John Ryder is a licensed psychologist, author, achievement
coach, hypnotherapist and workshop leader in private practice in the heart of New York City. He has dedicated his life to understanding how we can improve the quality of our life and achieve our potentials. He has integrated the newest evidence based scientific knowledge with ancient wisdom to create a holistic and effective system to help people overcome obstacles and achieve their goals. He has always been a thought leader and a strong advocate of positive psychology and promotes a more optimistic viewpoint of life.
His approach primarily relies on utilizing the individual’s strengths to counter any weaknesses or problems. He began meditating at the age of 16 which started his exploration of consciousness. He obtained his doctorate in psychology from the City University of New York and was trained at the Mt. Sinai School of Medicine where he served as an Assistant Professor. In addition to teaching, he conducted brain mapping research on how the nervous system works and published more than a dozen articles. In 2008 he published his book POSITIVE DIRECTIONS Shifting Polarities to Escape Stress and Increase Happiness which contains the essence of his views on psychology and how to make life easier.
He has studied with many internationally renown individuals to bring his clients the most effective techniques
available. As a psychotherapist, Dr. Ryder has combined the latest academically proven techniques with an intuitive approach built upon over 35 years of experience. His system focuses on guiding people to better understand the causes and consequences of their lives with both logic and emotional compassion. As each individual increases his or her awareness, they also are able to dev2elop their strengths to become more flexible, adaptive and assertive in the world around them. These are skills that anyone can learn to use to improve their life.
Based on his research and experience, he recorded several audio CD programs, Relax to the Max is designed to help people quickly and easily relax and recharge. The purpose is to minimize stress and maximize success, because he wants to help every person identify and achieve their dreams and goals.
He has given many lectures and workshops to various groups across the United States and internationally. Dr. Ryder is a member of the American Psychological Association, New York Academy of Science, the American Society for Clinical Hypnosis, International Positive Psychology Association, American Academy of Medical Hypnoanalysts and founder of the Legend Institute. John Ryder has also been listed in the Who’s Who of America 2000 as well as been named one of the Outstanding Individuals of the 20th Century (IBC).
Dr. Ryder has also appeared in numerous TV shows as an expert discussing various issues. He has been interviewed on over 60 radio talk shows as well addressing important topics of the times. As a popular and dynamic speaker he travels and lectures widely.
Most recently, Dr. Ryder established the Positive Science Center Inc. and built a fabulous log cabin near Putnam Valley only one hour north of NYC. The PSC is dedicated to promote positive psychology and Dr. Ryders work to the general public.
Curriculum Vitae
Academic Background
Ph.D. Psychology
The City University of New York 1988
M.A. Psychology
The City College/CUNY New York 1983
B.A. Liberal Arts
Clark University, Massachusetts 1978
Licensure
Psychologist: State of New York # 012422
Board Certified Consultant in Hypnosis: American Society of Clinical Hypnosis # C9055
Professional Experience
2016 – Present: Founder and President of the Positive Science Center Inc. a non-profit educational corporation dedicated to promote positive psychology and raised the funds to build a center in the Hudson Valley one hour north of NYC.
1994 – Present: Psychologist in Private practice NYC – serving individuals, couples, and corporate clients. Professional services include evaluations, coaching, counseling, psychotherapy and hypnotherapy. Dr. Ryder is a positive psychology advocate who believes that we are all capable to enjoy true well-being with balance and social harmony while achieving our full potential. Dr. Ryder also is a frequent public speaker giving interviews, workshops, and lectures.
1988 – Present: Consultant to corporate, academic and sports organizations; peak performance training, communication skills, and business dev2elopment.
1994 – 1995: Consulting Psychologist, Rossi Psychological Group at Runnells Specialized Hospital, N.J.;
1992 – 1994: Director of Neurodiagnostics, The Neuroscience Institute, JFK Medical Center, Edison, N.J.
1989 – 1992: Assistant Professor, Department of Neurosurgery, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, City University of New York.
1986 – 1992: Neuropsychologist in charge of the operation of the Clinical and Research Laboratories with Rosario Zappulla, M.D., Ph.D., Professor and Vice-Chairman, Department of Neurosurgery, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, CUNY.
1986 – 1992: Project director of interdisciplinary research team studying hydrocephalus. Mount Sinai Medical School, CUNY.
