Combining Eastern Wisdom
With Western Science
About Idan
My name is Idan Topaz and I'm a psychologist and a former Buddhist Monk for a decade in Thailand. In my late twenties, after a devastating breakup, I hit rock bottom and nearly ended my life. At that time, a psychiatrist diagnosed me with chronic depression that had been with me since I was 15, finally explaining why I always suffered from depression, anxiety and loneliness.
Since the age of 15, I have worked with 10 psychologists, each from a different school of psychology, gaining profound insights through their diverse approaches while also learning and understanding their methods. their support guided me to take a life-changing step: becoming a monk in Thailand.
During my 10 years as a Buddhist monk in Thailand I learnt from the most famous meditation masters around Thailand. I developed determination and perservirence within me and practiced many years intensively for many hours every day while trying to face my emotional states in calmness and objectivity. I have practiced meditation in exotic places like forests, caves and rice field and also in the midst of a matropolin’s chaos in the center of Bangkok.
Nowadays, I'm not bothered by the old negativities that I used to experience for so many years and every year seems better than the previous one. At this point I also want to say thanks to my different teachers and masters who helped me reach this place of peace and harmony.
Why do I guide people as a psychologist and former monk
When I was suffering intensely I didn’t know that there is a way out not only to overcome the emotional pain but also to transform it into happiness and peace that are being generated from within. Now I have the knowledge and the tools necessary to achieve these goals. I believe that we all want to be happy but many of us just don’t know how.
When I was hopeless and in despair I wanted someone to show up and help me. I know what it’s like to feel lost, trapped in your own mind, and fearful to move forward. That’s why I dedicate my life to help others find their way, no matter how dark or overwhelming life may seem - there are tools that can help. It is my joy, passion and most important value in life to guide people, seeing them grow and being surprised with each progress they make thoward the goal of having enough tools and practice to ensure life filled with peace, harmony and happiness.
My approach, tools and methods
Over the years, I noticed a pattern: each psychologist I received therapy from specialized in one school of psychology, using it as their sole method to help me. Similarly, during my time as a monk, I saw that each monastery taught a single style of meditation to all students.
This one-size-fits-all approach often left people struggling. Some clients didn’t benefit from therapy because the psychologist’s method didn’t match their needs or personality. Likewise, some meditation students left monasteries feeling worse than when they arrived.
To address this, I’ve trained in multiple schools of psychology and mastered various meditation techniques. When I work with a client, I first understand their unique personality and challenges. Then, I select the tools and approaches that best fit their needs, ensuring the greatest potential for healing and growth.
When I was in depression I thought nobody can understand or help me but now I know that it is possible to get out from stress in all it's forms and reach a life filled with positive energies, appreciation and satisfaction. I live it and I wish to offer you to join me
