I had the pleasure of knowing Dr. Hoffman as a therapist, mentor, spiritual advisor and friend for nearly a decade now. We met through the recommendation of a friend of a family member. I was in a difficult and dark place at the time, and I was skeptical of everything. Dr. Hoffman and I established a rapport immediately, and over the months and years I came to consider him one of my closest acquaintances. If you're a reader and a writer, you'll find a kindred soul in Hoffman, who has written and published multiple fiction and nonfiction works. Whether you dig trashy genre fiction or pretentious experimental literary nonsense like me, or more respectable stuff, you'll find a caring and compassionate storyteller and listener who understands the way we word-people think and feel. I mention writing because some of my most helpful sessions were during the months when we collaborated on a writing project as an exercise in narrative therapy that also helped to reignite my creative passions. We fell out of touch for a little while due to my various obligations and whatnots, but now as my life is again transforming around me and I'm throwing myself into my literary work with a renewed dedication and focus, I'm looking forward to meeting with him again to help me on this new project and adventure of life. (In fact, that's how I landed on Yelp today looking for him...he may end up reading this before I call to make an appointment.) He was also instrumental in helping me through various legal, medical, employment and recovery related challenges. He's also just a great guy to talk to, with vast knowledge, colorful personal stories, a friendly attitude and a compassionate heart. If you're interested in mindfulness, meditation of any stripe, or exploring consciousness in general, a visit with Dr. Hoffman may be some of the best time you can spend investing in yourself and your loved ones (because they benefit too!) If you are a writer, artist, musician or any kind of creatively inclined person, I cannot recommend him highly enough. Dog people? Last time I checked he had an adorable Ridgeback. I'm a cat man myself, with three at home, but I always looked forward to a weekly lick from his big puppy. That's the kind of extra touch that makes a real difference. Seriously though, animal lovers will feel right at home on Dr. Hoffman's couch. I've tried every major AI chat bot, and after extensive research, decided that giving Dr Hoffman a call is the best move I can make for my mental health. I prefer books and computer screens to most people, but even I gotta admit that there's no substitute for a real understanding human who gets where you're coming from. ChatGPT ain't got nothing on the man. In fact, I'm posting this review as a way to force myself to quit putting it off another day and just make an appointment already. If you're reading this, you may do well to try the same. read more

Dr. Hoffman is a super star in a field of marginal counselors and teachers. He is the missing link for anyone that is stuck in their recovery or mental health. He meets you where you are at in your journey and he seems to know exactly where to take you to improve your lifes journey. He works with other members of my family and we all benefit from his Buddist practices although he adapts to whatever spiritual entity works for you. His workbooks, print books- he has many- are 20 years ahead of our times. If it wasnt for him I would have given up after 35 years of the limited tools in any of the 12 step programs. Reading 164 pages for 35 years was not working for mw anymore. Now I feel like a budding flower again and I look forward to my new life thanks to Dr Hoffman read more

I went looking for a Buddhist teacher when I felt stuck in my meditation practice. Michael was so kind and I have learned so much from him. He brought a wealth of knowledge about different mindfulness traditions. His compassion and caring shine through brightly and consistently. I highly recommend him for anyone seeking to advance in their meditation practice. read more

I brought my son to Michael to work on his nervousness and self-doubt. He is a high school varsity wrestler and honor student. Recently the pressure of athletics and academics made him full of worry and he was considering throwing in the towel for easier junior and senior school years. Since I know he is wonderfully bright and very athletic, I thought it might be wiser to conquer those issues before taking the easy way out of high school, thus setting a lifetime pattern for giving up when times get tough. It has been 2 weeks since his visit with Michael, and the self-defeat he was temporarily suffering from before hitting the wrestling mat has definitely subsided. His practice has returned back to normal and he is not beating himself up before sparring with his opponent (whose goal IS beating him up so to speak, so why get beat up twice!). He is also no longer nervous before speaking in his Spanish 4 class and has far less anxiety before taking his tests. All of this after only 1 session! I cannot recommend Michael enough! I will also be seeking his guidance and hypnosis help in the near future for my own issues, and I'm excited to do so after seeing the results with my son. I am eternally grateful. read more

