Meet Noel Coakley, MEd, LMHC

Therapist & Meditation Teacher

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 partners 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.

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 a senior teacher for the Mindfulness Meditation and Metta Meditation Teacher Training programs.

As the founder and director of the Boston Center for Contemplative Practice, Noel 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.

Education & Experience

  • Bachelor’s in Political Science Clemson University

    Master’s of Special Education University of Massachusetts Boston

    Master’s of Holistic Counseling & Psychology, Lesley University

    • Practicing since 1996; trained in Indo-Tibetan and Yungdrung Bön traditions

    • Root teacher: Geshe Tenzin Gelek Rinpoche (Zhang Zhung Nyengyud Dzogchen, Bön Mother Tantra)

    • Additional studies with HH the Dalai Lama, HH the 34th Menri Trizin, Lama Tsering Ngodup Yodsampa (Karma Kagyu), and Dr. Dan P. Brown (Mahamudra, Dzogchen, Rime) and many others

    • Senior Teacher, Mindfulness Meditation Teacher Training with David Nichtern / Dharma Moon

    • Director, Boston Center for Contemplative Practice

  • Noel is a compassionate, direct and attuned healing guide and psychotherapist. His knowledge of Dharma and mindfulness, as well as deep training in theory and body-based practices allow him to meet me where I am at, respond thoughtfully, and hold the space for me to arrive at my own wisdom. With his support I have thrived through some very dark times.

    E., Yoga Teacher, Reiki Practitioner

  • My partner and I attended couples' therapy with Noel over the course of several months. We both felt comfortable with Noel from the beginning and found him to be warm, thoughtful, gentle, kind and lighthearted. He never took sides, which made it easier for both of us to open up, and this really helped us understand each other's motivations and needs. We came to look forward to our sessions with Noel.

    Therapy Client (partners)

  • Noel helped me through a particularly difficult time in my life and did so with compassion, empathy, understanding and great wisdom. I found the process immensely helpful.

    Therapy Client

  • I am beyond grateful for the support and guidance I've received from working with Noel. When I started therapy, I felt overwhelmed and unsure of where to turn. Noel has provided me with the tools and insights needed to navigate life's challenges with confidence and clarity. Through our sessions, I've developed a deeper understanding of myself, learned how to manage my emotions, and gained a greater sens of control over my mental health. Our work together has allowed me to explore difficult emotions and situations that I had been avoiding for years.

    Therapy Client