1989 – 1990: Consultant to Northeast Research Institute, Inc. Conn. for dev2eloping research protocols for neuro-toxicity experimentation supported by the U.S. Defense Department. 1994 – Present: Private practice NYC (full time) Consulting, psychotherapy, and coaching.
1989 – 1994: Summer time archeology: Organized archeological studies; performed excavations and began renovations on a 13th Century Gothic castle in Golancz, Poland.
1986 – 1993: Consultant to Quantified Signal Imaging Inc. Toronto Canada. Provided Beta Site support in dev2eloping software for the QSI 9000 electrophysiologic monitor, in charge of all protocols regarding Evoked Potentials and Quantitative EEG data.
1980 – 1994: P/T Consultant & Private practice, Better Health, P.C. 825 Seventh Avenue, New York. Organized workshops on stress management, preventive health, changing personal attitudes and creative problem solving; in addition to private practice.
1986 – 1993: P/T Director of Neurodiagnostic Service: supervising Head Injury Program; evaluation and rehabilitation, Unitas Community Health Center, New York, N.Y.
1985 – 1986: P/T Clinical Neuropsychology Internship (supervised) evaluations of learning disabilities, head injury and dev2eloping rehab programs, The City University of New York.
1982 – 1987: P/T Established Entrepreneur Enterprises a partnership in New York that acted as an agency to promote cultural exchange bringing American musicians to Eastern Europe and the USSR; a number of music festivals were successfully organized with the help of the U.S.I.A.
1981 – 1984: P/T Research Internship, Masters thesis in evoked potentials and brain mapping, Brain Function Laboratory, Department of Neurosurgery, Mt. Sinai Medical Center, New York.
1981 – Present: P/T Founder and Director of Explorers Institute, Inc. New York, non-profit resource network which promoted artistic and social programs for members and the public.
1980 – 1983: P/T Member of Board of Planners, Cuando Cultural programs, New York, NY.
1978 – 1980: F/T Research Associate. Beth Israel Hospital, Behavioral Neurology Unit, Harvard Medical School. Conducting temporal lobe epilepsy research with Dr. D. Baer.
1979 – 1980 P/T Sales Representative, Security Alarms, Systems International Conscious. Mass.
1977 – 1979: F/T Clinical Research Assistant. Boston Veterans Administration Hospital, Neuropsychology Research Unit, Harold Goodglass, Director; conducted and analyzed research on various patient populations and participated in the academic program.
Invited Lectures, Workshops & Presentations:
The Psychology Behind How Politicians Twist Perspective, Political Spin. Columbia University NY, Sponsored by PIASA Jan 2019.
Achievement in Business Leadership: Krakow Psychological Association, Poland Sept. 2014
Overturn Negativity: How to Organize a Social Experiment to Promote Positive Psychology and How Positive Psychology Interventions Can Improve Relationships. Polish Positive Psychology International Conference, Sopot 2013
Developing Your Strategic Master Plan. Get Leverage Workshop NYC. Jan. 2013
How to Utilize Positive Psychology to Promote Social Progress. IPPA International Positive Psychology Association. Philadelphia 2011
Positive Psychology in Leadership: 10 Factors Every Leader Must Continue to Develop. American Psychological Association Convention Washington DC 2011 Division 19.
Positive Psychology and the Art of Persuasion. Rotary International – Rotaract NYC. 2010
Better Leadership Through Mental Fitness, International Leadership Association, Global Conference, November 2009 Prague.
Get Leverage Workshops – New York City. Series of 1 day events to liberate people from thinking small or negatively and dev2elop their strengths to reach their goals. ( 2012, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006)
Leadership and Mental Wellness. United Nations: CSW 53rd Conference on Global Leadership and Shared Responsibilities. March 2009 United Nations, New York
Positive Directions: Master Keys to Make Life Easier, NewLife Expo, NY 2008 & 2009
Shifting to Positive: Master Keys to Make Life Easier, NewLife Expo, NY 2007
Sharpen the Inner Edge. CBC Shanghai, China Nov. 2007
New Model to Integrate Divergent Perspectives to Promote Greater Health.
Achievement Psychology: Anthony Robbins Coaching Models and Marketing. Presented at:
APA – American Psychological Association National Convention – New Orleans 2006.
