Jesse Cardin

Jesse Cardin, LCSW, Roshi, is a senior Zen koan teacher in the Pacific Zen School and a licensed depth psychotherapist in private practice. He has been practicing Zen koan meditation since 2006 and teaching since 2016. As a Zen teacher, Jesse practices and teaches the innovative "in your life" approach to Zen koans pioneered by John Tarrant, Roshi and Pacific Zen Institute. This practice weaves traditional koan practice together with a more western respect for the material of a student's personal life. He teaches individual students, groups, and at both in-person and virtual retreats with Pacific Zen Institute. Jesse's psychotherapy practice blends trauma-informed depth therapy modalities such as psychodynamic psychotherapy and Internal Family Systems with Zen meditation practice and koans to help people discover a deeper sense of freedom and authenticity. With over a decade of experience in behavioral health, Jesse has worked with diverse clients in various settings, including intensive inpatient and outpatient care, substance abuse treatment, and crisis stabilization. He has worked extensively with LGBTQ+ adults, veterans, artists & creatives, and high-performing professionals. He also enjoys helping people of all backgrounds deepen self-understanding and work through questions of identity, meaning, and purpose. Don't hesitate to reach out if you'd like to connect!

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