I took a workshop on cultivating authentic happiness at Esalen, taught by Ira and his small team. It was one of the most fulfilling experiences of my life. Ira’s dedication and genuine care for our group and for his clients is unmatchable. His therapy sessions with each of us over the course of the week helped everyone that I talked to tremendously, myself included. Ira was able to foster a loving and open community within only a matter of days through his teachings that use a number of great quotes, video clips, and jokes to intertwine many awesome aspects of philosophy, yoga, meditation, and general self care and introspection. But his emphasis on community and “breaking bread” together is perhaps his greatest contribution to these workshops. It was a truly unforgettable experience and a Ira fantastic listener and guide.

I just finished a 5 day workshop in Esalen with Ira. In 5 days, he managed to teach 60 strangers how to be authentic with themselves and others while providing us tools in doing so. I have never met someone so passionate about what he does and so passionate about people. His lectures are engaging, encouraging, funny, uncomfortable at times and powerful. I hope he continues to teach at Esalen so everyone can benefit from him. Very grateful for the people I met in his workshop and for him and his team. I was able to learn a lot about myself and new tools to help cultivate my happiness.

I attended Iras workshop at Esalen and have come home with many new tools to live a more authentic and fulfilling life. The week was full of information and activities that was interesting and engaging. I would highly recommend this workshop and Iras book.

Ira is one of the most singular people you will ever meet. He is a rare combination in that his presence is as calming as it is energizing. He has such an abundant and rich store of knowledge and experience, every time we speak I learn something new and useful, and yet never does he come off as didactic or detached, he is completely there with you, engaged and alive and it is incredibly refreshing. He holds so much space for everyone and I came away from the workshop with so much healing and inspiration, and a strong conviction to live much more fully. I feel so fortunate to have met this wonderful person. If you have the opportunity to take one of his workshops or be a part of anything he is involved with, you will be very glad you did.

Wow! Such a gift to participate in this workshop. Ira is a talented facilitator that is able to meet each participant where they are, without judgement, and encourage them to stretch just enough to realize growth. The content is timely and pertinent and! Is presented well. Ira creates a safe environment where everyone can connect and form lasting friendships. I have a renewed sense of purpose and I already feel a more authentic connection with my friends and family. Cant wait for the next one!

I’m so grateful for the opportunity to spend time with Ira in an Esalen workshop. He’s a truly remarkable person—engaging, thoughtful, insightful and practical. His teaching draws on abundant knowledge and experience and was so much fun—engaging the mind and the senses. Loving it.

So much love in Ira’s Esalen workshop!I had a great week that exceeded expectations, met so many kind and interesting people, and felt rejuvenated by the insights and activities facilitated by Ira - he’s a charismatic force of good that clearly lives to guide people toward their own greatness. Thank you :)

Incredible workshop with life changing tools that will forever impact the way I love myself and how I love and show up for others. I’m now challenging my viewpoints of the narratives I’ve been so accustomed to telling. I’m so excited to come back to Esalen with my significant other and take the workshop again! The connections I made at Esalen were only possible because Ira facilitated such an intimate and safe setting for everyone to support and encourage one another. 10/10 recommend!!

Wow! Absolutely amazing and truly transformative experience with Ira and his team at Esalen. Ira has the rare gift of bringing people together and creating a space where they can truly be themselves and authentically connect with themselves and others. This is nothing short of magic. He brings tremendous insight from his own journey and relentless curiosity about people, the world we live in, and ways to unlock our true potential. He is the leading edge on a trauma informed approach to healing — which is THE leading edge for wellness today. If you have a chance to work with Ira and his team, do it!

It was an incredible workshop.Ira’s workshop was sensational, Courtney and I loved it, we are so grateful.His vulnerability and authenticity was really so touching to us.Thank you Ira for a magical week full of love. It was as if we already knew you from a previous live, that is how easy you are as a person to get close to. Thank you for sharing your gift and your wisdoms 🙏🏼

I took Ira’s “Cultivating Authentic Happiness” course at Esalen… was an amazing experience. Ira’s style is filled with love, candor (authenticity), and humor….and compassion. He and his associates - Don, Lizbeth, and Felicia made my experience at Esalen magical…. Wish I could bottle Ira up…. Luckily I have his book and great materials.