Polarity Shifting: Your Master Keys to Making Life Easier, NewLife Expo, NY 2006
Increasing Consciousness, Raising Your CQ NewLife Expo, N.Y. 2006
Ultimate Goals in the New Millennium: NewLife Expo, N.Y. ’97; 98; 99; 01; 2003, 2006
Tantric Sex – Secrets to Health and Vitality. NewLife Expo, New York, NY 2003
Techniques to Teach Clients How to Relax and Transform Their Behaviors. National Assoc. of Transpersonal Hypnotherapists. Annual Convention, Virginia Beach, VA 1999
Train the Brain to Heal the Mind and Body. & Scientific Proof that Hypnotherapy is Effective. Annual Convention of the National Guild of Hypnotists, Nashua, NH. Aug. ’98; ’99; 2000; 01.
Mechanical and Theoretical Causes of “Healing Experiences” during Hypnotic Regression. 14 International Congress of Hypnosis, Am. Soc.th Clin. Hypnosis, San Diego, Ca. June 1997.
Sensory Stimulants Aiding Hypnotherapy. Scientific Proof that Hypnotherapy is Effective. The Annual Convention of the National Guild of Hypnotists, Nashua, NH. Aug. 1997, 1998.
Psychological Overview of Mild Traumatic Head Injury. Brain Injury Association of NY (Bkn) Public Forum at Maimonidies Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY May 1997.
Medical Aspects of Hypnosis. The Annual Convention of the National Guild of Hypnotists, Nashua, NH. Aug. 1996.
Coherence Analysis: Comparing Structural Lesions with Mild Head Injury. Kessler Rehabilitation Institute, West Orange, NJ, 1995.
Evaluation of Mild Head Injury with QEEG and Coherence Analysis. American Academy of Neurologic and Orthopedic Surgery, 18 Annual Conference, Las Vegas, 1994.
Your Inner Self: Key to Your Hidden Potential, Workshop Chiromed Clinical Ass. NY 1994.
Evaluating the Mechanisms and Consequences of Head Injury, New York Head Injury Study Group, NYU Medical Center, NY, 1994.
Quantitative EEG: Neurophysiological Techniques in the Diagnosis and Prognosis of Patients with Head Injuries. Johnson Rehabilitation Institute, Edison, NJ 8/ 1993.
Neuropsychological Aspects of Multiple Sclerosis, JFK Community Forum 7/ 1993.
Selecting Optimal Parameters to Record and Display Changes in Computerized EEG Activity During Surgery. J. Ryder; R. Tiedemann; B. Ellman; A. Simpson; C. Argila; D. Richmand. American Society for Neurophysiologic Monitoring, IV Annual Conf., Baltimore, 6/ 1993
Quantitative EEGs: Topographical Brain Mapping, Grand Rounds, JFK Medical Center 1993.
Head Injury: Legal and Clinical Issues, NY Trial Lawyers Association, NY 12/ 1992.
Non-invasive quantification of CSF flow in shunts. J. Ryder, R. Zappulla, A. Aron, C. Drost. 6/91. VIII International Symposium on Intracranial Pressure, Rotterdam 1991.
Topographic Mapping of the Sensory-Motor Cortex Using Subdural Electrode Arrays. R. Zappulla, J. Ryder, W. Wang. IV International Evoked Potential Symposium, Toronto 1990.
Workshop Director: Conference at Mt. Sinai Hospital entitled: Workshop on the Management of Acute and Chronic Hydrocephalus. Non-invasive Techniques to Monitor ICP and CSF Flow in Shunts in Patients with Hydrocephalus. June 1990.
Intraoperative Topographical Mapping of Cortical Activity. R. Zappulla, J. Ryder. 50th Anniversary of the Montreal Neurological Institute: January 1989 Canada.
Brainstem Auditory Evoked Responses in Chronic Kaolin Induced Hydrocephalus in the Rat. S. Kugler, J. Ryder, D. Moon, B. Karmel, R. Zappulla, A. Aron. Academy of Neurology Meeting, April 1989 Chicago.
Brainstem Auditory Evoked Responses Pre- and Post- VP Shunt Revision in Infants & Children. J. Ryder, S.Kugler, A. Aron, B.Karmel. Child Neurology Society: October 1987 San Diego.
