{"formatVersion":"1.1","id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/people/will-friedman","path":"/people/will-friedman","url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/people/will-friedman","title":"Will Joel Friedman, Ph.D.","family":"People profile","description":"Will Joel Friedman, Ph.D., is a California psychologist specializing in presence-centered therapy for individuals, couples, families and adolescents.","language":"en-US","access":{"audience":"public","indexable":true},"provenance":{"sourceUrl":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/people/will-friedman","wordpressId":"6427","contentCompleteness":"complete","dateScope":"original-source"},"authors":[],"dates":{"datePublished":"2024-05-31T21:19:15Z","dateModified":"2025-10-02T01:03:01Z"},"content":{"html":"<nav aria-label=\"Breadcrumb\" class=\"breadcrumbs\"><ol><li><a href=\"https://www.mentalhealth.com/\">Home</a></li><li><a href=\"https://www.mentalhealth.com/people\">People</a></li><li><span aria-current=\"page\">Will Joel Friedman</span></li></ol></nav><div class=\"people-profile\" data-default-profile-view=\"contributions\" data-profile-template=\"person\"><header class=\"person-header\"><div class=\"person-overview\"><div class=\"person-identity\"><h1>Will Joel Friedman, Ph.D.</h1><p class=\"person-role\">Writer (In remembrance)</p><p class=\"person-credentials\"><span class=\"person-credential-group\" data-credential-kind=\"degrees\">Ph.D.</span></p></div></div><img alt=\"\" class=\"person-avatar\" height=\"180\" src=\"https://www.mentalhealth.com/assets/optimized/0deea2ac470472cc81a95d51.webp\" width=\"180\" decoding=\"async\"></header><p class=\"person-summary\">Will Joel Friedman, Ph.D., is a California psychologist specializing in presence-centered therapy for individuals, couples, families and adolescents.</p><nav aria-label=\"Person profile\" class=\"person-nav person-actions\" role=\"tablist\"><a aria-controls=\"about\" aria-selected=\"true\" href=\"https://www.mentalhealth.com/people/will-friedman#about\" id=\"tab-about\" role=\"tab\">About</a><a aria-controls=\"contributions\" aria-selected=\"false\" href=\"https://www.mentalhealth.com/people/will-friedman#contributions\" id=\"tab-contributions\" role=\"tab\">Contributions</a></nav><div class=\"person-body\"><div class=\"person-content\"><div class=\"person-main\"><section aria-labelledby=\"tab-about\" class=\"person-panel person-view\" id=\"about\" role=\"tabpanel\" tabindex=\"0\"><p>Will Joel Friedman, Ph.D., is a psychologist licensed in California since 1987 (License No. PSY 10092). He has worked with adults, couples, families, adolescents and older children since 1976. His practice emphasizes presence-centered therapy, focusing on helping clients move beyond unworkable patterns, address core emotional challenges and develop practical tools to thrive.</p>\n<p>Friedman has completed a book with the working title <em>Awakening to Sanity: Being Sane in an Insane World—A Traveler’s Guide</em> and has published excerpts on his website. He also serves on the editorial board of <em>Paradoxica: Journal of Nondual Psychology.</em></p><section class=\"person-regional-communities\" aria-labelledby=\"local-communities\"><h2 id=\"local-communities\">Local Communities</h2><ul><li><a href=\"https://www.mentalhealth.com/local/pleasanton-ca\">Pleasanton, CA</a></li></ul></section><section class=\"person-related-communities\" id=\"topic-communities\" aria-labelledby=\"topic-communities-heading\"><h2 id=\"topic-communities-heading\">Topic Communities</h2><ul><li><a href=\"https://www.mentalhealth.com/community/relationships\">Relationships</a></li><li><a href=\"https://www.mentalhealth.com/community/family-health\">Family Health</a></li><li><a href=\"https://www.mentalhealth.com/community/psychotherapy\">Psychotherapy</a></li></ul></section><section data-reference-list=\"\" data-reference-style=\"author-date-title-source\" class=\"article-sources\"><h2 id=\"references\">References</h2><ol><li id=\"psyris\" value=\"1\" data-reference-number=\"1\" data-reference-format=\"393\"><em class=\"reference-title\">Presence-centered Psychotherapy - Freeing the Ego to Live Free.</em> (n.d.). Psyris. <a href=\"https://psyris.com/drwillfriedman?utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=libra&amp;utm_content=external_resource&amp;utm_id=site-people-will-friedman&amp;utm_source=mentalhealth.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\" class=\"reference-source\">psyris.com</a>. Accessed October 10 2026.</li><li id=\"youtube\" value=\"2\" data-reference-number=\"2\" data-reference-format=\"393\"><em class=\"reference-title\">Complete Website Introduction.</em> (n.d.). YouTube. <a href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wvNfbVdHx1o&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=libra&amp;utm_content=external_resource&amp;utm_id=site-people-will-friedman&amp;utm_source=mentalhealth.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\" class=\"reference-source\">YouTube</a>.</li></ol></section><div class=\"person-credential-details\"><div><h3>Degrees</h3><p>Ph.D.</p></div></div></section><section aria-labelledby=\"tab-contributions\" class=\"person-panel person-contributions person-view\" id=\"contributions\" role=\"tabpanel\" tabindex=\"0\"><h2>Contributions</h2><div aria-label=\"Filter contributions\" class=\"person-filters\" role=\"group\"><button aria-pressed=\"true\" data-contribution-filter=\"all\" type=\"button\">All</button><button aria-pressed=\"false\" data-contribution-filter=\"Library\" type=\"button\">Library</button><button aria-pressed=\"false\" data-contribution-filter=\"Perspective\" type=\"button\">Perspective</button></div><div class=\"person-contribution-list\"><article class=\"person-work-card\" data-contribution-category=\"Library\" data-editorial-contribution=\"\"><div class=\"person-post-body\"><a class=\"person-work-preview\" href=\"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/the-power-of-belief\"><span class=\"person-work-media\"><img alt=\"A woman smiles in the sunshine while wearing a straw hat.\" decoding=\"async\" height=\"593\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://www.mentalhealth.com/assets/optimized/413e36e74a135121954b951a.webp\" width=\"1200\" srcset=\"/assets/responsive/372bace322048aed8888f937.webp 800w, /assets/optimized/413e36e74a135121954b951a.webp 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 1200px\"><span class=\"person-work-badge\">Authored</span></span><div class=\"person-work-copy\"><h3>The Power of Belief</h3><p>Learn how letting go of limiting beliefs and choosing adaptability can lead to greater clarity, resilience, and a stronger sense of fulfillment.</p></div></a></div></article><article class=\"person-work-card\" data-contribution-category=\"Perspective\" data-editorial-contribution=\"\"><div class=\"person-post-body\"><a class=\"person-work-preview\" href=\"https://www.mentalhealth.com/blog/a-beautiful-mind-saying-goodbye-to-what-cannot-be-true\"><span class=\"person-work-media\"><img alt=\"Person reflecting beside an open journal in a sunlit study\" height=\"800\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://www.mentalhealth.com/assets/optimized/8b9e5de4b8e9e2b18a58c34d.webp\" width=\"1200\" decoding=\"async\"><span class=\"person-work-badge\">Authored</span></span><div class=\"person-work-copy\"><h3>A Beautiful Mind Freeing Itself from Untruths</h3><p>Discover the power of recognizing what doesn't work and having the courage to let go of false ideas.