Rod has been actively engaged in his own inner work for over 40 years. He continues to study modern psychology and ancient systems of wisdom. In our increasingly soul-less world he recognizes the importance of connecting with our depths to find meaning and purpose in our lives. He offers psychotherapy and SoulWork (spiritual psychology) sessions.
Due to childhood asthma he has pursued a life long interest in mind-body medicine, alternative therapies, and meditation. He graduated from George Washington University Medical School in 1985 and completed his psychiatry residency in 1989. While in his residency he completed 2 years of training with the Gestalt Institute of Phoenix, Arizona and 3 years in psychodynamic training with Ed Muller Ph.D. From 1992 – 2001 he trained with the Institute of Self Recognition, a powerful integration of depth psychology and spiritual practice, and studied the Diamond Heart approach of AH Almaas. In December of 2012 he completed a 3 year preceptorship in Jungian psychoanalytic psychotherapy. He is a student and teacher on the Sufi path, the path of the heart, for over 20 years. He integrates Psychoanalytic, Gestalt, Internal Family Systems, Energetic & Somatic therapies! He has an interest in the emerging (and ancient) field of entheogens or psychedelic therapy. While waiting for full legalization he offers integration sessions.
Rod has presented lectures and workshops at numerous conferences including several times at Creativity & Madness. His current focus is on the integration of spiritual practice, depth psychology, neuroscience and quantum physics.
At this time in his career Dr Birney is focused on psychotherapy and while able to offer consultations he no longer prescribes psychiatric medications.
