James S. Gordon, MD

Dr. James S. Gordon, MD, is a Harvard-educated psychiatrist and a global authority on healing psychological trauma through self-awareness, self-care, and group support. He is the Founder and CEO of The Center for Mind-Body Medicine (CMBM) in Washington, D.C., a clinical professor at Georgetown Medical School, and a former chairman of the White House Commission on Complementary and Alternative Medicine Policy under Presidents Clinton and George W. Bush. His pioneering work integrates evidence-based approaches with compassionate care to address trauma at both individual and societal levels.

In his book "Transforming Trauma: The Path to Hope and Healing," Dr. Gordon emphasizes that trauma is a universal human experience rather than a pathological anomaly. Drawing from decades of clinical experience, scientific research, and timeless wisdom, the book offers a step-by-step program to help individuals heal from trauma, rediscover joy, and find purpose. Through compelling stories and practical guidance, he demonstrates how broken hearts can open to greater compassion and love.

Since founding CMBM in 1991, Dr. Gordon has developed a community-centered model of healing that incorporates self-care, self-awareness, and group support into healthcare, professional training, and education. Leading a global faculty of 130 experts, he has trained over 6,000 clinicians, educators, and community leaders, who have brought therapeutic programs to hundreds of thousands of individuals facing trauma, stress, anxiety, and chronic illnesses worldwide.

A peacemaker and cross-cultural bridge-builder, Dr. Gordon has led CMBM teams in addressing psychological trauma in regions affected by war, natural disasters, and school shootings. Notably, he has worked with tribal communities on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation to integrate mind-body medicine with traditional Lakota healing, reducing youth suicides. He and his team have also collaborated with organizations in South Sudan and schools in Parkland, Florida, to support recovery in communities affected by profound adversity.

In addition to his therapeutic work, Dr. Gordon is a prolific author and media presence. His articles have appeared in outlets like The Atlantic, The New York Times, and The Washington Post. He has been featured on major media platforms, including CBS 60 Minutes, NPR, and CNN, sharing his inclusive and compassionate approach to healing. His other books include Unstuck, Manifesto for a New Medicine, and Health for the Whole Person, further establishing him as a thought leader in holistic mental health care.