Noel Coakley
BCCP Director, Psychotherapist,
Meditation Teacher
(he/him)
For those seeking an alternative to traditional psychotherapy, Noel offers a unique approach rooted in Buddhist psychology and meditation practices. Noel works with individuals and couples around issues including (but not limited to) anxiety, depression, trauma, addiction, relationships, career changes, and spirituality.
For those seeking support in their meditation practice, Noel offers an approach established in lineage traditions that is balanced with trauma-informed Western psychology. His support style balances tradition with modern contextualization.
About Noel
Noel is an independently licensed mental health counselor (LMHC) with a Master's degree in Counseling from Lesley University and Special Education from UMass Boston.
He is also a certified yoga instructor, supporting a holistic, mind & body approach to wellness. His experience from years as a special education teacher benefits his ability to support differentiated learning styles and needs.
Noel has been practicing meditation since 1996, beginning initially with the Indo-Tibetan traditions and then the Yundrung Bön tradition since 2013. Over the years, Noel has been fortunate to learn from over 100 teachers, including HH the Dalai Lama and HH the 34th Menri Trizin.
HIs first teacher was Lama Tsering Ngodup Yodsampa, from the Karma Kagyu lineage. He later studied with the psychologist and meditation teacher, Dan P. Brown, who introduced him to Mahamudra, Dzogchen, and a Rime a style of practice.
Noel’s main practice lineage is currently the Yundgrung Bön tradition, with his root lama, Geshe Tenzin Gelek Rinpoche, studying Bonpo Dzogchen from the Zhangzhung Nyengyud.
Noel has been given the refuge name “Zhen Phen Gelek” - ‘Zhen Phen’ meaning ‘to bring benefit to others’ and ‘Gelek’ meaning ‘positive virtues, everything good'.’
In addition, Noel is a student of David Nichtern, founder of Dharma Moon, with whom Noel works as an assistant director for the Mindfulness Meditation Teacher Training program.
As the founder and director of the Boston Center for Contemplative Practice, Noel has created a welcoming space where individuals can explore their own paths to healing, recovery, development, and flourishing.
Beyond his professional life, Noel is a loving father, husband, brother, musician, and friend to his dog, Clementine.