</p></div></a></div></article><article class=\"person-work-card\" data-contribution-category=\"Perspective\" data-editorial-contribution=\"\"><div class=\"person-post-body\"><a class=\"person-work-preview\" href=\"https://www.mentalhealth.com/blog/my-cup-overflows-a-zen-tale-adapted\"><span class=\"person-work-media\"><img alt=\"Warm tea being poured from a small handmade terracotta pot into a nearly full ceramic cup on a rustic wooden tray, a few droplets at the rim, quiet Japanese-inspired garden blurred beyond, philosophical still life\" height=\"800\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://www.mentalhealth.com/assets/optimized/e1d1b0f96c9f3b9cd436f820.webp\" width=\"1200\" decoding=\"async\"><span class=\"person-work-badge\">Authored</span></span><div class=\"person-work-copy\"><h3>A Zen Tale of My Cup Overflows</h3><p>Learn the importance of emptying your mind, letting go of preconceived notions, and embracing new information for personal growth.</p></div></a></div></article><article class=\"person-work-card\" data-contribution-category=\"Perspective\" data-editorial-contribution=\"\"><div class=\"person-post-body\"><a class=\"person-work-preview\" href=\"https://www.mentalhealth.com/blog/being-presence-itself-enliven-the-quality-of-your-life\"><span class=\"person-work-media\"><img alt=\"Morning dew on a fern beside a garden chair\" height=\"800\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://www.mentalhealth.com/assets/optimized/dfebd00d6aab9d6389925fbb.webp\" width=\"1200\" decoding=\"async\" srcset=\"/assets/responsive/d07d18c65cd230c79ddebec1.webp 800w, /assets/optimized/dfebd00d6aab9d6389925fbb.webp 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 1200px\"><span class=\"person-work-badge\">Authored</span></span><div class=\"person-work-copy\"><h3>Being Presence Itself and Enlivening Life</h3><p>Discover the power of being present and experiencing true awareness. Cultivate presence and tap into the limitless potential of the present moment.</p></div></a></div></article><article class=\"person-work-card\" data-contribution-category=\"Perspective\" data-editorial-contribution=\"\"><div class=\"person-post-body\"><a class=\"person-work-preview\" href=\"https://www.mentalhealth.com/blog/ego-can-be-a-superb-servant-and-a-tyrannical-master-recognize-four-functions-of-ego\"><span class=\"person-work-media\"><img alt=\"Person reflected in a mirror beside a sunlit doorway\" height=\"800\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://www.mentalhealth.com/assets/optimized/91ea5b25ef46e8f0f29cb1cd.webp\" width=\"1200\" decoding=\"async\"><span class=\"person-work-badge\">Authored</span></span><div class=\"person-work-copy\"><h3>The Dual Nature of Ego and Its Four Functions</h3><p>Discover the ego's functions and how it can be a tyrant or servant. Cultivate a healthy attitude towards the ego for personal growth.</p></div></a></div></article><article class=\"person-work-card\" data-contribution-category=\"Perspective\" data-editorial-contribution=\"\" hidden=\"\"><div class=\"person-post-body\"><a class=\"person-work-preview\" href=\"https://www.mentalhealth.com/blog/insisting-on-fairness-and-justice-is-a-recipe-for-conflict-misery-and-suffering\"><span class=\"person-work-media\"><img alt=\"A pair of differently shaped stones carefully balanced on an old wooden table, warm sunlight and subtle asymmetry, conceptual photograph on fairness and conflict, minimalist grounded still life\" height=\"800\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://www.mentalhealth.com/assets/optimized/447a250fea20789639a7ec2e.webp\" width=\"1200\" decoding=\"async\"><span class=\"person-work-badge\">Authored</span></span><div class=\"person-work-copy\"><h3>The Cost of Insisting on Fairness and Justice</h3><p>Uncover the pitfalls of fairness and justice, and the ego's influence. Embrace acceptance of life without the need for fairness or justice.</p></div></a></div></article><article class=\"person-work-card\" data-contribution-category=\"Perspective\" data-editorial-contribution=\"\" hidden=\"\"><div class=\"person-post-body\"><a class=\"person-work-preview\" href=\"https://www.mentalhealth.com/blog/complacency-apathy-and-resignation-be-banished-and-transformed\"><span class=\"person-work-media\"><img alt=\"A small green shoot emerging between weathered terracotta paving stones after rain, a pair of ordinary gardening gloves and hand trowel softly beyond, renewing motivation metaphor, ground-level macro\" height=\"800\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://www.mentalhealth.com/assets/optimized/118e41dd9d7d2e3e704e3e9c.webp\" width=\"1200\" decoding=\"async\"><span class=\"person-work-badge\">Authored</span></span><div class=\"person-work-copy\"><h3>Transforming Apathy and Resignation</h3><p>Unleash your potential by overcoming complacency, apathy, and resignation. Embrace truth, vision, and action for a fulfilling life.</p></div></a></div></article><article class=\"person-work-card\" data-contribution-category=\"Perspective\" data-editorial-contribution=\"\" hidden=\"\"><div class=\"person-post-body\"><a class=\"person-work-preview\" href=\"https://www.mentalhealth.com/blog/its-shocking-how-little-people-settle-for-how-much-they-put-up-with-and-how-much-better-they-deserve\"><span class=\"person-work-media\"><img alt=\"A woman opens bedroom curtains to morning light.\" height=\"800\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://www.mentalhealth.com/assets/optimized/01218a26472f3d9cf378d6b0.webp\" width=\"1200\" decoding=\"async\"><span class=\"person-work-badge\">Authored</span></span><div class=\"person-work-copy\"><h3>Settling for Less and Deserving More</h3><p>Discover why people settle for less and tolerate poor treatment. Explore the concept of the looking glass universe where outer circumstances reflect inner…</p></div></a></div></article><article class=\"person-work-card\" data-contribution-category=\"Perspective\" data-editorial-contribution=\"\" hidden=\"\"><div class=\"person-post-body\"><a class=\"person-work-preview\" href=\"https://www.mentalhealth.com/blog/grokked-being-seen-heard-and-known-for-who-you-are\"><span class=\"person-work-media\"><img alt=\"Two adults listen attentively to each other on a garden bench.\" height=\"800\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://www.mentalhealth.com/assets/optimized/0045c2322e6b6ec5037441dd.webp\" width=\"1200\" decoding=\"async\"><span class=\"person-work-badge\">Authored</span></span><div class=\"person-work-copy\"><h3>GROKKED True Recognition and Belonging</h3><p>Discover the importance of being fully seen, heard, and known in relationships. Learn about grokking and understanding another's consciousness.</p></div></a></div></article><article class=\"person-work-card\" data-contribution-category=\"Perspective\" data-editorial-contribution=\"\" hidden=\"\"><div class=\"person-post-body\"><a class=\"person-work-preview\" href=\"https://www.mentalhealth.com/blog/developing-an-inner-meter-on-manipulation-a-critical-life-skill\"><span class=\"person-work-media\"><img alt=\"Hand placing a compass beside a journal\" height=\"800\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://www.mentalhealth.com/assets/optimized/3a7e6ee1a8b358ee75afa670.webp\" width=\"1200\" decoding=\"async\"><span class=\"person-work-badge\">Authored</span></span><div class=\"person-work-copy\"><h3>Cultivating an Inner Radar for Manipulation</h3><p>Recognize and avoid manipulation with these five signals: discomfort, lack of resonance, feeling drained, ego agendas, and inauthentic behavior.</p></div></a></div></article><article class=\"person-work-card\" data-contribution-category=\"Perspective\" data-editorial-contribution=\"\" hidden=\"\"><div class=\"person-post-body\"><a class=\"person-work-preview\" href=\"https://www.mentalhealth.com/blog/setting-healthy-limits-it-can-be-an-all-win\"><span class=\"person-work-media\"><img alt=\"Open wooden gate leading into a green garden\" height=\"800\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://www.mentalhealth.com/assets/optimized/266d101dee0d6601c90034bb.webp\" width=\"1200\" decoding=\"async\" srcset=\"/assets/responsive/fe85c16b81b88f031ffd8682.webp 800w, /assets/optimized/266d101dee0d6601c90034bb.webp 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 1200px\"><span class=\"person-work-badge\">Authored</span></span><div class=\"person-work-copy\"><h3>Setting Healthy Limits Can Be an All-Win</h3><p>Learn how to set healthy limits and boundaries in relationships, understand their importance for maintaining order and respect.