Ira presents the writings, teachings and practices of leading scientists, authors, spiritual leaders, and self-help gurus, together with insights from his own extraordinary life in an engaging and thought-provoking exploration of happiness and how to achieve it. (A sure fire way not to achieve it, is to pursue it, he warns!) His talks are interwoven with video, exercises, and mindfulness and yoga classes for all levels. I was enlightened and entertained from start to finish.

Best Esalen teacher! So loving and authentic, his generous and encouraging spirit shines through so brightly- a joy to be with and learn from. Love him!

I learned more about myself in 2 days with this amazing human than I have learned in the 36 years of life. My family owes this man the world, as he has made me strong enough and provided the tools for me to be their anchor. And like he pointed out, IT IS A GIFT!

Best retreat!!! Healing, love, beauty, grace, hilarious... 🥰 Can’t wait to go again and keep learning incredible tools 💜

What a incredible time at Ira’s Esalen workshop! He has such a beautiful generosity of spirit and the material he covered was well-researched and informed. It was so insightful that I had numerous “a-ha” moments during the week. Ira’s delivery was fun and humorous, with a mixed media experience that kept it fresh and engaging. The sense of community that he created was unparalleled. Ira’s assistants were also amazing and each offered their own vast knowledge as well. Esalen was the perfect place for this workshop and I’m looking forward to the next one!

I attended Iras Authentic Happiness. It was the most incredible and awakening experience. Ira is one of the most talented, bright and insightful presenter I have experienced over a 35 year conference development career.

The workshop at Esalen exceeded my expectations both for the content of the material and opportunity to meet new tribal members (Esalen 171). Ira understands how to deliver knowledge and tools that can change your life if you practice the new tools. The humor embedded in the content is powerful even though we were a tough crowd -- he is a funny guy/edutrainer.It was helpful to be in such a beautiful place to absorb these new tools. 59 people were at a workshop is quite a bit of people thus the laws of attraction kick in. I did not have a conversation with everyone. I hope to establish new ties with my tribe/group Esalen 171 memebers that I did not speak with in another setting and catching up with others who I did have conversations with. If your shopping for a therapist Ira is a great choice.

Two months ago, when I heard that Ira Israel had liked my album and would bereviewing it, I went online (naturally) to read more about him. I clicked on a longvideo interview--Transcendence, Season 2, hosted by the very good JamesColquhoun--expecting that Id watch the first five or ten minutes and learn a bitabout I.I. To my own surprise, I stuck around for the full 90 minutes. The fact thatI chose to do so on a typically busy day says a lot, I think, about the importanceof Israels words and the charisma and open-heartedness of his delivery.That interview then led me to Israels book HOW TO SURVIVE YOUR CHILDHOOD NOW THATYOURE AN ADULT. Its a great title--and the book lives up to it. But despite thetitle, the book is not just about our childhoods; its about the larger world, wherethe childish reactivity of us adults generates and compounds the worlds manyproblems. As jazz musician Kenny Werner puts it, the folly of the world is that weturn to external things to try to ease our pain instead of looking within. Israelgoes on to assert, We need to stop considering things to be normal just becausethey exist. Amen. Had I ever met the man without reading him, Id have thanked himfor his positive and thoughtful review. Now I can thank him for this wake up call aswell.

Whether you watch him teach online or give an interview or you have the pleasure of interacting with him directly, you will be lifted and changed by the experience. After, you will approach your inner work with a new challenge, listening, finding your way clearer to the parts of you that are ready to be released and the parts that are asking to be born. Deeply compassionate, fiercely intelligent, fully committed to an authentic life for himself and others, you will know a blessing to know Ira.

I did Ira’s “mind hacks” training and it was exceptional! In a world where the past and the future are uppermost in our minds, these refreshing ‘hacks” are a must in helping us enjoy the now! Thank you Ira, this was a message I needed to hear at this point in my life. As a person who loves to learn, and someone who is big on self-awareness, I am excited for any future trainings you have in the pipeline! Cx

Ira has been my life boat when I felt I was sinking - He has lead me through my darkest moments showing me that path back to peace and above all happiness. I am so blessed to have found a therapist, that is as easy to talk to as a best friend. Ira is fun, honest and loving I cherish my time with him as every meeting leads me to finding the strength I had all along - The joy that was coved in shame and little tricks to make better choices for me not everyone else ! Go ! Shame free therapy !!!!!!!!!

