Dr. Peter J. Economou

PhD, ABPP, Director

I feel blessed to call this work; building relationships that are transformative, which validates my passion to heal others. The main focus is on accepting pain and eliminating suffering.

Peter J. Economou, Ph.D., ABPP earned a Ph.D. in counseling psychology and is Board Certified in Cognitive and Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and he is a certified mental performance consultant (CMPC) from the Association of Applied Sport Psychology (AASP). Dr. Pete completed post-doctorate clinical training in neuropsychology and sport psychology before entering academia for 15 years both in non-tenure and tenure positions. He has been a leader in program development, relationships, wellbeing, and more. Dr. Pete completed many international relief projects, which included working with children and adults with developmental disabilities in the Caribbean, and individuals with HIV and AIDS throughout Africa. Studying at Seton Hall University, and before earning the Ph.D., Dr. Pete was conferred a B.S. in Biology, studied Neuroscience at the graduate level, and was conferred a M.A. and an Ed.S. in counseling and psychological studies and mental health counseling.

Dr. Pete is licensed by the state of New Jersey and New York to practice psychology. He has also been providing executive coaching to business professionals in many disciplines, but mainly finance, sport and athletics, and law. He approaches all of his work from a behavioral orientation, primarily of third wave Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and is guided by the science. He creates an open dialogue about techniques and goals are set and evaluated regularly. It is his belief that brains need exercise for our minds to function at the optimal envisioned level. Dr. Pete has also studied eastern philosophy including Buddhism and Yoga which lead to his interest in the third wave cognitive and behavioral therapies, and he is a Zen teacher in the White Plum lineage installed by Robert Kennedy, Roshi.

Dr. Pete has worked with elite (e.g., university) and professional (e.g., NFL, MLS and NHL) athletes utilizing the four pillars: Behaviorism, Holistic, Strength-based, and Wellness. Dr. Pete has completed a myriad of research projects where he has presented at national and international conferences, and published many peer-reviewed journal articles. His research interests vary including performance psychology, substance use, mindfulness and meditation, and multicultural psychology. Dr. Pete is an active member of several professional organizations, is the co-host of the podcast When East Meets West, and author of two mindfulness books, Mindfulness Workbook for Beginners and Meditation Journal for Anxiety.

Dr. Pete is the author of Mindfulness Workbook for Beginners:
Exercises and Meditations to Relieve Stress, Find Joy and Cultivate Gratitude.
Unlock the benefits of a mindfulness practice with simple exercises and meditations

Mindfulness can help us stay present and cultivate greater positivity, compassion, gratitude, and calm. Begin your own mindfulness practice with help from the Mindfulness Workbook for Beginners, filled with specific guidance, step-by-step meditations, and easy activities for newcomers.

Explore topics like focusing on the present moment, setting intentions, and spending time with your thoughts and feelings. Then, dive deeper by learning how to practice gratitude, create space for joy, embrace your emotions, and feel compassion and empathy toward yourself and others.