</p></div></a></div></article><article class=\"person-work-card\" data-contribution-category=\"Perspective\" data-editorial-contribution=\"\" hidden=\"\"><div class=\"person-post-body\"><a class=\"person-work-preview\" href=\"https://www.mentalhealth.com/blog/nothing-to-prove-and-nothing-to-explain\"><span class=\"person-work-media\"><img alt=\"Person resting on a hillside overlooking green fields\" height=\"800\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://www.mentalhealth.com/assets/optimized/62f53a176a1b4eee4284ad26.webp\" width=\"1200\" decoding=\"async\" srcset=\"/assets/responsive/52ab32fe48bf07ad5cc7a7a1.webp 800w, /assets/optimized/62f53a176a1b4eee4284ad26.webp 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 1200px\"><span class=\"person-work-badge\">Authored</span></span><div class=\"person-work-copy\"><h3>Nothing to Prove and Nothing to Explain</h3><p>Discover the power of authenticity. No need to prove or explain. Just be present and true to yourself.</p></div></a></div></article><article class=\"person-work-card\" data-contribution-category=\"Perspective\" data-editorial-contribution=\"\" hidden=\"\"><div class=\"person-post-body\"><a class=\"person-work-preview\" href=\"https://www.mentalhealth.com/blog/psychological-jujitsu-aikido-alchemy-conversation-stoppers\"><span class=\"person-work-media\"><img alt=\"Two pairs of hands over a wooden cafe table, one gesturing softly and the other resting attentively, cooperative communication, cups pushed aside and warm light, no defensive or aggressive gestures\" height=\"800\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://www.mentalhealth.com/assets/optimized/40f5ae97aad69f112170dc6d.webp\" width=\"1200\" decoding=\"async\"><span class=\"person-work-badge\">Authored</span></span><div class=\"person-work-copy\"><h3>Psychological Conversation Stoppers</h3><p>Learn how Jujitsu, Aikido, and Alchemy principles improve psychological well-being and relationships.</p></div></a></div></article><article class=\"person-work-card\" data-contribution-category=\"Library\" data-editorial-contribution=\"\" hidden=\"\"><div class=\"person-post-body\"><a class=\"person-work-preview\" href=\"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/the-art-of-pacing-live-long-and-prosper\"><span class=\"person-work-media\"><img alt=\"A person checks a wristwatch beside an open laptop.\" decoding=\"async\" height=\"630\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://www.mentalhealth.com/assets/optimized/4540c95dce7c0fde1d78448e.webp\" width=\"1200\" srcset=\"/assets/responsive/d4be72afc5d6d5eb3af6680c.webp 800w, /assets/optimized/4540c95dce7c0fde1d78448e.webp 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 1200px\"><span class=\"person-work-badge\">Authored</span></span><div class=\"person-work-copy\"><h3>Mastering the Art of Pacing for Health and Longevity</h3><p>Learn the importance of pacing skills in managing stress and improving health. Discover seven crucial skills to maximize effectiveness and minimize downtime.</p></div></a></div></article><article class=\"person-work-card\" data-contribution-category=\"Library\" data-editorial-contribution=\"\" hidden=\"\"><div class=\"person-post-body\"><a class=\"person-work-preview\" href=\"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/resolving-guilt-once-and-for-all-time-after-time\"><span class=\"person-work-media\"><img alt=\"A person sits in meditation beside the sea at sunset.\" decoding=\"async\" height=\"600\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://www.mentalhealth.com/assets/optimized/3fce2acb495d08986365e59f.webp\" width=\"1200\"><span class=\"person-work-badge\">Authored</span></span><div class=\"person-work-copy\"><h3>Resolving Guilt Once and for All, Time After Time</h3><p>Learn about guilt's impact on mental health and relationships, recognize symptoms, understand short-term versus long-term guilt, and discover steps to resolve…</p></div></a></div></article><article class=\"person-work-card\" data-contribution-category=\"Library\" data-editorial-contribution=\"\" hidden=\"\"><div class=\"person-post-body\"><a class=\"person-work-preview\" href=\"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/pattern-recognition-a-key-to-success-in-doing-anything-well\"><span class=\"person-work-media\"><img alt=\"A woman smiles in the sunshine while wearing a straw hat.\" decoding=\"async\" height=\"593\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://www.mentalhealth.com/assets/optimized/413e36e74a135121954b951a.webp\" width=\"1200\" srcset=\"/assets/responsive/372bace322048aed8888f937.webp 800w, /assets/optimized/413e36e74a135121954b951a.webp 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 1200px\"><span class=\"person-work-badge\">Authored</span></span><div class=\"person-work-copy\"><h3>Success Through Pattern Recognition</h3><p>Discover its importance in problem-solving, troubleshooting, and issue spotting. See how it is relevant in psychology, computer science, and medicine.</p></div></a></div></article><article class=\"person-work-card\" data-contribution-category=\"Library\" data-editorial-contribution=\"\" hidden=\"\"><div class=\"person-post-body\"><a class=\"person-work-preview\" href=\"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/feelings-are-authentic-and-valid-perceptions-and-beliefs-are-suspect\"><span class=\"person-work-media\"><img alt=\"A woman stands confidently in a bright room with her arms folded.\" decoding=\"async\" height=\"800\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://www.mentalhealth.com/assets/optimized/4b8e4964bd3fe87545bd3621.webp\" width=\"1200\" srcset=\"/assets/responsive/64d8c3871d3cb56a35a9ad6f.webp 800w, /assets/optimized/4b8e4964bd3fe87545bd3621.webp 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 1200px\"><span class=\"person-work-badge\">Authored</span></span><div class=\"person-work-copy\"><h3>Valid Feelings, Unreliable Beliefs</h3><p>Discover the importance of trusting your feelings, navigating conflicting perceptions, and deconstructing inaccurate beliefs for informed choices.</p></div></a></div></article><article class=\"person-work-card\" data-contribution-category=\"Library\" data-editorial-contribution=\"\" hidden=\"\"><div class=\"person-post-body\"><a class=\"person-work-preview\" href=\"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/the-sixteen-laws-of-emotions-recognizing-moods-and-emotions-to-return-to-healthy-feeling-processing\"><span class=\"person-work-media\"><img alt=\"A child arranges colored pencils at a table.\" decoding=\"async\" height=\"630\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://www.mentalhealth.com/assets/optimized/96c9208d15fb84c61e031d7f.webp\" width=\"1200\" srcset=\"/assets/responsive/99ca89200259cdeabf4c066b.webp 800w, /assets/optimized/96c9208d15fb84c61e031d7f.webp 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 1200px\"><span class=\"person-work-badge\">Authored</span></span><div class=\"person-work-copy\"><h3>Recognizing Emotions to Restore Health</h3><p>Learn about the laws governing emotions and how they function. Discover the sixteen laws of emotions, including Concern, Change, and Emotional Mimicry.</p></div></a></div></article><article class=\"person-work-card\" data-contribution-category=\"Library\" data-editorial-contribution=\"\" hidden=\"\"><div class=\"person-post-body\"><a class=\"person-work-preview\" href=\"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/the-benefits-of-suffering-and-the-costs-of-well-being-secondary-gains-and-losses\"><span class=\"person-work-media\"><img alt=\"An older adult shares a reassuring hug at home.