I spent an amazing 5 days with my partner, Ira and 56 other loving human beings. We laughed A LOT, learned lots of different approaches to our usual ways of thinking, and I couldnt recommend spending time with Ira in any format, more highly.

Out of the box, human, intellectual, hilarious, brilliant and mind altering. I participated in Iras Esalen workshop on Authentic Happiness... his relatable manner and ability to distill complex philosophies into useable lessons was life altering. A unique personality who will have you soon believing in yourself and humanity. Ira is making the world a better place.

Took Iras workshop at Esalen and it was a great experience. Great people, magical place and lots of tools and approaches to support personal growth.

Changed my life! Bring Ira back to Esalen!

Hanging out in Ira’s workshop at Esalen was an incredible experience. It’s the people, the place and Ira’s authentic lessons of authenticity that can transform your life.

I listened to How To Survive Your Childhood Now That You’re An Adult on audible and thought Ira’s reading was passionate and captivating. His observations are mindbliwing and the way he seamlessly threads psychology, philosophy and Buddhism is total genius. Definitely listen on audible!

There is an abundance of great quotes in Iras class and book that helped me understand the overall philosophy. Main takeways: forgiveness, communicate authentically from the heart, appreciate whatever privileges you enjoy and learn tools to replace the resentments that your mind creates with gratitude. Have been doing his gratitude list every morning and it helps.

I have worked with Ira at Esalen several times and he’s the real deal. Thought provoking and authentic. This is the next best thing to learning with him in person. As a yoga therapist, I am always working personally and professionally on letting go of my old survival patterns and moving towards growth. Ira’s chapter on how to own your life was motivating and powerful and I reference many of his teachings in my work with my clients.

I took Iras Udemy class and then listened to How To Survive Your Childhood Now That Youre An Adult on Audible. There are so many salient philosophical and psychological points in both that its hard to decide which one to recommend first. Honestly if you are looking for immediate remedies for anxiety, depression, OCD or youre just lacking motivation, then Iras class and book give loads of immediately applicable and fun exercises and solutions to everyday problems. If you are ready to make changes in your life and need scientifically proven tools that will result in joy, love and overall happiness then dont miss this class and book.

I crawled in on all fours and walked out with my heart towards the sun. Ira helped me remember what really matters. Thank you.

Ira has been a wonderful teacher, Im very grateful for his help.

Took Iras course on authenticity and he is fantastic! If you take his course your in for an adventure!

I took a workshop at Esalen with Ira and it left such a positive impact on my life and was one of the best weeks in recent memory. I decided to sign up for Iras workshop Cultivating Meaning and Happiness through Yoga and Meditation very last minute and the whole week exceeded my expectations. I went alone but met friends for life - Ira brings the best people together and shares many educational tools and techniques for creating more connection and it was tremendously helpful, fun, and meaningful. I highly recommend taking a workshop with Ira! You will love it!

Ira did a great job explaining complicated theories in a simple and entertaining format

5 stars!Ira Israels practice focuses on authentic human interaction, and authentic human healing, two absolute necessities in these chaotic times of Covid, smartphones, and sub-optimal human connections. The workshops Ive attended have been beautiful -- focused on giving us the personal tools to help ourselves (Awareness), guiding us back to a deeper connection with ourselves (Atonement), and connecting with others (Attunement). If you are looking for something more authentic, Ira is an inspiring guide, as is his deep love of lifelong learning.

I spent time with Ira at Esalen attending his workshop, what an amazing communicator! What a transformative experience! It was the reboot I needed!

“How to survive your childhood now that you’re an adult” is one of the most fascinating and brilliant books I have ever read! Bravo!

Ira makes it all about the journey and not the destination. He provides the tools and skills to figure it out and how to repair or replace the issues in your life.

“How to Survive Your Childhood Now That You’re an Adult: A Path to Authenticity and Awakening” is one of the best reads on family dynamics and self-understanding. Iras writing is brilliant, thought provoking, and accessible. I look forward to attending one of his workshops at Esalen.

My partner and I took Iras online class on authenticity and it provided so many wonderful exercises for us to improve the way we communicate with each other. It was a very rejuvenating experience for us. Highly recommend!

