Susan Gordon, PhD

EDUCATION

Ph.D., History and Philosophy of Psychology, Mind/Body Medicine, Saybrook University, 2007
Dissertation: Psycho-Neuro-Intracrinology: The Embodiment of Myth, Intentionality, and the Spiritual Sense of Well-being in Women at Midlife

M.A., Health Psychology, Saybrook University, 2001
Thesis: A Theoretical Investigation of the Relationship between Transpersonal Self-Concept and Estrogen Dominance

Naturopathic Medicine, Bastyr University, 1992-1995
Coursework: Gross Human Anatomy and Dissection, Biochemistry, Human Physiology, Histology, Embryology, Neuroscience, Microbiology, Naturopathic History and Philosophy, Naturopathic Clinical theory, Principles of traditional Chinese Medicine, Pharmacognosy, Homeopathy, Botanical Medicine, Foods, Dietary Systems Assessment, Hydrotherapy, Physiotherapy, Biomedical Research Methods, Counseling.

B.A. Political Science/Psychology, Clark University, 1979

Massage Therapy, Connecticut Center for Massage Therapy, 1989 (License # 897)

Cranio-Sacral Therapy, Levels I, II, and SomatoEmotional Release, Upledger Institute, 1994

Reiki, Levels I, II, III, 1985-87

ACADEMIC POSITIONS

Certified Core Adjunct Professor of Psychology, National University, La Jolla, CA, 2008–2014: 2017-present

Courses Taught: Introduction to Psychology, Biological Psychology, Social Psychology, Child Development, Introduction to Psychopathology, History of Psychology, Developmental Psychology, Introduction to Personality Theory, Cognitive Psychology, Senior Capstone Project, Independent Study for Honor’s Students

Courses Developed: Biological Psychology, Health Psychology, Social Psychology, Child Development

Associate Faculty, Assistant Professor of Psychology, National University, La Jolla, CA, 2015-2017
Co-developed: BA Integrative Psychology program

Courses Developed: History and Philosophy of Psychology, Psychology of Consciousness

Member, WASC 5-year review, BA Psychology program, 2013

Research Director, Southbury Clinic for Traditional Medicines, CT, 1995 – present
Conduct range-finder studies with small cohorts to examine the efficacy of nutraceuticals, assess treatment outcomes, and compile reviews of literature for monographs. Counsel individuals and couples using Existential-humanistic-transpersonal approach. Massage, Cranio-sacral, Reiki therapist (Lic., State of CT, 1980-present)

Research Assistant to Eugene Taylor, Saybrook/Harvard Medical School, 2003 – 2013

Copy Editor:
Taylor (2009). The mystery of personality: A history of psychodynamic theories. Springer.
Taylor (2005). William James and the spiritual roots of American pragmatism (unpublished ms).

Invited, Postdoctoral Fellowship, Centrede Recherche en Epistémologie Appliquée; L’institut des Systèmes Complexes, Paris Île-de-France (ISC-PIF), 2011

Member, Institutional Review Board, Saybrook University, 1999-2009

Certified Accrediting Evaluator, Distance Education Training Council (DETC), Washington, DC. Onsite subject specialist for degree programs in Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2008

Foreign Expert, Bureau of Foreign Experts Affairs, Provincial Government, Guangxi, PRC, 2008-present

SELECT CLINICAL RESEARCH

Range-finder study with a small cohort to examine the efficacy of nutraceuticals developed by

Arthur Andrew Medical, designed to decrease interstitial colonization of Candida Albicans in the colonic interstitium, 2008

Research testing the efficacy of hormonal and nutritional protocols in naturopathic patients, 1999-2004

Review of literature, “Effects of sex and adrenal cortical steroids on thyroid function.” Daily Health News, ® 2007

Review of literature, a monograph on Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), Natural Standard Database, 2004

Research testing the efficacy of Reiki as adjunctive care in chemotherapy, Yale University Oncology Outpatient Clinic, 1990

LECTURES, PRESENTATIONS, WORKSHOPS

Gordon, S. (6/11/23). Lecturer. Autoimmunity and the mind-brain relationship. Autoimmune Disorders Conference. National University of Natural Medicine, Portland, OR.