\" decoding=\"async\" height=\"630\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://www.mentalhealth.com/assets/optimized/59dd4c5d77b0a550cce62b7c.webp\" width=\"1200\" srcset=\"/assets/responsive/7962e64d375bb749fbabede3.webp 800w, /assets/optimized/59dd4c5d77b0a550cce62b7c.webp 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 1200px\"><span class=\"person-work-badge\">Authored</span></span><div class=\"person-work-copy\"><h3>The Benefits of Suffering and the Costs of Well-Being</h3><p>Discover the hidden purpose of behavior, the costs of well-being, and the path to lasting personal growth through self-awareness and healing.</p></div></a></div></article></div><button aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"person-secondary person-more\" data-contribution-more=\"\" type=\"button\">Show all contributions</button><p class=\"person-contribution-count\" data-contribution-count=\"\" role=\"status\">Showing 5 of 19 contributions</p></section></div></div></div></div>","text":"Home People Will Joel Friedman Will Joel Friedman, Ph.D. Writer (In remembrance) Ph.D. Will Joel Friedman, Ph.D., is a California psychologist specializing in presence-centered therapy for individuals, couples, families and adolescents. AboutContributions Will Joel Friedman, Ph.D., is a psychologist licensed in California since 1987 (License No. PSY 10092). He has worked with adults, couples, families, adolescents and older children since 1976. His practice emphasizes presence-centered therapy, focusing on helping clients move beyond unworkable patterns, address core emotional challenges and develop practical tools to thrive. Friedman has completed a book with the working title Awakening to Sanity: Being Sane in an Insane World—A Traveler’s Guide and has published excerpts on his website. He also serves on the editorial board of Paradoxica: Journal of Nondual Psychology. Local Communities Pleasanton, CA Topic Communities Relationships Family Health Psychotherapy References Presence-centered Psychotherapy - Freeing the Ego to Live Free. (n.d.). Psyris. psyris.com. Accessed October 10 2026. Complete Website Introduction. (n.d.). YouTube. YouTube. Degrees Ph.D. Contributions AllLibraryPerspective AuthoredThe Power of Belief Learn how letting go of limiting beliefs and choosing adaptability can lead to greater clarity, resilience, and a stronger sense of fulfillment. AuthoredA Beautiful Mind Freeing Itself from Untruths Discover the power of recognizing what doesn't work and having the courage to let go of false ideas. AuthoredA Zen Tale of My Cup Overflows Learn the importance of emptying your mind, letting go of preconceived notions, and embracing new information for personal growth. AuthoredBeing Presence Itself and Enlivening Life Discover the power of being present and experiencing true awareness. Cultivate presence and tap into the limitless potential of the present moment. AuthoredThe Dual Nature of Ego and Its Four Functions Discover the ego's functions and how it can be a tyrant or servant. Cultivate a healthy attitude towards the ego for personal growth. AuthoredThe Cost of Insisting on Fairness and Justice Uncover the pitfalls of fairness and justice, and the ego's influence. Embrace acceptance of life without the need for fairness or justice. AuthoredTransforming Apathy and Resignation Unleash your potential by overcoming complacency, apathy, and resignation. Embrace truth, vision, and action for a fulfilling life. AuthoredSettling for Less and Deserving More Discover why people settle for less and tolerate poor treatment. Explore the concept of the looking glass universe where outer circumstances reflect inner… AuthoredGROKKED True Recognition and Belonging Discover the importance of being fully seen, heard, and known in relationships. Learn about grokking and understanding another's consciousness. AuthoredCultivating an Inner Radar for Manipulation Recognize and avoid manipulation with these five signals: discomfort, lack of resonance, feeling drained, ego agendas, and inauthentic behavior. AuthoredSetting Healthy Limits Can Be an All-Win Learn how to set healthy limits and boundaries in relationships, understand their importance for maintaining order and respect. AuthoredNothing to Prove and Nothing to Explain Discover the power of authenticity. No need to prove or explain. Just be present and true to yourself. AuthoredPsychological Conversation Stoppers Learn how Jujitsu, Aikido, and Alchemy principles improve psychological well-being and relationships. AuthoredMastering the Art of Pacing for Health and Longevity Learn the importance of pacing skills in managing stress and improving health. Discover seven crucial skills to maximize effectiveness and minimize downtime. AuthoredResolving Guilt Once and for All, Time After Time Learn about guilt's impact on mental health and relationships, recognize symptoms, understand short-term versus long-term guilt, and discover steps to resolve… AuthoredSuccess Through Pattern Recognition Discover its importance in problem-solving, troubleshooting, and issue spotting. See how it is relevant in psychology, computer science, and medicine. AuthoredValid Feelings, Unreliable Beliefs Discover the importance of trusting your feelings, navigating conflicting perceptions, and deconstructing inaccurate beliefs for informed choices. AuthoredRecognizing Emotions to Restore Health Learn about the laws governing emotions and how they function. Discover the sixteen laws of emotions, including Concern, Change, and Emotional Mimicry. AuthoredThe Benefits of Suffering and the Costs of Well-Being Discover the hidden purpose of behavior, the costs of well-being, and the path to lasting personal growth through self-awareness and healing. Show all contributionsShowing 5 of 19 contributions","wordCount":663},"schema":{"@context":"https://schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/#organization","name":"MentalHealth.com","url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/","publishingPrinciples":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/publishing/editorial-policy"},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/#website","url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/","name":"MentalHealth.com","inLanguage":"en-US","publisher":{"@id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/#organization"}},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/people/will-friedman#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"People","item":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/people"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"Will Joel Friedman","item":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/people/will-friedman"}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/people/will-friedman#primaryimage","url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/assets/optimized/0deea2ac470472cc81a95d51.webp","contentUrl":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/assets/optimized/0deea2ac470472cc81a95d51.webp","width":450,"height":450,"encodingFormat":"image/webp","caption":"Will Joel Friedman, Ph.D."