Betsy Burris

Teacher Educator | Psychotherapist

I have a Ph.D. in education from Stanford University and a MSW from Smith. My BA is from Princeton University in East Asian Studies; I studied classical Chinese (highly relevant now!).

Over the past 30 years, I have taught in teacher education programs at Stanford University, Dominican College, Connecticut College, and Bennington College; I have directed teacher education programs at Stanford (STEP) and Bennington (the MATSL, which I also designed).

I have been a psychotherapist for children and adults who have experienced sexual abuse or domestic violence, for college students, and for adults at a public mental health agency.

For the past 15 years I have run Teacher Support Groups and done individual psycho-coaching with teachers and administrators at various institutions from early childhood to college. I have also taught instructional design to teachers from middle school through college via a course that steps them through the (fun) process rather than just talks about it. I have published a book called The Feeling of Teaching and am currently seeking a publisher for my latest book, Saving the World One Asshole at a Time.

EP 106 Making Friends with Emotions to Thrive After 65 with Dr. Betsy Burris

106

Aug. 27, 2026

EP 106 Making Friends with Emotions to Thrive After 65 with Dr. Betsy Burris

What if the emotions we've been taught to push aside are actually trying to teach us something? In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Betsy Burris - educator, psychotherapist, author, and podcaster - to talk about the winding path that led her from studying classical Chinese literature, to directing the Stanford Teacher Education Program, to becoming a therapist for teachers. Betsy opens up about the painful administrative experiences that pushed her toward burnout and ultimately toward...

Guest: Betsy Burris

Listen to the Episode