PhD Researcher in Contemplative Psychology and Wisdom at Auckland University of Technology (AUT)
School of Clinical Sciences, New Zealand | M.A. Clinical Psychology | Licensed Psychologist |
Authorised Dharma Teacher | Editorial Assistant in the Journal Mindfulness at Springer Nature |
Editorial Assistant in the Journal Psychology and AI at Taylor & Francis
ABOUT
ABOUT SHON PREM BON SOENG
EDUCATION,QUALIFCATION,CERTIFICATION
Shon is a licensed psychologist and researcher whose journey spans Europe, Asia, America, and Oceania, engaging in diverse contemplative, clinical, and research disciplines. Her international experiences have shaped a holistic and interdisciplinary perspective that integrates clinical psychology, positive psychology, neuroscience, and Buddhism with ancient wisdom and modern psychological science. By bridging contemplative wisdom traditions with empirical psychological research, she explores integrative and innovative ways to understand the mind, enhance well-being, and promote human flourishing.
As an authorised Dharma Teacher with a deep-rooted background in Buddhism, Shon integrates ethical principles, compassion, insight, and wisdom into both her research and practice. She ensures that her work reflects scientific rigour alongside a deep psychological and transpersonal understanding.
Her work seeks to bridge ancient contemplative wisdom with contemporary psychological science, advancing integrative approaches for mental health and well-being.
Shon is currently pursuing a PhD in Psychology at Auckland University of Technology (AUT) in New Zealand, under the supervision of Prof. Chris Krägeloh (AUT), Prof. Mario Mikulincer (The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel), and Dr. Oleg Medvedev (University of Waikato, New Zealand).
Her research focuses on developing an innovative measurement tool in the field of Contemplative Psychology and Wisdom. Her work reflects a deep commitment to advancing psychological research that nurtures the development of the human mind to its highest potential.
Passionate about education, Shon has gained valuable teaching experience in various settings, facilitating workshops on mindfulness, meditation, spiritual accompaniment, Buddhism, metaphysics, transpersonal and contemplative psychology, personal development and well-being. Her teaching approach emphasises interactive learning, critical reflection, and experiential practice, encouraging participants to engage deeply with theoretical concepts and real-world applications. In doing so, she fosters intellectual curiosity and personal growth within a supportive, enriching learning environment.
With a strong dedication to scientific inquiry and contemplative practice, Shon seeks to contribute to the evolving field of Contemplative Psychology and Wisdom—integrating deep introspection with empirical research to explore how well-being and wisdom can be cultivated in an ever-changing world.
Auckland University of Technology (AUT), New Zealand, 2024-Present
PhD Psychology Researcher in Contemplative Psychology and Wisdom
School of Clinical Sciences
Reichman University, Israel, 2017-2019
Master's Degree in Clinical Psychology - Magna Cum Laude
Thesis in Positive Psychology - With High Distinction
Reichman University, Israel, 2013-2017
Bachelor's Degree in Psychology
Graduate of the "Brain and Mind" Programme: a 2-year neuropsychology research internship for outstanding undergraduate psychology students
The British Psychological Society (BPS), United Kingdom, 2022-2024
GMBPsS, Graduate Member, Division of Clinical Psychology
GBC, Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership, No. 690706
Israel Ministry of Health, Psychologists Council, Israel, 2019-Present
Licensed Psychologist, Permanent License No. 159071
Harvard Medical School, 2024
Continuing Medical Education, Course Certificate
Meditation and Psychotherapy: Self-Transcendence and Non-Duality
Harvard Medical School, 2023
Continuing Medical Education, Course Certificate
Meditation and Psychotherapy: Returning to Love and Compassion
Haifa University, 2021-2022
Clinical practice as a licensed psychologist in the Student Counselling Clinical Unit. As part of the Israeli Ministry of Health Postgraduate Clinical Psychology Programme (partial fulfilment)
Sagol Centre for Brain and Mind, IDC Herzliya, 2014-2016
Research Assistant. Conducted an EEG-based research in collaboration with the Weizmann Institute of Science examining brain network dynamics in schizophrenia. Also, completed Sagol Centre's certificate courses: Wonders of The Brain - Wonders of Human; From the Brain to the Clinic
Muda Institute For Mindfulness, Science and Society, Israel, 2014-2016
Completed courses: Neurological and Psychological Mechanism in Mindfulness; MBSR and Its Application in The Health System for Medical Staff; Mindfulness Based Therapies
Head Temple, Kwan Um School of Zen, South Korea, 2000-2012
Awarded Poep Sa Title, Official Dharma Teacher Authorisation
Spiritual Arts Institute, Los Angeles, California, 2007-2012
Certified Metaphysician, Graduate of the Teacher Training Programme
La Nouvelle Faculté Libre, Paris, France, 2004-2006
Psychotherapy School - Integrative Psychotherapy and Psychoanalysis
Adrél, Paris, France, 2004-2005
Certificate studies in dream analysis in psychotherapy - Rêve Éveillé Libre
IRETT, France, 2006
Studies and training in the Institute for Research and Training in Transpersonal Psychology
International Zen Therapy Institute, United Kingdom, 2002
Studies and training in Zen Psychotherapy
Samsara - European Buddhist Magazine - Contributing Editorial Member, Journalist, Writer, and Dual Columnist
SPECIALTIES
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Clinical Psychology
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Integrative Psychotherapy
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Research in Psychology
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Positive Psychology
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Contemplative Psychology
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Contemplative Wisdom
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Psychology of Awakening and Enlightenment
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Buddhist Psychology
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Buddhist Dharma Teaching
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Zen Meditation Teaching
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Mindfulness Teaching
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Workshop Leading
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Guest Lecturing