},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/people/will-friedman#person","name":"Will Joel Friedman","url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/people/will-friedman","description":"Will Joel Friedman, Ph.D., is a California psychologist specializing in presence-centered therapy for individuals, couples, families and adolescents.","jobTitle":"Ph.D.","image":{"@id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/people/will-friedman#primaryimage"},"mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/people/will-friedman#webpage"},"memberOf":[{"@id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/publishing#department"}],"honorificSuffix":"Ph.D.","hasCredential":[{"@type":"EducationalOccupationalCredential","name":"Ph.D.","credentialCategory":"degree"}]},{"@type":"ProfilePage","@id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/people/will-friedman#webpage","url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/people/will-friedman","name":"Will Joel Friedman, Ph.D.","description":"Will Joel Friedman, Ph.D., is a California psychologist specializing in presence-centered therapy for individuals, couples, families and adolescents.","inLanguage":"en-US","isPartOf":{"@id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/people#webpage"},"breadcrumb":{"@id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/people/will-friedman#breadcrumb"},"mainEntity":{"@id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/people/will-friedman#person"},"publisher":{"@id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/#organization"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/people/will-friedman#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/people/will-friedman#primaryimage"},"hasPart":[{"@id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/people/will-friedman#contributions"}],"datePublished":"2024-05-31T21:19:15Z","dateModified":"2025-10-02T01:03:01Z"},{"@type":"WebPageElement","@id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/people/will-friedman#contributions","name":"Contributions","isPartOf":{"@id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/people/will-friedman#webpage"},"mainEntity":{"@id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/people/will-friedman#contribution-list"}},{"@type":"ItemList","@id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/people/will-friedman#contribution-list","name":"Contributions","numberOfItems":19,"itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"The Power of Belief","description":"Authored","item":{"@id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/the-power-of-belief#article"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"A Beautiful Mind Freeing Itself from Untruths","description":"Authored","item":{"@id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/blog/a-beautiful-mind-saying-goodbye-to-what-cannot-be-true#article"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"A Zen Tale of My Cup Overflows","description":"Authored","item":{"@id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/blog/my-cup-overflows-a-zen-tale-adapted#article"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":4,"name":"Being Presence Itself and Enlivening Life","description":"Authored","item":{"@id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/blog/being-presence-itself-enliven-the-quality-of-your-life#article"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":5,"name":"The Dual Nature of Ego and Its Four Functions","description":"Authored","item":{"@id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/blog/ego-can-be-a-superb-servant-and-a-tyrannical-master-recognize-four-functions-of-ego#article"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":6,"name":"The Cost of Insisting on Fairness and Justice","description":"Authored","item":{"@id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/blog/insisting-on-fairness-and-justice-is-a-recipe-for-conflict-misery-and-suffering#article"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":7,"name":"Transforming Apathy and Resignation","description":"Authored","item":{"@id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/blog/complacency-apathy-and-resignation-be-banished-and-transformed#article"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":8,"name":"Settling for Less and Deserving More","description":"Authored","item":{"@id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/blog/its-shocking-how-little-people-settle-for-how-much-they-put-up-with-and-how-much-better-they-deserve#article"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":9,"name":"GROKKED True Recognition and Belonging","description":"Authored","item":{"@id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/blog/grokked-being-seen-heard-and-known-for-who-you-are#article"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":10,"name":"Cultivating an Inner Radar for Manipulation","description":"Authored","item":{"@id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/blog/developing-an-inner-meter-on-manipulation-a-critical-life-skill#article"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":11,"name":"Setting Healthy Limits Can Be an All-Win","description":"Authored","item":{"@id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/blog/setting-healthy-limits-it-can-be-an-all-win#article"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":12,"name":"Nothing to Prove and Nothing to Explain","description":"Authored","item":{"@id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/blog/nothing-to-prove-and-nothing-to-explain#article"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":13,"name":"Psychological Conversation Stoppers","description":"Authored","item":{"@id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/blog/psychological-jujitsu-aikido-alchemy-conversation-stoppers#article"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":14,"name":"Mastering the Art of Pacing for Health and Longevity","description":"Authored","item":{"@id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/the-art-of-pacing-live-long-and-prosper#article"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":15,"name":"Resolving Guilt Once and for All, Time After Time","description":"Authored","item":{"@id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/resolving-guilt-once-and-for-all-time-after-time#article"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":16,"name":"Success Through Pattern Recognition","description":"Authored","item":{"@id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/pattern-recognition-a-key-to-success-in-doing-anything-well#article"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":17,"name":"Valid Feelings, Unreliable Beliefs","description":"Authored","item":{"@id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/feelings-are-authentic-and-valid-perceptions-and-beliefs-are-suspect#article"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":18,"name":"Recognizing Emotions to Restore Health","description":"Authored","item":{"@id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/the-sixteen-laws-of-emotions-recognizing-moods-and-emotions-to-return-to-healthy-feeling-processing#article"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":19,"name":"The Benefits of Suffering and the Costs of Well-Being","description":"Authored","item":{"@id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/the-benefits-of-suffering-and-the-costs-of-well-being-secondary-gains-and-losses#article"}}]}]},"representations":{"html":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/people/will-friedman","json":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/data/people/will-friedman.json","jsonLd":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/data/people/will-friedman.ld.json"},"$schema":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/data/page.schema.json","images":[{"url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/assets/optimized/0deea2ac470472cc81a95d51.webp","alt":"","width":180,"height":180},{"url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/assets/optimized/413e36e74a135121954b951a.webp","alt":"A woman smiles in the sunshine while wearing a straw hat.","width":1200,"height":593},{"url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/assets/optimized/8b9e5de4b8e9e2b18a58c34d.webp","alt":"Person reflecting beside an open journal in a sunlit study","width":1200,"height":800},{"url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/assets/optimized/e1d1b0f96c9f3b9cd436f820.webp","alt":"Warm tea being poured from a small handmade terracotta pot into a nearly full ceramic cup on a rustic wooden tray, a few droplets at the rim, quiet Japanese-inspired garden blurred beyond, philosophical still life","width":1200,"height":800},{"url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/assets/optimized/dfebd00d6aab9d6389925fbb.webp","alt":"Morning dew on a fern beside a garden chair","width":1200,"height":800},{"url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/assets/optimized/91ea5b25ef46e8f0f29cb1cd.webp","alt":"Person