Iras Authenticity and Awakening class have been an open and honest window into my personal relationships and myself. As a disabled veteran it is sometimes difficult to be authentic and almost impossible to stay in the present moment. The tools Ira shares are helping me learn to stop living in the past and to start living in the present. I am also learning to strengthen my intimate relationships with my family and friends. Having gone through physical and emotional trauma, Ira has the advantage of having practiced what he preaches. As a veteran I appreciate that Ira tells it like it is, definitely not something that I have found to be very common these days.

Through Iras teaching I now have a consistent meditation practice I look forward to. Thank you Ira!

Ira is such a mensch and has such a wide base of knowledge that he draws from :) Generous, compassionate and so kind!

Awesome Esalen workshop!

I went to Iras workshop at Esalen, I read his book, and I took his online course Authenticity and Awakening. This is how much I love his message. The online course not only offers practical tools to improve your life and happiness, but it explains HOW the tools work and WHY we need them to overcome some of the ways our minds work against our happiness. Iras wisdom comes from decades of academic study, as well as practical experience working with people as a psychotherapist. Spend a couple of hours with Ira in this online course and you will not regret it!

Ira is a wonderful soul here to see you thrive in every area of your life. He is extremely resourceful and loves to share his resources to help you in any way he can. He is genuinely kind, always raw and real with you and doesnt just see you as another client. He is also helping me jump start my business because I no longer tolerate staying in my comfort zone and playing small !!! Thank you Ira for everything!

Ira is part of the teaching faculty at Esalen Institute and is always a favorite with strong participation and healthy enrollment. His workshop consistently receives excellent feedback and the students leave very satisfied. If you have the opportunity to study with Ira via internet or live and in person, I recommend you go for it! Youll likely not regret it. - Director of Programs, Esalen Institute

Ira is an enthusiastic and entertaining presenter of skills for living well. I have attended both in-person and digital workshops he led on Yoga and Mindfulness. They were fun, educational, and impactful. I still use some of the practices he taught and I recommend his work highly. Everyone should learn this stuff.

I am so grateful to have met Ira, thank you.

Ira gives very honest, straight-forward and compassionate advise that can be applied immediately and promises great results. Its a joy to talk to him and his openness and insight provide a safe environment to talk about everything. I highly recommend seeing Ira to everyone who feels stuck and could use helpful words of wisdom.

Ira Israel is a great teacher. Extremely knowledgeable, relatable, and kind. I truly enjoyed and grew from his course “Authenticity and Awakening for Lovable Idiots”. When you can laugh and tear up and learn all from one course - it’s a win! — much gratitude on my end.

In his book How to Survive Your Childhood Now That You’re an Adult: A Path to Authenticity and Awakening, Ira presents a thoughtful and insightful analysis while using interesting references to support his theories. Its philosophical, yet applicable...fresh, yet timeless.

Ira is deeply caring, generous, insightful, and inspiring. I first met him at Esalen’s Wonder With Us workshop in Sausalito last year. His presentation was a highly captivating tour de force of knowledge, tools, and insights about human nature, happiness, and how resentment holds us back. The concept of “giving up all hope of a better past” resonated so deeply with me I posted it on my wall as my mantra for 2020.

Such great information that resonated with me all around. I highly recommend his courses for anyone looking to have better interpersonal relationships and find their purpose in this life.

This book is a game-changer! Simple, clever, and even funny. It has been pivotal in changing my relationship with my husband for the better. For that I am eternally grateful.

I love the work that you’re doing. You’re book, How to Survive Your Childhood Now That You’re an Adult has changed my thinking and I use it in my classes. Thank you for sharing your brilliance with the world.

I listened on Audible and it’s perfect, all you need to know!

Iras authenticity class on Udemy is a total game-changer!

I attended Ira Israel’s workshop at Esalen and read How To Survive Your Childhood Now that You’re An Adult and found both to be fascinating, fun and enlightening.

Iras book is amazing, definitely helped me unlock some of my inner struggles from the past and guided me on how to accept and move past them. Wonderful book, written with a guidance of love, kindness, and acceptance. Cant recommend enough.

Your book How To Survive Your Childhood Now That Your An Adult is such an incredibly transformative work, especially when coupled with your own journey of healing the trauma from your childhood accident that you discuss in Transcendence 2. Add in the work you share on healing anxiety, depression and other emotional dis-eases in Authenticity and Awakening for Lovable Idiots and you are such a powerfully bright light in this world, providing guidance and structure for people to move through difficult phases of life and link their healing journey to their ultimate awakening.

