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Clinical resource

Dan Siegel

Profile of psychiatrist and author Dr. Dan Siegel, covering interpersonal neurobiology, mindsight, and key books. Published by THE BALANCE.

Clinically reviewed byDr. Sarah Boss, MD
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Quick Summary

  • Daniel J. Siegel is a psychiatrist, UCLA clinical professor, author, and educator whose work focuses on attachment and interpersonal neurobiology.
  • Siegel coined “mindsight” to describe awareness of mental processes and the capacity to observe thoughts and emotions without identifying with them.
  • His books and Wheel of Awareness meditation explore brain development, parenting, relationships, identity, belonging, and the integration of sensory, bodily, and mental experience.

Daniel J. Siegel, MD, is a psychiatrist and author who has worked primarily on interpersonal neuroscience and developed the term “mindsight.”

Dan Siegel was born on 2 September 1957. As an undergrad, he studied at the University of Southern California, and in 1983, he earned his medical degree from Harvard Medical School. He finished his residency in the fields of pediatrics, psychiatry, and neuropsychiatry at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA).

This article talks about Dr. Dan Siegel’s life and work, as well as the groundbreaking books he wrote.

Editorial evidence

Evidence & sources

Selected clinical guidelines, peer-reviewed research, and public-health sources used in this article.

01American Psychological Association. (n.d.). Neuroplasticity. American Psychological Association Dictionary of Psychology.View source
02National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2023). Principles of drug addiction treatment: A research-based guide (3rd ed.).View source
03National Institute of Mental Health. (n.d.). Psychotherapies. National Institute of Mental Health.View source
View all 14 sourcesShow fewer sources
04National Institute of Mental Health. (n.d.). Depression. National Institute of Mental Health.View source
05National Health Service. (n.d.). Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). National Health Service.View source
06National Library of Medicine. (n.d.). Neuroplasticity. MedlinePlus.View source
07American Psychological Association. (2023). Neuroplasticity.View source
08National Health Service. (2022). Talking therapies and counselling.View source
09American Psychiatric Association. (n.d.). What is psychiatry?View source
10National Institutes of Health. (n.d.). Brain Basics Know Your Brain.View source
11National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. (2022). Post-traumatic stress disorder (NICE Guideline NG116).View source
12World Health Organization. (2023). Mental health.View source
13National Institute on Drug Abuse. (n.d.). Drugs, brains, and behavior: The science of addiction. National Institute on Drug Abuse.View source
14Siegel, D. J. (n.d.). Bio. Mindsight Institute.View source
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