Profile

Dr. Deborah Norris is internationally renowned Author of "In the Flow: Bridging the Science and Practice of Mindfulness", and numerous other chapters and scientific articles. Founder of The Mindfulness Center, based in the Washington, D.C. area, she has taught meditation, yoga and related mind-body therapies at The American University and Georgetown University Medical School. Her practices range from traditional medical and psychotherapeutic therapies to holistic, integrative and lifestyle practices. A health scientist with over 40 years of experience in research, clinical application and education, Dr. Norris brings meditation, yoga, and other lifestyle wellness programs to the forefront of health care. Dr. Norris has a B.A., M.A., and Ph.D. in psychology. She is the Founder and Director of the Psychobiology of Healing program and Psychologist-in-Residence in the Department of Behavior, Cognition and Neuroscience at American University. Dr. Norris teaches and conducts research in meditation and yoga therapy and other mind-body approaches to well-being. Dr. Norris has studied a number of mind-body-spirit modalities. She has intensive training through the Washington Center for Consciousness Studies in the theory and practice of Gestalt Psychotherapy and meditation. She has also trained with the American Society of Clinical Hypnosis. Integrating her studies of mind and body, Dr. Norris is a Clinical Exercise Physiologist and is certified in exercise physiology by the American College of Sports Medicine and other certifying organizations. She has been an instructor for the Arthritis Foundation. She is 500-hr ERYT certified with Yoga Alliance, and a yoga therapist certified by the International Association of Yoga Therapists. In her quest for continuing education in healing modalities, Dr. Norris is also trained and certified in a number of forms of bio-energetic healing. Dr. Norris has nearly 50 years of experience in health sciences, exercise and dance, receiving her first National Science Foundation Research Fellowship in Behavioral Genetics at NIH in 1974. Integrating studies of mind and body, practice and science, Debbie apprenticed with the New York City Ballet in 1976. She also danced with members of the Royal Danish Ballet and the Harkness Ballet. She danced with Broadway dancer Honya Holm, and taught with Modern Dancer Erika Thimey in Washington, D.C. in 1975. In addition to yoga, ballet and modern dance, Debbie has studied traditional Spanish Dance, African Dance, Jazz and Hindu dance forms; as well as teaching Ballroom dance. Dr. Norris was previously on the faculty in the Psychiatry Department at Georgetown University Medical School, and taught Medical residents at the Veteran's Affairs Medical Center. With a background in research in electro-encephalography, studying shifts in the electromagnetic fields of the brain and body, she is a true expert in the neuroscience of energy medicine. Dr. Norris worked for 15 years as a health scientist specializing in neurobehavioral science at the United States Environmental Protection Agency, where she authored USEPA research Testing Guidelines, and was the U.S. lead scientist for the European OECD Neurotoxicity Testing Guidelines Committee. She also co-authored the USEPA and the OECD Developmental Neurotoxicity Testing Guidelines and numerous regulations and Test Rules. She has been a health consultant to the C.D.C, the N.I.H and the F.D.A. In her practice, Dr. Norris integrates lifestyle elements of meditation, physical exercise, spiritual development, relaxation therapy, energy work, imagery, nutrition and herbs for maximal health and happiness! She is both a pioneer and a leader in holistic health and the New Health Care Paradigm.