I came across Ira when I was subscribed to Gaiatv, what caught my attention was the interview called How to Use Forgiveness & Compassion to Heal with Ira Israel it helped me let go of the resentments I held. I was curious after that and I did a quick search on Instagram and found Ira and his course. I absolutely adore his course! I needed something more than the books that I was reading. I am currently pursuing my B.A. in Psychology and I highly recommend his course (the nectar to my soul). This course is for those who done with making excuses.

Ira is one of the leading teachers of authenticity, happiness and mindfulness in the world today.

Ira’s understanding of psychology, philosophy and human nature is unparalleled. If you cannot study with him in person, I highly recommend his online “Authenticity and Awakening for Lovable Idiots”. Ira’s keen sense of humor makes it as entertaining as it is enlightening. I find his approach refreshing!

Ira has had a profound and lasting impact on my life. He helped guide me to discover a renewed sense of purpose and direction - tapping into a well of positive energy that has fractaled outward to all aspects of my existence. He has aided me in repairing my relationship with my wife and family. Through his coaching I now have the tools to foster unbelievably beautiful, authentic relationships with all of the people Im connected with.I have met few others as genuine and caring as Ira - he really gives you the sense that he chose his profession to foster the healing of people, rather than just as a job to make money. Hes inspired in me a similar ideology - one where I seek to find fulfillment and joy in all aspects of my life, rather than working only for the sake of making ends meet.Since working with him, Ive found what I believe to be my own vocation - and Ive taken big steps toward living the life I truly want to be living.I sincerely wish everyone could have a counselor as effective, thoughtful, and compassionate as Ira.I also highly recommend everyone check out his book!

Ira has the ability to navigate around the baggage that has existed in our relationship for years and cut through it all to give us helpful insights and actionable goals to improve our relationship. The work we are doing together has improved our day to day life together and enabled us to love each other in more meaningful and thoughtful ways.

Ira is absolutely the best Psychotherapist you can find. He is great on communication, super professional and really went the extra mile to help

I have known Ira for three years now and it would not be too much to say that meeting Ira was a life changing encounter. Ira has helped and guided me professionally on a personal and business level. I have learnt so much, whether that be meditation, understanding one self or incredible business tools that helped me further my career and helped me expand as person. His experience, knowledge, kindness and wisdom is so profound and expansive that any conversation is one to be cherished. From philosophy, psychology, love, authenticity, growth.... (the list goes on!) Ira is a great teacher. I am extremely lucky to have been able to meet and learn from him and I hope that so many more people are able to have the same privilege as I. Merci Ira!

I came across Ira Israel through his amazing videos on mindfulness and meditation during a fairly tough time in my life. The information that he shared and the way that it is presented was so powerful that its not an understatement to say that I found a lot of healing through them and continue to use the guided meditations in them weekly.When I reached out to Ira personally to thank him for his work and sharing it with the world - he could not have been nicer or more generous a person. I have viewed other mindfulness videos and books, but none have been as interesting and thorough as Mr. Israels in helping explain how the mind and body work.I hope his work continues to get more and more of an audience- Its amazing material and Im delighted to say that from my experience, hes an amazing human being and teacher. I wish him great success as his mssion to help heal the world deserves all the support in the world.Cant be said enough: Ira is a fantastic human being! :)

Ira is an extremely knowledgeable and encouraging teacher.

Ira is an inspiration for anyone seeking to gain an understanding in the concept of happiness and how it really plays a part in our world. Rather than giving you an inexistent antidote to any type of problem, he guides you to better understand the core of the problem and finding the solution the only way it can be found. His profound knowledge in art, music, psychology, religion, and spirituality makes him one of the most intelligent people Ive met.

Ira’s “Authenticity and Awakening for Lovable Idiots” course will change your life forever!I did the whole training with my partner, we both got a lot from it.Every human being needs to know this powerful skills to get, to keep and to create HARMONIOUS, HAPPY RELATIONSHIPS.

Iras commitment to helping people is unparalleled. His ability to be present and in the moment allows others to do the same. His wisdom and determination stand out considerably.

I attended a weekend retreat that Ira facilitated at Kripalu this past fall and it changed my life. I know that sounds like a bold statement, but its 100% authentic and how I feel. Iras teachings and perspective gave me the tools and skills I needed to move forward in my personal journey. I left the weekend with a new mantra in life that I tell myself each day, Today I will strive for results and not make excuses. Its so freeing and motivating. I also left the weekend with deeper personal relationships, new friendships and a new purpose and passion. It really was just an extraordinary weekend. I would recommend this to anyone who is feeling a bit lost or stuck. Go with an open mind and heart and I know you will leave with fulfillment! Thank you, Ira!

