About Dr. Dan

Daniel Gottlieb began his practice as a psychologist and family therapist in 1969 after receiving undergraduate and graduate degrees from Temple University. As a young psychologist, working in the addictions field, he was enjoying his professional successes and his two young daughters. Life seemed perfect. Until...

In 1979, while preparing a surprise for his wife on their 10th anniversary, Gottlieb was in a near-fatal automobile accident, which left him paralyzed from the chest down. Over the ensuing years, he faced depression, divorce and the death of his wife, sister and parents. Throughout all, he maintained his devotion to family and his career. Now, he sits in a wheelchair observing life and gaining unusual insight into what it means to the human.

Since 1985, Daniel Gottlieb has been hosting "Voices in the Family," an award-winning mental health call-in radio show aired on WHYY 90.9 FM, Philadelphia's local public radio station. From 1993 until 2008, he wrote a highly regarded column for the Philadelphia Inquirer titled: "Inside Out," reflecting his perspective on the events in the world around us and the many ways we experience those events. He has also previously published a total of four books. His most recent, "Learning From the Heart: Lessons on Living, Loving and Listening," describes some of the many lessons he's learned about what we share as humans. All of his royalties are donated to children's charities, and so far he has contributed nearly $80,000 to a variety of children's causes. In addition to his writing and radio show, he lectures locally and nationally on a variety of topics affecting the well-being of people, families and the larger community.

The essence of his life can be found on his business card. After his name, there are no degrees and no fancy titles. His card simply says "Daniel Gottlieb. Human." He is the proud father of two daughters and a blissfully happy grandfather of Sam. Much of his wisdom and compassion he attributes to having experienced severe losses—of his mobility and the death of his sister and parents. He has unique understanding of both the solitude and the growth that accompany suffering. As a result, it is his belief that alienation and prejudice are the greatest source of suffering in our souls and in the larger world. Healing this pain requires sitting quietly, feeling our lives and opening our hearts to the great love that lives there.

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