reflected in a mirror beside a sunlit doorway","width":1200,"height":800},{"url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/assets/optimized/447a250fea20789639a7ec2e.webp","alt":"A pair of differently shaped stones carefully balanced on an old wooden table, warm sunlight and subtle asymmetry, conceptual photograph on fairness and conflict, minimalist grounded still life","width":1200,"height":800},{"url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/assets/optimized/118e41dd9d7d2e3e704e3e9c.webp","alt":"A small green shoot emerging between weathered terracotta paving stones after rain, a pair of ordinary gardening gloves and hand trowel softly beyond, renewing motivation metaphor, ground-level macro","width":1200,"height":800},{"url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/assets/optimized/01218a26472f3d9cf378d6b0.webp","alt":"A woman opens bedroom curtains to morning light.","width":1200,"height":800},{"url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/assets/optimized/0045c2322e6b6ec5037441dd.webp","alt":"Two adults listen attentively to each other on a garden bench.","width":1200,"height":800},{"url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/assets/optimized/3a7e6ee1a8b358ee75afa670.webp","alt":"Hand placing a compass beside a journal","width":1200,"height":800},{"url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/assets/optimized/266d101dee0d6601c90034bb.webp","alt":"Open wooden gate leading into a green garden","width":1200,"height":800},{"url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/assets/optimized/62f53a176a1b4eee4284ad26.webp","alt":"Person resting on a hillside overlooking green fields","width":1200,"height":800},{"url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/assets/optimized/40f5ae97aad69f112170dc6d.webp","alt":"Two pairs of hands over a wooden cafe table, one gesturing softly and the other resting attentively, cooperative communication, cups pushed aside and warm light, no defensive or aggressive gestures","width":1200,"height":800},{"url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/assets/optimized/4540c95dce7c0fde1d78448e.webp","alt":"A person checks a wristwatch beside an open laptop.","width":1200,"height":630},{"url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/assets/optimized/3fce2acb495d08986365e59f.webp","alt":"A person sits in meditation beside the sea at sunset.","width":1200,"height":600},{"url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/assets/optimized/4b8e4964bd3fe87545bd3621.webp","alt":"A woman stands confidently in a bright room with her arms folded.","width":1200,"height":800},{"url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/assets/optimized/96c9208d15fb84c61e031d7f.webp","alt":"A child arranges colored pencils at a table.","width":1200,"height":630},{"url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/assets/optimized/59dd4c5d77b0a550cce62b7c.webp","alt":"An older adult shares a reassuring hug at home.","width":1200,"height":630}],"sections":[{"id":"local-communities","title":"Local Communities","level":2,"url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/people/will-friedman#local-communities"},{"id":"topic-communities-heading","title":"Topic Communities","level":2,"url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/people/will-friedman#topic-communities-heading"},{"id":"references","title":"References","level":2,"url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/people/will-friedman#references"}],"references":[{"number":1,"id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/people/will-friedman#psyris","text":"Presence-centered Psychotherapy - Freeing the Ego to Live Free. (n.d.). Psyris. psyris.com. Accessed October 10 2026.","links":[{"url":"https://psyris.com/drwillfriedman?utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=libra&utm_content=external_resource&utm_id=site-people-will-friedman&utm_source=mentalhealth.com","label":"psyris.com"}],"url":"https://psyris.com/drwillfriedman?utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=libra&utm_content=external_resource&utm_id=site-people-will-friedman&utm_source=mentalhealth.com"},{"number":2,"id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/people/will-friedman#youtube","text":"Complete Website Introduction. (n.d.). YouTube. YouTube.","links":[{"url":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wvNfbVdHx1o&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=libra&utm_content=external_resource&utm_id=site-people-will-friedman&utm_source=mentalhealth.com","label":"YouTube"}],"url":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wvNfbVdHx1o&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=libra&utm_content=external_resource&utm_id=site-people-will-friedman&utm_source=mentalhealth.com"}],"relatedReading":[],"links":[{"url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/","label":"Home"},{"url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/people","label":"People"},{"url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/people/will-friedman#about","label":"About"},{"url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/people/will-friedman#contributions","label":"Contributions"},{"url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/local/pleasanton-ca","label":"Pleasanton, CA"},{"url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/community/relationships","label":"Relationships"},{"url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/community/family-health","label":"Family Health"},{"url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/community/psychotherapy","label":"Psychotherapy"},{"url":"https://psyris.com/drwillfriedman?utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=libra&utm_content=external_resource&utm_id=site-people-will-friedman&utm_source=mentalhealth.com","label":"psyris.com"},{"url":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wvNfbVdHx1o&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=libra&utm_content=external_resource&utm_id=site-people-will-friedman&utm_source=mentalhealth.com","label":"YouTube"},{"url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/the-power-of-belief","label":"AuthoredThe Power of Belief Learn how letting go of limiting beliefs and choosing adaptability can lead to greater clarity, resilience, and a stronger sense of fulfillment."},{"url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/blog/a-beautiful-mind-saying-goodbye-to-what-cannot-be-true","label":"AuthoredA Beautiful Mind Freeing Itself from Untruths Discover the power of recognizing what doesn't work and having the courage to let go of false ideas."},{"url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/blog/my-cup-overflows-a-zen-tale-adapted","label":"AuthoredA Zen Tale of My Cup Overflows Learn the importance of emptying your mind, letting go of preconceived notions, and embracing new information for personal growth."},{"url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/blog/being-presence-itself-enliven-the-quality-of-your-life","label":"AuthoredBeing Presence Itself and Enlivening Life Discover the power of being present and experiencing true awareness. Cultivate presence and tap into the limitless potential of the present moment."},{"url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/blog/ego-can-be-a-superb-servant-and-a-tyrannical-master-recognize-four-functions-of-ego","label":"AuthoredThe Dual Nature of Ego and Its Four Functions Discover the ego's functions and how it can be a tyrant or servant. Cultivate a healthy attitude towards the ego for personal growth."},{"url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/blog/insisting-on-fairness-and-justice-is-a-recipe-for-conflict-misery-and-suffering","label":"AuthoredThe Cost of Insisting on Fairness and Justice Uncover the pitfalls of fairness and justice, and the ego's influence. Embrace acceptance of life without the need for fairness or justice."