If 10 stars were possible I would give them to Ira. Excessively generous of spirit and funny too! This is a man committed to making the world a better place.

Ira is bright and genuine and tuned-in.Through his broad interests and lifetime of experiences, he has acquired the cardinal gift which is wisdom. And he shares it effortlessly & encourages us all to do the same.He has a natural way of making others feel comfortable, and talking with him feels like talking with an old friend. His company is a safe place to land.

Forever grateful that i one day found myself in his office. if some people were put on this planet to challenge and better the way you view this world, ira is one of them.

I took Ira’s authenticity and awakening course and it was fabulous for people who want to wake their souls up!

I recently happened upon Ira Israel’s excellent book, “How to Survive Your Childhood Now That You Are An Adult.” It is a wonderful, straight up, cleared-eyed synthesis of the principles of mindfulness and psychology, as well as a thoughtful reflection on how much our consumer culture paradigm impacts our personal choices, whether we realize it or not. Knowledge is power, as the saying goes. This book will widen your personal horizons, and the wisdom and information it contains will give you the tools to start living out your authentic life today. Highly recommended!

Iras book How to Survive Your Childhood Now That Youre an Adult is the game changer Id been looking for! After reading it, I reached out to Ira on a whim. He has since become a mentor and friend. I have been stunned every step of the way by Iras extraordinary grace, kindness, generosity and wisdom.If YOU have depression or anxiety, you will think this book is speaking directly to you. You will finally understand WHY you have mental health issues and HOW they arose. The patterns were set before you understood words. Best of all, the book will show you HOW TO CHANGE those patterns and MOVE FORWARD. READ IT! Its only 180 pages - and the best 180 pages you will ever read.

Brilliant and scary smart!

And then peace of mind came. Had no idea, calm could come from a 20 minute phone call with Ira Israel! Have a whole new perspective. Feel completely aligned for the 1st time in 2 years. Words cannot begin to express my gratitude for tuning me back into #1 priority. Would move to California to merely be fortunate enough to talk with Ira weekly. In a year I could possibly be living from the inside out!!!! Thank you!!!

Ira Israel has guided me in changing my perspectives, my thoughts, and therefore my life. He has shifted my thinking succinctly through paralyzing life decisions. He recognizes we are impacted by career, health, mind, and family. He has greatly helped me with every aspect of my life.. including seeing my children. Ira so generously donated his time to my son, which proves he truly has a calling to help people that comes from an altruistic source. Ira doesn’t just know a little about a lot of things, he knows everything about everything. He never stops learning, imparts his knowledge, and inspires me to grow as a result. I cannot wait to attend one of Ira’s speaking engagements! I highly recommend Ira and am forever grateful for his guidance and wisdom.

Ira is an inspiration. In one meeting he inspired me to pursue a career that turned out to be my true calling and passion in life. I had struggled for years trying to figure it out. I will be forever grateful!

Ira has been an excellent life and career coach and connector. Some of the most key people I have met this year have been through him. He goes above and beyond and I would highly recommend him and his services to anyone looking to improve their quality of life and happiness.

Ira’s book, “How to Survive Your Childhood Now That You’re an Adult” contains everything you need to know to step outside the uncomfortable ‘comfort zone’ that’s been holding you back your whole life - from deep and meaningful connections and living a life without regrets. Reading it you will be suffused with the courage it takes to step forward and be the person you always knew in your heart you could become. It gives you the awareness, skills and tools to be the best you, and to overcome fear. It will enable you to love without hesitation and to throw your arms open wide to opportunities that have already been knocking but that you couldn’t hear. Most of all you will laugh out loud and regain your sense of humor that puts the twinkle back in your eye and the smile from ear to ear on your face. Best book I’ve ever read. Loved it!!

This book couldnt have entered into my life at a more poignant time. It is about our societal conditioning and what we can do to move ahead in our lives so that we dont continue on respective paths of self-destruction, depression, anxiety, anger, resentment etc. Ira has a remarkable ability to illustrate how our psychology has been affected by the world and to take it a step further, he provides clarity and the tools to implement change for the sake of happiness. There are many books, but this one is special and relevant. It is relevant to the times we live but I also speculate that it will be a good read in the future. What has been written in the pages of this book, feels important in my hands.For those who suffer, for those who seek to understand the nature of reality, for those who are interested in self-awareness, psychology, spirituality, etc., this is a book for you.

