-Oriented Psychotherapy. He has lectured and led workshops internationally, including at universities in Hong Kong, Chile, Thailand, and Ukraine. He was a writer and contributing editor for Yoga Journal for 10 years and has appeared as a media guest on CNN, Donahue, NPR, and New Dimensions Radio.

Books by John Amodeo Ph.D., LMFT

Recent Posts

Deepening Our Sense of Self-Worth

Self-worth isn’t fixed; it deepens through presence and self-compassion. By meeting our feelings with kindness, we build resilience and embody a more stable self-worth.

Why Confidence Doesn't Always Reflect True Self-Worth

Not all confidence reflects true self-worth. Authentic self-worth is grounded in presence, humility, and self-acceptance, allowing us to respond to life with greater resilience.

Blame vs. Responsibility

Blame fuels shame and defensiveness, distancing us from others. Taking responsibility with self-kindness and dignity reduces reactivity, supports repair, and builds trust.

Why Respect Matters More Than We Realize

Respect keeps love alive. Treating a partner as a separate person—with valid limits, feelings, and preferences—builds emotional safety, trust, and a deeper bond.

The Problem With Saying "It Is What It Is"

Tenderness keeps connection alive, not conversation stoppers.

3 Questions That Can Refine How You Speak—and Are Heard

Before you speak, pause to ask three mindful questions: Is it kind? Is it true? Is it useful? These simple inquiries can turn reactivity into trust and deepen your relationships.

Love Is the Easy Part, Feeling Understood Is Harder

Feeling loved isn’t always enough. We also need to feel seen and understood. Emotional attunement—meeting feelings with gentleness and curiosity—is what deepens trust and intimacy.

Are You Feeling Unappreciated?

We all long to feel valued. By noticing the appreciation already around us and offering gratitude more freely, we deepen our connection with ourselves and those we encounter.

The Power of Just Saying Maybe

Self-care, empowerment, and avoiding resentment.

Who’s Living Your Life?

Many of us struggle to live authentically, torn between others’ expectations and our own lived experiece. Real fulfillment comes from balancing autonomy with emotional connection.