Gordon, S. (6/26/19). Invited Presenter. Psychoneurointracrinology: The embodied self. The Science of Consciousness, Interlaken, Switzerland.

Gordon, S. (4/14/19). Lecturer. Psychoneurointracrinology: The mind-brain continuum. Endocrinology and Autoimmune Disorders Conference, National University of Natural Medicine, Portland, OR.

Gordon, S., (9/12/18). Lecturer, The mind-brain continuum. University of Bridgeport, College of Naturopathic Medicine, Grand Rounds.

Gordon, S. (8/19/18). Keynote Speaker. Psychoneurointracrinology: The mind-brain continuum. Integrative Endocrinology Conference, National University of Natural Medicine, Portland, OR.

Gordon, S. (8/9-8/12/18). Invited Discussant. Mindfulness – Beyond techniques and interventions – Potential for flourishing and intimacy. 125th Annual Convention of the American Psychological Association, San Francisco, CA. Panelists: Belinda Khong, Geoff Dawson, Robert Rosenbaum, and John Christopher.

Gordon, S. (8/9 – 8/12/18). Invited Presenter. The existential-transpersonal self and embodied well-being. 125th Annual Convention of the American Psychological Association, San Francisco, CA. Panelists: Co-chairs: Susan Gordon and Rosemarie Anderson; and Meili Pinto.

Gordon, S., & Rubman, A. (7/14/18). Presenter. The mind-brain continuum. Naturopathic Medical Student Association Conference. 33rd Annual Convention of the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians, San Diego, CA.

Gordon, S. (9/25 – 9/27/17). Invited Presenter. Psychoneurointracrinology: The embodied self. 6th Annual World Congress of Molecular Medicine, Xi’an, PRC.

Gordon, S. (8/4 – 8/7/16). Invited Presenter. Existential-humanistic psychology and the ICD-10 CM. ICD-10: Challenges for psychologists. Division 32, 124th Annual Convention of the American Psychological Association, Denver, CO. Chair/Discussant: Antonio Puente.

Gordon, S. (8/4 – 8/7/16). Invited Presenter. Neurophenomenology: A humanistic renaissance. Division 32, 124th Annual Convention of the American Psychological Association, Denver, CO. Panelists: Susan Gordon, Brent Dean Robbins, and Ronald Bonnstetter. Chair/Discussant: Donald Moss.

Gordon, S. (6/2 – 6/5/16). Invited Presenter. Alan Watts and neurophenomenology. University of Hawai’i at Manoa. Society for Asian and Comparative Philosophy.

Gordon, S. (6/22 – 6/23/15). Invited Presenter. Neurophenomenology: The intuitive bridge between mind and brain. First Transpersonal Research Colloquium. Milan, Italy.

Gordon, S. (3/13 – 3/16/14). Invited Presenter. Neurophenomenology: The intuitive bridge between mind and brain. Panel: Intuition and Method: Phenomenological, Indigenous, and Neurophenomenological Perspectives. Division 32, 6th Annual Division Conference, Sofia University, Palo Alto, CA. Panelists: Susan Gordon, Rosemarie Anderson, and Aaron L. Mishara.

Gordon, S. (3/13 – 3/16/14). Invited Respondent. Humanizing the neuropsychological assessment experience. Division 32, 6th Annual Division Conference, Sofia University, Palo Alto, CA. Panelists: Kelsey Clews, Katarzyna Lesniak-Kasperek, and Nicole Miller.

Gordon, S. (10/4 – 10/19/13). Lecturer. Mind-body medicine. Bureau of Foreign Experts, PRC: Guilin Medical University, and Guangxi University, Department of Pharmacology, Nanning, PRC.

Gordon, S. (9/10/13). Lecturer. The neurophenomenology of self. Yale University, Program for Recovery and Community Health, New Haven, CT.

Gordon, S. (8/2-8/3/13). Presenter. Neurophenomenology and Its Applications to Psychology. Divisions 32 and 52. 121st Annual Convention of the American Psychological Association, Honolulu, HI.

Gordon, S. (8/3/12). Chair and Presenter, Symposium. The neurophenomenological self. Division 32, 120th Annual Convention of the American Psychological Association, Orlando, FL. Panelists: Susan Gordon, Eugene Taylor, Brent Robbins, Robert McInerney, Olga Louchakova-Schwartz.