Ira is a genuinely wonderful human who gave us the tools to save a young marriage which had suffered extreme emotional, personal and financial stresses for over a year. Making us feel immediately comfortable and helping us strip away the layers of defences we had built up between us, Ira made an instant difference to our relationship and bolstered our beliefs as individuals to improve our quality of life. It may sound cliché to say he saved our marriage in a single session but Ira did just that and weve walked on a path of constant improvement which simply would not have happened without him.If you are a client and/or a friend of Ira, consider yourself blessed.

I attended one of Iras Cultivating Authentic Relationships talks last fall, and was blown away by how much his point of view resonated with me! I found his seminar to be extremely candid and the anecdotes shared to be very relatable. If youre looking to explore a deeper understanding of how to effectively form bonds and express your authentic self, I would definitely recommend attending one of his talks!

Ira Israel’s courageous and riveting new book takes on the status quo: How to Survive Your Childhood Now That You’re an Adult illuminates our society’s extremely narrow bandwidth for emotions common to us all. In particular, feelings of sadness and grief are stifled (or medicated) because the may hinder our perceived productivity and participation, even if temporarily. Ira asserts, unmistakably that happiness is only achievable when we live into it with pure authenticity, feeling all our emotion without needing to grasp or avert. He helps the reader realize the power of loving and genuine relationships that enable access to the true self. Ira provides a place to contemplate the intimacy born of nonjudgmental, intentional support in relationships where we are free to feel and process our wide range of emotions that are encompassed in the uninhibited human experience. This is a very brave book by someone with an eagle eye and an open and tremendous heart.

Our whole family LOVED Authenticity and Awakening for Lovable Idiots”!

I read “How to Survive Your Childhood Now That You’re an Adult: A Path to Authenticity and Awakening” and then watched “Authenticity and Awakening for Lovable Idiots” (I actually watched Lovable Idiots twice because it’s so great to hear Ira explain these concepts).Ira sees situations differently from other people. He is an EPIC problem solver!

Do you ever ask yourself, “Is this all there is?” Have you played by the rules and done your best, yet wonder why you’re not as happy and fulfilled as you expected to be? If so, How To Survive Your Childhood Now That You’re an Adult: A Path to Authenticity and Awakening is a book you’ll want to read. The author, Ira Israel, is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, and a Mindful Relationship Coach.Israel sees beyond the cultural illusions and covert assumptions that have kept you from discovering your authentic self. For example, Western culture’s beliefs in capitalism, science, and religion taught you to value the wrong things like productivity, consumerism, and romantic love. Your futile struggles to find happiness and unconditional love via these beliefs created resentments and judgments about the past. And whether or not you realize it, as an adult you still dwell on these beliefs and ignore your present pain to stave off future pain.This book will challenge and deconstruct your current worldview and encourage you to own the realities of your life. It will help you see the false self you created as a child to gain the acceptance, approval and love you craved.

Ira is an amazing teacher and leader. His lectures are engaging and woven from many layers of history and psychology. He knows how to use movement and humor to instruct and inform a modern audience. My mind and body were enriched when I recently took his course at Esalen. I’d recommend it to anyone because you walk away with a new perspective on yourself and those around you. But I think Ira’s true gift is his ability to bring people together. I made some incredible friends in his course and it’s because he built the bridges.

Ira helped me through a really difficult time after graduating from college and realizing I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life. He has incredible knowledge about so many things and is both compassionate and challenging as a therapist. Ill be forever indebted to him for leading me to realize my own passion for therapy, not only as a client but as a future clinician (Im currently on track to becoming licensed myself). Thank you, Ira!

Ira is extremely generous and resourceful. He is always going above and beyond to help those around him!

So brilliant and enlightening! I listened to How To Survive Your Childhood Now That Youre An Adult on Audible and Iras soothing and beautiful voice made it even more enjoyable! Very helpful for people who are trying to get off of anti-depressants or anti-anxiety medication. Gets you thinking about all the crazy stimulation around you and forces you to be more conscious of it. Highly recommend.

Ira goes out of his way to help others.