},{"url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/blog/complacency-apathy-and-resignation-be-banished-and-transformed","label":"AuthoredTransforming Apathy and Resignation Unleash your potential by overcoming complacency, apathy, and resignation. Embrace truth, vision, and action for a fulfilling life."},{"url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/blog/its-shocking-how-little-people-settle-for-how-much-they-put-up-with-and-how-much-better-they-deserve","label":"AuthoredSettling for Less and Deserving More Discover why people settle for less and tolerate poor treatment. Explore the concept of the looking glass universe where outer circumstances reflect inner…"},{"url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/blog/grokked-being-seen-heard-and-known-for-who-you-are","label":"AuthoredGROKKED True Recognition and Belonging Discover the importance of being fully seen, heard, and known in relationships. Learn about grokking and understanding another's consciousness."},{"url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/blog/developing-an-inner-meter-on-manipulation-a-critical-life-skill","label":"AuthoredCultivating an Inner Radar for Manipulation Recognize and avoid manipulation with these five signals: discomfort, lack of resonance, feeling drained, ego agendas, and inauthentic behavior."},{"url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/blog/setting-healthy-limits-it-can-be-an-all-win","label":"AuthoredSetting Healthy Limits Can Be an All-Win Learn how to set healthy limits and boundaries in relationships, understand their importance for maintaining order and respect."},{"url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/blog/nothing-to-prove-and-nothing-to-explain","label":"AuthoredNothing to Prove and Nothing to Explain Discover the power of authenticity. No need to prove or explain. Just be present and true to yourself."},{"url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/blog/psychological-jujitsu-aikido-alchemy-conversation-stoppers","label":"AuthoredPsychological Conversation Stoppers Learn how Jujitsu, Aikido, and Alchemy principles improve psychological well-being and relationships."},{"url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/the-art-of-pacing-live-long-and-prosper","label":"AuthoredMastering the Art of Pacing for Health and Longevity Learn the importance of pacing skills in managing stress and improving health. Discover seven crucial skills to maximize effectiveness and minimize downtime."},{"url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/resolving-guilt-once-and-for-all-time-after-time","label":"AuthoredResolving Guilt Once and for All, Time After Time Learn about guilt's impact on mental health and relationships, recognize symptoms, understand short-term versus long-term guilt, and discover steps to resolve…"},{"url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/pattern-recognition-a-key-to-success-in-doing-anything-well","label":"AuthoredSuccess Through Pattern Recognition Discover its importance in problem-solving, troubleshooting, and issue spotting. See how it is relevant in psychology, computer science, and medicine."},{"url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/feelings-are-authentic-and-valid-perceptions-and-beliefs-are-suspect","label":"AuthoredValid Feelings, Unreliable Beliefs Discover the importance of trusting your feelings, navigating conflicting perceptions, and deconstructing inaccurate beliefs for informed choices."},{"url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/the-sixteen-laws-of-emotions-recognizing-moods-and-emotions-to-return-to-healthy-feeling-processing","label":"AuthoredRecognizing Emotions to Restore Health Learn about the laws governing emotions and how they function. Discover the sixteen laws of emotions, including Concern, Change, and Emotional Mimicry."},{"url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/the-benefits-of-suffering-and-the-costs-of-well-being-secondary-gains-and-losses","label":"AuthoredThe Benefits of Suffering and the Costs of Well-Being Discover the hidden purpose of behavior, the costs of well-being, and the path to lasting personal growth through self-awareness and healing."}],"seo":{"title":"Will Joel Friedman, Ph.D.","description":"Will Joel Friedman, Ph.D., is a California psychologist specializing in presence-centered therapy for individuals, couples, families and adolescents.","canonical":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/people/will-friedman","robots":"index,follow","socialImage":{"url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/assets/optimized/7e5541a55c91db58bc0957b6.png","width":1200,"height":630,"alt":"MentalHealth.com — People","type":"image/png","sitemapGroup":"people"}},"contributions":[{"title":"The Power of Belief","url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/the-power-of-belief","category":"Library","roles":["Authored"]},{"title":"A Beautiful Mind Freeing Itself from Untruths","url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/blog/a-beautiful-mind-saying-goodbye-to-what-cannot-be-true","category":"Perspective","roles":["Authored"],"image":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/assets/optimized/8b9e5de4b8e9e2b18a58c34d.webp"},{"title":"A Zen Tale of My Cup Overflows","url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/blog/my-cup-overflows-a-zen-tale-adapted","category":"Perspective","roles":["Authored"],"image":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/assets/optimized/e1d1b0f96c9f3b9cd436f820.webp"},{"title":"Being Presence Itself and Enlivening Life","url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/blog/being-presence-itself-enliven-the-quality-of-your-life","category":"Perspective","roles":["Authored"],"image":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/assets/optimized/dfebd00d6aab9d6389925fbb.webp"},{"title":"The Dual Nature of Ego and Its Four Functions","url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/blog/ego-can-be-a-superb-servant-and-a-tyrannical-master-recognize-four-functions-of-ego","category":"Perspective","roles":["Authored"],"image":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/assets/optimized/91ea5b25ef46e8f0f29cb1cd.webp"},{"title":"The Cost of Insisting on Fairness and Justice","url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/blog/insisting-on-fairness-and-justice-is-a-recipe-for-conflict-misery-and-suffering","category":"Perspective","roles":["Authored"],"image":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/assets/optimized/447a250fea20789639a7ec2e.webp"},{"title":"Transforming Apathy and Resignation","url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/blog/complacency-apathy-and-resignation-be-banished-and-transformed","category":"Perspective","roles":["Authored"],"image":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/assets/optimized/118e41dd9d7d2e3e704e3e9c.webp"},{"title":"Settling for Less and Deserving More","url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/blog/its-shocking-how-little-people-settle-for-how-much-they-put-up-with-and-how-much-better-they-deserve","category":"Perspective","roles":["Authored"],"image":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/assets/optimized/01218a26472f3d9cf378d6b0.webp"},{"title":"GROKKED True Recognition and Belonging","url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/blog/grokked-being-seen-heard-and-known-for-who-you-are","category":"Perspective","roles":["Authored"],"image":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/assets/optimized/0045c2322e6b6ec5037441dd.webp"},{"title":"Cultivating an Inner Radar for Manipulation","url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/blog/developing-an-inner-meter-on-manipulation-a-critical-life-skill","category":"Perspective","roles":["Authored"],"image":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/assets/optimized/3a7e6ee1a8b358ee75afa670.webp"},{"title":"Setting