Headshot of Janet Sims. She is outdoors in pleasant sunlight, smiling. She has smooth gray hair and a silver blazer.

30 Years Experience

Dr. Janet Sims, founder of Basic Mindfulness Portland, received her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the California School of Professional Psychology. With more than 30 years experience, she has expertise in treating anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, pain, chronic health conditions and existential concerns.

Dr. Sims is personally interested in living and learning the human psycho-spiritual continuum. This includes ordinary/non-ordinary psychological functioning to trans-personal and non-dual spirituality to relationships and playfulness. Dr. Sims is currently a Licensed Psychologist in Oregon. Her professional experience includes:

  • Associate Director of Counseling and Human Development at Dartmouth College
  • Adjunct Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at Dartmouth Medical School
  • Visiting faculty member at Portland State University
  • Member American Psychological Association since 1980
  • Member Oregon Psychological Association since 2008
  • Member National Register of Health Service Providers in Psychology for over 20 years

In addition to her private psychology practice, Dr. Sims has studied, meditated and practiced contemplative pursuits since her teen years. Early influences were Yogananda, Ken Wilber, Krishnamurti, Ramana Maharshi, Nisargatta Maharaj and Ramesh Balsekar. Her Buddhist teachers have been Thich Nhat Hanh, Sr. Annabelle Laity, Shinzen Young, Rodney Smith, Narayan Liebenson and Leigh Brasington. Her non-dual teacher is Rupert Spira. She has taught meditation and its practical applications at:

  • Dartmouth College Medical School
  • Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center
  • Portland State University
  • Lewis & Clark Graduate School of Continuing Education
  • Providence St. Vincent’s Medical Center
  • Zen Center of Portland
  • Home Practice Program (Shinzen Young)
    (see http://homepracticeprogram.com/)