BRIAN RIEDESEL

Bio Sketch for Brian C. Riedesel, Ph.D., B.C.E.T.S. (2024)

Brian Coats Riedesel is a teacher and life coach and was a licensed Psychologist for 35 years. He has been a counselor and teacher in many settings for 51 years. As a generalist practitioner of Counseling and Clinical Psychology, with primary professional interests in Vocational and Health Psychology, he places a special emphasis on career development, stress, trauma, mindfulness and culture. He served as Adjunct Faculty in the departments of Family & Preventive Medicine, Psychiatry, Pharmacy Practice, Educational Psychology, and Social Work, while on the Medical Staff of the University of Utah Hospitals and Clinics. He also served as Coordinator of Career Development and Multicultural Programs at the University of Utah Counseling Center.

He was a Diplomate in the American Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress (Board Certified Expert in Traumatic Stress, listed in their International Registry & National Center for Crisis Management). His teaching, counseling and consulting included 5 years “abroad” in Asia and Europe with the United States Air Force. He received the U.S. Air Force Commendation Medal in 1991 for meritorious service related to crisis and trauma while in the Republic of the Philippines. His other college counseling or teaching appointments include Boston University, University of Maryland, Chapman College, Maharishi International University, Argosy University, Bastyr University, Central Texas College, Coe College, Grinnell College, the University of Washington and the University of Iowa.

His formal education includes a Bachelor’s Degree in Anthropology/Social Science from Macalester College, a Master’s in Student Development in Postsecondary Education from the University of Iowa (National Institute for Drug Abuse fellowship), and a Doctorate from the University of Utah. He is published in the Journal of Counseling Psychology, Journal of College Counseling and the Journal of Counseling and Development. He has provided presentations, workshops and consulting at international and regional venues on topics such as meditation, trauma, and career development.

He was co-recipient of the 3^rd Annual Pete Suazo Social Justice Award in 2004. This award is given by the University of Utah College of Social Work and was granted for his activities in “training, outreach and awareness building”. A part of the two-page citation for this award states…  “Dr. Riedesel is a master teacher in formal classroom settings as well as in outreach and workshop settings for diverse groups…”

Brian has been practicing meditation on a daily basis for 52 years and has taught meditation and self-care for 51 years. He also speaks fluent Minnesotan.