Gordon, S. (5/25 – 5/28/12). Invited Presenter. Existential time and the meaning of human development. Second International Conference on Existential Psychology, Shanghai, PRC.

Gordon, S. (4/1/12). Chair and Presenter, Symposium. Neurophenomenology and Its Applications to Psychology. Panelists: Susan Gordon, Eugene Taylor, Brent Robbins, Robert McInerney, Olga Louchakova-Schwartz. Division 32, 5th Annual Conference, Point Park University, Pittsburgh, PA.

Gordon, S. (8/5/11). Chair and Presenter, Symposium. Humanizing science: Person-centered neuroscience, model building, and evidence-based practice. Panelists: Susan Gordon, Kevin Keenan, Peter Jankowski, Arnond Sakworawich. Division 32, 119th Annual Convention, American Psychological Association, Washington, DC.

Gordon, S. (7/4 – 7/8/11). Invited Presenter. Existential time and the meaning of human development. 17th Conference, International Society for Chinese Philosophy. Paris, France.

Gordon, S. (4/15 – 4/17/11). Presenter. New medical continuum: Psychotherapy, naturopathic medicine, and psychopharmacology. (Co-presenter: Andrew Rubman, ND). Annual Conference, Society for Humanistic Psychology, Division 32, 4th Annual Conference, Chicago School for Professional Psychology, Chicago, IL.

Gordon, S. (4/12 – 4/15/11). Invited Presenter. The mind-brain continuum. Wiring the brain: Making connections. International Conference associated with Neuroscience Ireland and BioMed Central. Powerscourt, Co Wicklow, Ireland.

Gordon, S. (8/15/10). Chair. Neurophenomenology: The mind and the brain. Conversation Hour, Society for International Psychology, Division 52, 118th Annual Convention, American Psychological Association, San Diego, CA.

Gordon, S. (8/13/10). Chair. Neurophenomenology: The embodied mind. Conversation Hour, Division 32, 118th Annual Convention, American Psychological Association San Diego, CA. Panelists: Susan Gordon, Brent Robbins, Louis Hoffman, and Fred Wertz (discussant).

Gordon, S. (6/20/10). Presented Paper. Existential time and the meaning of human development. Society for Asian and Comparative Philosophy, Pacific Grove, CA.

Gordon, S. (4/24/10). Keynote Speaker. Neurophenomenology: The mind and the brain. Society for International Psychology, Division 52, 90th Annual Convention, Western Psychological Association, American Psychological Association, Cancun, Mexico.

Gordon, S. (4/2-4/5/10). Presenter. Existential challenges of midlife, Existential givens, Emotion, and Existential Psychology. First International Existential Psychology East-West Conference, Nanjing, PRC. Presented with: Louis Hoffman, Kirk Schneider, Erik Craig, Mark Yang, and Ilene Serlin.

Gordon, S. (2/27/10). Chair, Symposium. Neurophenomenology: The mind and the brain. Midwinter Meeting, Society for Theoretical and Philosophical Psychology, Division 24, American Psychological Association, Miami, FL. Panelists: Susan Gordon, Olga Louchakova, and Christopher Ramey.

Gordon, S. (2/20/10). In R. McInerney, Chair, Neurophenomenology and the enactive approach to cognition. Symposium, Confluence Psychology Alliance, Point Park University, Pittsburgh, PA. Panelists: Eugene Taylor, Olga Louchakova, Robert McInerney, Brent Robbins, and Susan Gordon.

Gordon, S. (8/6/09). Chair, Symposium. Neurophenomenology and the enactive approach to cognition, Division 32, 117th Annual Convention of the American Psychological Association, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Panelists: Eugene Taylor, Olga Louchakova, Robert McInerney, Brent Robbins, and Stanley Krippner (discussant).

Gordon, S. (6/12/09). Presented Poster. Psycho-Neuro-Intracrinology: Embodiment of myth, intentionality, and the spiritual sense of well-being in women at midlife. Toward a Science of Consciousness. Hong Kong, SAR.