Publications
Recovering from Trauma. Bottom Line Personal. Vol.32, March 2011
How to Reduce Stress in Tough Times. Bottom Line Personal. Jan.2009.
Positive Directions Shifting Polarities to Escape Stress and Increase Happiness. Published by Morgan James, NY Sept. 2008.
101 Great Ways to Improve Your Life Co-Authored with Mark Victor Hansen, et al. Self Growth NJ (2007). (Chapter 20:) “What Makes the Best Decisions: Your Logic or Intuition?”
The Power of Trance Hypnosis Blog at Psychology Today 2009 – present
Mental Fitness Column: The New York Optimist. 2008 – present
Psychological Insights and Advice column in Talent in Motion magazine, New York, quarterly journal in NYC- since June 2004, twelve issues/articles.
Relax to the Max. Produced and recorded CD program for relaxing and self dev2elopment 1999.
The Effectiveness of Hypnotherapy. A Review of Research Methods and Findings for Promoting Hypnotherapy. John Ryder, Ph.D. Journal of Hypnotism. 2000.
Train the Brain to Heal the Mind and Body. John Ryder, Ph.D. 2001 Journal of Hypnotism.
Motor Evoked Potentials Elicited from Pyramidal Stimulation and Recorded from the Spinal Cord of the Rat. Ryder, J., Zappulla, R.A., Nieves, Journal of Neurosurgery 28:4, pg 550-58, 1991.
Brainstem auditory evoked responses in 56 patients with acoustic neurinoma. J. Grabel, R. Zappulla, J. Ryder, W. Wang, L. Malis. Jrn. Neurosurgery 74:5 pg 749-753, 1991.
Topographical Brain Mapping in the Clinical Environment. Zappulla, R.A., Ryder, J. Clinical EEG. 19:1, 48 – 49, 1988.
The Effects of Spinal Cord Lesions on the Rat Spinal Motor Evoked Potential. Adamson, J., Zappulla, R.A., Ryder, J., Malis, L.I. EEG Clinical Neurophys. 74: 469-80, 1989.
Electrophysiological Evaluation of Vascular Malformations of the Central Nervous System. Zappulla, R.A., Gennuso, R., Ryder, J. In Arteriovenous Malformations, ed. B. Rosenblum, Hanley & Belfus Inc, pgs 87 – 107, 1988.
Non-cortical Origins of Spinal Motor Evoked Potentials in Rats. Zappulla, R.A., Hollis, P.H., Ryder, J., Moore, F., Adamson, J., Moustakis, W., Malis, L. Neurosurg. 22:5 p846 -852, 1988.
Brainstem Auditory Evoked Responses Before and After Ventriculoperitoneal Shunting in Infants and Children. Karmel, B.Z., Ryder, J., Kugler, S.L., Gardner, J.M., Brown, E.G., Rothman, A.S., Wallace, S.A., Zappulla, R.A., Aron, A.M. Annals of Neurology. 22:3 pg 9, 1987.
One Painting Chosen. John Ryder, in Art Forum of New Jersey, June 1983.
Interictal Behavior in Hospitalized Temporal Lobe Epileptics: Relationship to Idiopathic Psychiatric Syndromes. David Baer, Kenneth Levin, Dietrich Blumer, Diedre Chetham, John Ryder in: Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry, Vol.45, pgs 481-488, 1982.
Human Neuropsychology: Some Differences Between Korsakoff and Normal Operant Performance. Marlene Oscar-Berman, Gene Heyman, Robert Bonner, John Ryder in: Psychological Research Vol.21, pgs 235-247, 1980.
Professional Affiliations:
Member of American Psychological Association
Member of International Positive Psychology Association
Member of American Society of Clinical Hypnosis
Member of American Academy of Medical Hypnoanalysts
Member of New York Academy of Sciences
Member of New York Clinical Hypnosis Society
Awards & Special Recognition
Entrepreneur of the year in Psychology Cambridge Who’s Who of America Awarded: 2009
Elected to Cambridge Who’s Who 2008 New York.
Best Writer – Talent in Motion Magazine 2007, New York City.
Elected to: Who’s Who of America 2000. Marquis International Publications, NJ 2000.
Elected to: Outstanding Individuals of the 20 Century. IBC, Cambridge, England 1999.
Hypnosis Research Award. National Guild of Hypnotists, Nashua, NH 1999.