Healthy Limits Can Be an All-Win","url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/blog/setting-healthy-limits-it-can-be-an-all-win","category":"Perspective","roles":["Authored"],"image":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/assets/optimized/266d101dee0d6601c90034bb.webp"},{"title":"Nothing to Prove and Nothing to Explain","url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/blog/nothing-to-prove-and-nothing-to-explain","category":"Perspective","roles":["Authored"],"image":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/assets/optimized/62f53a176a1b4eee4284ad26.webp"},{"title":"Psychological Conversation Stoppers","url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/blog/psychological-jujitsu-aikido-alchemy-conversation-stoppers","category":"Perspective","roles":["Authored"],"image":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/assets/optimized/40f5ae97aad69f112170dc6d.webp"},{"title":"Mastering the Art of Pacing for Health and Longevity","url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/the-art-of-pacing-live-long-and-prosper","category":"Library","roles":["Authored"]},{"title":"Resolving Guilt Once and for All, Time After Time","url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/resolving-guilt-once-and-for-all-time-after-time","category":"Library","roles":["Authored"]},{"title":"Success Through Pattern Recognition","url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/pattern-recognition-a-key-to-success-in-doing-anything-well","category":"Library","roles":["Authored"]},{"title":"Valid Feelings, Unreliable Beliefs","url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/feelings-are-authentic-and-valid-perceptions-and-beliefs-are-suspect","category":"Library","roles":["Authored"]},{"title":"Recognizing Emotions to Restore Health","url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/the-sixteen-laws-of-emotions-recognizing-moods-and-emotions-to-return-to-healthy-feeling-processing","category":"Library","roles":["Authored"]},{"title":"The Benefits of Suffering and the Costs of Well-Being","url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/the-benefits-of-suffering-and-the-costs-of-well-being-secondary-gains-and-losses","category":"Library","roles":["Authored"]}],"relatedCommunities":[{"title":"Relationships","path":"/community/relationships"},{"title":"Family Health","path":"/community/family-health"},{"title":"Psychotherapy","path":"/community/psychotherapy"}],"reviewer":null,"collections":[],"person":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/people/will-friedman#person","name":"Will Joel Friedman","url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/people/will-friedman","description":"Will Joel Friedman, Ph.D., is a California psychologist specializing in presence-centered therapy for individuals, couples, families and adolescents.","jobTitle":"Ph.D.","image":{"@id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/people/will-friedman#primaryimage"},"subjectOf":[{"@type":"CreativeWork","name":"The Power of Belief","url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/the-power-of-belief"},{"@type":"CreativeWork","name":"A Beautiful Mind Freeing Itself from Untruths","url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/blog/a-beautiful-mind-saying-goodbye-to-what-cannot-be-true"},{"@type":"CreativeWork","name":"A Zen Tale of My Cup Overflows","url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/blog/my-cup-overflows-a-zen-tale-adapted"},{"@type":"CreativeWork","name":"Being Presence Itself and Enlivening Life","url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/blog/being-presence-itself-enliven-the-quality-of-your-life"},{"@type":"CreativeWork","name":"The Dual Nature of Ego and Its Four Functions","url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/blog/ego-can-be-a-superb-servant-and-a-tyrannical-master-recognize-four-functions-of-ego"},{"@type":"CreativeWork","name":"The Cost of Insisting on Fairness and Justice","url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/blog/insisting-on-fairness-and-justice-is-a-recipe-for-conflict-misery-and-suffering"},{"@type":"CreativeWork","name":"Transforming Apathy and Resignation","url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/blog/complacency-apathy-and-resignation-be-banished-and-transformed"},{"@type":"CreativeWork","name":"Settling for Less and Deserving More","url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/blog/its-shocking-how-little-people-settle-for-how-much-they-put-up-with-and-how-much-better-they-deserve"},{"@type":"CreativeWork","name":"GROKKED True Recognition and Belonging","url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/blog/grokked-being-seen-heard-and-known-for-who-you-are"},{"@type":"CreativeWork","name":"Cultivating an Inner Radar for Manipulation","url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/blog/developing-an-inner-meter-on-manipulation-a-critical-life-skill"},{"@type":"CreativeWork","name":"Setting Healthy Limits Can Be an All-Win","url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/blog/setting-healthy-limits-it-can-be-an-all-win"},{"@type":"CreativeWork","name":"Nothing to Prove and Nothing to Explain","url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/blog/nothing-to-prove-and-nothing-to-explain"},{"@type":"CreativeWork","name":"Psychological Conversation Stoppers","url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/blog/psychological-jujitsu-aikido-alchemy-conversation-stoppers"},{"@type":"CreativeWork","name":"Mastering the Art of Pacing for Health and Longevity","url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/the-art-of-pacing-live-long-and-prosper"},{"@type":"CreativeWork","name":"Resolving Guilt Once and for All, Time After Time","url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/resolving-guilt-once-and-for-all-time-after-time"},{"@type":"CreativeWork","name":"Success Through Pattern Recognition","url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/pattern-recognition-a-key-to-success-in-doing-anything-well"},{"@type":"CreativeWork","name":"Valid Feelings, Unreliable Beliefs","url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/feelings-are-authentic-and-valid-perceptions-and-beliefs-are-suspect"},{"@type":"CreativeWork","name":"Recognizing Emotions to Restore Health","url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/the-sixteen-laws-of-emotions-recognizing-moods-and-emotions-to-return-to-healthy-feeling-processing"},{"@type":"CreativeWork","name":"The Benefits of Suffering and the Costs of Well-Being","url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/the-benefits-of-suffering-and-the-costs-of-well-being-secondary-gains-and-losses"}],"mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/people/will-friedman#webpage"},"honorificSuffix":"Ph.D.","hasCredential":[{"@type":"EducationalOccupationalCredential","name":"Ph.D.","credentialCategory":"degree"}]},"localCommunities":[{"title":"Pleasanton, CA","path":"/local/pleasanton-ca"}],"topicCommunities":[{"title":"Relationships","path":"/community/relationships"},{"title":"Family Health","path":"/community/family-health"},{"title":"Psychotherapy","path":"/community/psychotherapy"}],"referencePresentation":"Numbered author–date references with italic work titles, publication details, linked source names, and documented access dates. Missing publication dates use n.d.","personIdentity":{"name":"Will Joel Friedman","displayName":"Will Joel Friedman, Ph.D.","primaryCredential":"Ph.D.","medicalDoctor":false,"degrees":["Ph.D."],"licenses":[],"certifications":[],"training":[],"affiliations":[],"fellowships":[],"professionalDesignations":[],"additionalCredentials":[],"educationInProgress":[],"licenseNumbers":[],"certificateNumbers":[],"role":"Writer (In remembrance)","summary":"Will Joel Friedman, Ph.D., is a California psychologist specializing in presence-centered therapy for individuals, couples, families and adolescents."}}