Gordon, S. (6/09). Nominee, William James Award. Association for the Scientific Study of Consciousness (ASSC). Berlin, DE. Submitted paper: Psychoneurointracrinology: The mind-body continuum.

Gordon, S. (8/15/08). Presented Paper. Psycho-Neuro-Intracrinology: Myth, intentionality, and spiritual well-being in women at midlife, Division 32, 116th Annual Convention of the American Psychological Association, Boston, MA.

Gordon, S. (11/3/07) (Invited Address). The sexuality of women and the management of menopause. Poliplaza Médica Insituto de Medicina y Tecnología Avanzada de la Conducta. Ciebles Center, Ciudad Juarez, Mexico.

Gordon, S. (9/24/07) (Presented Paper). Psycho-Neuro-Intracrinology: The embodiment of myth, intentionality, and the spiritual sense of well-being in women at midlife. 4th International Conference on Humanistic and Transpersonal Psychologies & Psychotherapies. Sino-American Institute for Transpersonal Studies & the Baiyun Psychological Hospital, Guangzhou, China.

PUBLICATIONS

Books/Chapters

Gordon, S. (2022). The mind-brain continuum: Psychoneurointracrinology. Springer.

Gordon, S. (in press). Psycho-Neuro-Intracrinology: The mind-body continuum. In P. Snider, J. Zeff, J. Sensenig, & J. E. Pizzorno (Eds.), The healing power of nature: The foundations of naturopathic medicine and the ecology of healing: Primary care for the twenty-first century. Foundations of Naturopathic Medicine.

Gordon, S. (2021). Alan Watts and neurophenomenology. In P. J. Columbus (Ed.), The relevance of Alan Watts in contemporary culture: Understanding contributions and controversies (pp. 44-56). Routledge, Taylor and Francis Group.

Robbins, B. D., & Gordon, S. (2015). Humanistic neuropsychology: The implications of neurophenomenology for psychology. In K. J. Schneider & J. F. Pierson (Eds.), The handbook of humanistic psychology: Leading edges in theory, research, and practice (2nd ed., pp. 195-211). Sage Publications.

Gordon, S. (Ed.). (2013a). Neurophenomenology and its applications to psychology. Springer.

Gordon, S. (2013b). Psychoneurointracrinology: The embodied self. In S. Gordon (Ed.), Neurophenomenology and its applications to psychology (pp. 115-148). Springer.

Book Reviews

Gordon, S. (2019, September). Review of Ecology of the brain: The phenomenology and biology of the embodied mind. [Review of the book Ecology of the brain: The phenomenology and biology of the embodied mind. T. Fuchs]. The Humanistic Psychologist, 47(3), 316-327. http://dx.doi.org/10.1037/hum0000130

Gordon, S. (2017, December, 18). Alan Watts reconsidered. [Review of the book Alan Watts – in the Academy: Essays and Lectures. P. Columbus & D. L. Rice]. PsycCritiques Contemporary Psychology: APA Review of Books, 62(50), Article 9. PsycCRITIQUES database.

Gordon, S. (2017, January, 2). Transcending mind in time. [Review of the book Transcendent Mind: Rethinking the Science of Consciousness. I. Baruss & J. Mossbridge]. PsycCritiques Contemporary Psychology: APA Review of Books, 62(1), Article 9. PsycCRITIQUES database.

Gordon, S. (2016, August, 8). Does consciousness exist? [Review of the book New Directions in Consciousness Studies: SoS Theory and the Nature of Time. C. Nunn]. PsycCritiques Contemporary Psychology: APA Review of Books, 61(32), Article 8. PsycCRITIQUES database.

Gordon, S. (2013, April, 9). Internal time is autopoietic. [Review of the book Internal Time: Chronotypes, Social Jet Lag, and Why You’re So Tired. T. Roenneberg]. PsycCritiques Contemporary Psychology: APA Review of Books, 58(15), Article 4. PsycCRITIQUES database.

Gordon, S. (2011, December, 14). Neurobiology of morality? [Review of the book Braintrust: What Neuroscience Tells us About Morality. P. Churchland]. PsycCritiques Contemporary Psychology: APA Review of Books, 56(50), Article 4. PsycCRITIQUES database.