Additional Academic Training
Closing the Mind-Body Gap ASCH Am. Soc. Clin. Hypnosis. Charlotte 2012 Convention
American Psychological Association – Convention Washington DC 2011
Advanced Workshop in Hypnotherapy. Dan Brown, Ph.D. & Corry Hammond, Ph.D. Boston 2010
International Positive Psychology Congress. Philadelphia 2009.
Global Well Being Forum: Gallup Organization, Washington DC 2007
Life Mastery with Anthony Robbins (Miami) 2006.
Unleash the Power Within with Anthony Robbins (San Jose) 2005.
International Congress on Ericksonian Approaches. M.H. Erickson Foundation, Phoenix, AZ 2004.
Jeff Zeig, Ph.D. Erickson Hypnotherapy. (24 CEU) NY Core Center, NY 2004.
Jeff Zeig, Ph.D. Master Class in Ericksonian Techniques. NY Erickson Society, NY 2003
Ericksonian Approaches to Hypnotherapy. NY Clinical Hypnosis Society, Glen Cove, NY 2001
Advanced Workshop: Clinical Consulting. American Society of Clinical Hypnosis, Baltimore, 2000.
International Congress on Ericksonian Approaches. M.H. Erickson Foundation, Phoenix, AZ 1999.
The Competitive Edge. Anthony Robbins Seminar, New York, 1999.
Emotional Intelligence, Health and Relationships. P. Salovey, Ph.D. Mind Matter Seminars, 1998.
Advanced Workshops for Professionals. (21 CEU) American Society of Clinical Hypnosis, and International Congress, San Diego, June 1997.
Cognitive – Behavioral Therapy. (15 CEU) A.Einstein College of Medicine, New York. 1997.
Brian Weiss, M.D. Workshop on Hypnosis and Regression Therapy. Omega Institute, NY July 1997
Advanced Workshops for Professionals. American Society of Clinical Hypnosis, Phil. PA. Nov. ’96
Mind – Body Medicine. Body & Soul Conference – Deepak Chopra, M.D., Boston 1996.
Advanced Techniques in Ericksonian Hypnosis. (8 CEU) NY Clinical Hypnosis Society, NY 1995.
Applications of Hypnosis in group settings. Don Mottin, National Guild of Hypnotists, NY 1995.
Transforming the Self, Freedom from the Bondage of Karma. Himalayan International Institute of Yoga Science and Philosophy, Honesdale, PA. October 1994.
Workshop on Quantitative EEG Analysis and Interpretation; Prof. F. Duffy, MD Director of EEG Lab at Children’s Hospital, Boston. 1991
Advanced Clinical Hypnotherapy – Certification (21CEU) – Steven LaVelle; National Guild of Hypnotists. New York Workshop, 1990
Intra-operative Monitoring of Evoked Potentials – Univ. of Florida 1988.
Psychotherapy, Hypnosis and NeuroLinguistic Programming. Steven Leeds, Ph.D. NY 1988
Clinical Hypnosis Workshop (21 CEU) George Bien; National Guild of Hypnotists, NYC 1988
Hypnosis for Physician and Dentist – Professor S. Wienberg, MD, Department of Psychiatry, Mt. Sinai School of Medicine, New York. (six week program) 1983.
Neuro Linguistic Programming. Robert Dilts, New York, NY 1983.
Advanced Hypnosis Workshop – (15 CEU) Associate Trainers in Clinical Hypnosis 1981.
Holistic Training Program for Counselors and Therapists – A. Weinstock, Ph.D. (21CEU) 1980; Yoga, Psychotherapy and Self-Transformation – Swami Rama (21CEU) 1983; Himalayan International Institute of Yoga Science and Philosophy, Honesdale, PA. 1983.
Hypnosis in the Psychiatric Treatment of Adults and Children, (six week program); Managing Emotional Aspects of Medical Illness; (21 CEU) Prevention of Suicide (15 CEU); Short Term Psychotherapy (28 CEU); The Psychotherapy Institute, Harvard Medical School 1979 – 1980
Certification in Relaxation Therapy – Institute of Relaxation, W. Sichort, Ph.D. Seminar 1979.
Hypnosis in Clinical Practice – Theodore X. Barber, Ph.D. 16 CEU Workshop 1979.