Gordon, S. (2010, November 3). Beyond mental capital and wellbeing: Natural alternatives [Review of the book Mental Capital and Wellbeing. B. Sahakian, C. Cooper, & U. Goswami]. PsycCritiques Contemporary Psychology: APA Review of Books, 55(44), Article 6. PsycCRITIQUES database.

Gordon, S. (2009, September 30). The mind and the brain [Review of the book The Human Amygdala. P. J. Whalen & E. A. Phelps, Eds.]. PsycCritiques Contemporary Psychology: APA Review of Books, 54(39), Article 9. PsycCRITIQUES database.

Gordon, S. (2008, December). [Review of the book Whole Person Healthcare: Volume 1: Humanizing Healthcare; Volume 2: Psychology, Spirituality, and Health; Volume 3: The Arts and Health. A. Serlin, M. A. DiCowden, K. Rockefeller, S. Brown, J. Sonke-Henderson, R. Brandman, & J. Graham-Pole, Eds.] The Humanistic Psychologist, 36(3-4), 357-373.

Journal Articles and Columns

Rubman, A., & Gordon, S. (2021, September). Intracrine steroid biosynthesis. Naturopathic Doctors News & Review, 17(9), 12-13.

https://ndnr.com/geriatrics/intracrine-steroid-biosynthesis/

Gordon, S. (2016). Alan Watts and neurophenomenology. Self & Society: International Journal for Humanistic Psychology, 43(4), 311-321.

Gordon, S. (2013, Fall). Neurophenomenology and its applications to psychology. International Psychology Bulletin, 17(4), 57-58.

Gordon, S. (2013). Dedication and Foreword. Journal of Holistic Psychology. Vol. II: Eros, body, and consciousness, 2, 15-18.

Gordon, S., & Rubman, A. (2011, September). Psychoneurointracrinology: Its role in mind-body medicine, Natural Medicine Journal, 3(9). American Association of Naturopathic Physicians

Annual Convention, Abstracts.

The New Existentialists, Monthly Column, Saybrook University, Oakland, CA:

Gordon, S. (5/18/15). Imagery and Symbolism in the Therapeutic Process
Gordon, S. (2/18/15). Allan Combs and Stanley Krippner on Human Development
Gordon, S. (1/19/15). Gordon Allport’s Narrative Approach to Personality
Gordon, S. (12/15/14). Henry Murray’s Personology
Gordon, S. (11/17/14). Psychoneurointracrinology
Gordon, S. (10/20/14). From Basic Human Tendencies to Personal Myth
Gordon, S. (9/22/14). Karen Horney: Cultural Influences on the Female Psyche
Gordon, S. (8/18/14). Mircea Eliade on Time and Eternity
Gordon, S. (7/21/14). Depth Psychology of the Feminine
Gordon, S. (5/19/14). Where Autopoiesis Becomes Myth
Gordon, S. (4/21/14). Symbols of Transformation and Psychospiritual Growth
Gordon, S. (3/17/14). Myth: The Mind-body Connection
Gordon, S. (1/27/14). Joseph Campbell on the Myth of the Hero
Gordon, S. (12/23/13). The Growth-Oriented Dimension of the Person
Gordon, S. (10/28/13). Sunyata: Transcending the Stream
Gordon, S. (9/16/13). Revisiting a Person-centered Science
Gordon, S. (7/29/13). Neurophenomenology and Its Applications to Psychology
Gordon, S. (8/21/13). The Neurophenomenological Self

Gordon, S. (2015, March). Interview: “Sleep procrastination – Don’t sleep over this bad habit.” Daily Health News. Stamford, CT Boardroom Publications.

Gordon, S. (2012, February). Existential time and the meaning of human development. The Humanistic Psychologist, 40(1), 79-86.

Rubman, A., & Gordon, S. (5/1/08). Interview: “How to find a top alternative doc.” Bottom Line/Personal, 29(9), 11-12.

Gordon, S. (7/23/07). Interview: “A different kind of hormone replacement therapy.” Daily Health News. Greenwich, CT: Boardroom Publications.

Gordon, S. (7/29/03). Interview: “Natural hormone replacement therapy.” Daily Health News. Greenwich, CT: Boardroom Publications.

Dissertation

Gordon, S. (2007). Psycho-Neuro-Intracrinology: The embodiment of myth, intentionality, and the spiritual sense of well-being in women at midlife. Dissertation Abstracts International, B 68/09. (UMI No. 3285857)

Dissertation introduces the construct psychoneurointracrinology to explain the embodied dimension of personality. Uses a theoretical, hermeneutic, pedagogical method synthesizing a history of ideas in existential-phenomenology, cognitive neuroscience, and medical physiology. Psychological commentary: implications of this model for an archetypal depth psychology of the feminine, the mind-body problem, the developmental model across the lifespan, and the description of what psychology studies.

Candidacy Essays

Gordon, S. (2006). Existential-humanistic and transpersonal development in women at midlife and the spiritual sense of well-being. Unpublished candidacy essay. Alan Watts Scholarship Awards (2005; 2006) by the Society for Asian and Comparative Philosophy. Saybrook University, San Francisco, CA.

Gordon, S. (2006). Women’s psychoneurointracrine change at midlife: The sense of well-being. Unpublished candidacy essay. Saybrook University, San Francisco, CA.

Gordon, S. (2006). A methodological critique of Suzanne R. Cook-Greuter’s Doctoral Dissertation: Postautonomous ego development: A study of its nature and measurement. Unpublished candidacy essay. Saybrook University, San Francisco, CA.

Master’s Thesis

Gordon, S. (2001). A theoretical investigation of the relationship between transpersonal self-concept and estrogen dominance. Unpublished master’s thesis. Saybrook University, San Francisco, CA.

Theoretical research investigates the relationship between transpersonal self-concept (TS) (Friedman, 1983) and estrogen dominance (ED). A literature review supported the author’s theory that ED facilitates a crisis of meaning and identity, psychosomatic symptoms associated with adrenal insufficiency facilitate transpersonal growth rather than psychopathology, and natural HRT (bioidentical progesterone/DHEA) enables change in TS. The thesis proposed a study using a causal-comparative method, pretest-posttest control group design, correlational tests, and first-person methods. The author was Principal Investigator for a small study of perimenopausal women evaluating clinical correlations between diet, supplements, natural HRT, symptomology, and titers of active and inactive steroidal species within a 24-hour urine aliquot to assess change in premenstrual symptomatology, transpersonal self-concept, and mid-luteal hormone levels associated with the administration of a nutritional protocol, micronized topical progesterone cream, and oral sublingual DHEA.

EDITORIAL REVIEW BOARDS

Journal of Consciousness Studies, Imprint Academics

Journal of Integrative Medicine, PiscoMed Publishing

Journal of Neurophilosophy, Anka

PsycCritiques Contemporary Psychology, APA Review of Books

Philosophy Study, David Publishing Company

Psychology of Consciousness Theory, Research, and Practice, APA

Studia Phaenomenologica, Zeta Books Publishing

The Humanistic Psychologist, Taylor & Francis Group

COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIPS

Division 32 Liaison, Committee on International Relations in Psychology (CIRP), American Psychological Association, 2015-2017.

5-Year WASC Reaccreditation Review Committee. B.A. Psychology. National University, College of Letters and Sciences, Department of Psychology. Online Education, 2012-2013

Chair, Bylaws Revision Committee. Society for Humanistic Psychology, Division 32, American Psychological Association, 2013-2014

Chair, Awards Committee. Society for Humanistic Psychology, Division 32, American Psychological Association, 2008-2017

Member-at-large, Executive Board, Society for Humanistic Psychology, Division 32, American Psychological Association, 2012-2017

Program Reviewer, Convention Proposals: Divs. 1 (General); 32 (Humanistic); 35 (Women); 52 (International). American Psychological Association, 2008-present

AFFILIATIONS

APA, Division 24, Theoretical & Philosophical Psychology
APA, Division 32, Humanistic Psychology
APA, Division 52, International Psychology
American Association of Naturopathic Physician
Association for Humanistic Psychology
Association for Transpersonal Psychology
Bibliothèque Francois Mitterrand
Bureau of Foreign Experts Affairs, Provincial Government, Guangxi, PRC
Eastern Psychological Association
Philemon Foundation
Society for Asian and Comparative Philosophy