This is where to go whenever you need any sort of help. The resources michael draws upon range vastly, from ancient hindi and buddhism all the way through Jung and Freud, and up to and including the most cutting edge information. Somehow, Michael makes growing pains fun. The best thing you can do for your 'self' is visit sober buddha. read more

Michael is amazing. His kind, humorous, and compassionate counseling has helped my son find his way. Learning how to meditate has been crucial to his well-being. He's also been working with us as a family and has helped us navigate some difficult times. He goes above and beyond other therapists. I would highly recommend working with Sober Buddah! He's the best! read more

In my early stages of recovery, I met Michael and he posed a question: During all those times I was so uncomfortable in my own skin, what if, instead of escaping, I just sat and felt it? That introduction launched me into the discovery of Vipassana meditation, and with it a heightened awareness and an acceptance of the people, things, places and situations around me. Michael was instrumental in accelerating the development of a framework with which I have built a sober life. I have met some wonderful people since, but none has struck the chord he has so immediately and enduringly hit. In my experience he did not blindly treat patients as anonymous recoverers with all the same problems and requirements. Rather, he had sharp insight into each person as an individual, communicating in his own terms what he saw them going through and what he believed could help. In my opinion, he demonstrates a thorough conceptual, spiritual and scientific understanding of mediation and recovery practices. He is a mentor and a constant source of guidance for me. And very importantly, he. has. a. sense. of. humor. read more

I call Michael, Obi Wan Kenobi... he is a Jedi master counselor. His is so caring and wise. We all need a mentor on this heroes journey we are living. He has been that for me, and I am so grateful. I highly recommend him to you as well. May the force be with you:) read more

Michael is a gift. He is extremely present, skilled and supportive. And, I love this sense of humor. His knowledge of Vipassana meditation and ability to teach one how to tap into this natural healing gifts that we all have has allowed me to begin a journey to happiness that I have sought for years. This is NOT about Buddhism, but rather about learning meditation techniques that come from the Buddhist tradition. I feel so fortunate to have found him. read more

Excellent resource to learn about mindfulness and tools to manage stress, anxiety, and fear. Highly recommend Michael to anyone.

Dr. Hoffman is a true gem . I stumbled across his yelp page in desperate need of counseling and dare I say mentorship . His response to my plea was almost immediate , faster than I had even expected , and that same day we made an appointment. Dr. Hoffman embraces both western and eastern practices and philosophies which is so refreshing here in Orange County . I was drawn to him because he possessed the empathetic nature I was set on finding . His voice is calm , he is compassionate and he is well studied . You can really tell the learning never stops for him . He also has a really cute dog and he can make you laugh . I will continue to see Dr. Hoffman in efforts to unpack my baggage one appointment at a time . Oh also , because he is such a great author he offers resources with his own voice and writings on them , these really assist in keeping you engaged between appointments. Book with him if you're in need of Some nirvana . He really sends you away with all the tools you need to live a harmonious life . read more

Great guidance and teaching each "session" with Michael. His website contains so much good content and his Listening Room has proven invaluable to my growth. Follow Michael's recommended readings, learn from his spiritual teacher Shinzen Young, and read Frankl's book titled Man's Search for Meaning (an easy read). You will gain clarity into yourself and become more at peace with life's challenges. read more

I suffered from insomnia for months and yes, the heavy duty drugs did put me to sleep but aside from dependency, the drugged feeling one gets the next day was almost as bad as not sleeping. I meditate, do yoga, tried acupuncture, Chinese Herbs and even medical marijuana but, it was not until going to Michael for hypnotism that I finally had a natural slumber. It took 2 sessions to really feel the affects and after the 3rd I am sleeping normal. His calm, assuring manner makes you feel completely at ease and the experience itself is very pleasant and you wake up from the hypnotic state feeling refreshed and energetic yet peaceful as if coming back from a wonderful dream or vacation. read more

Michael is was extremely helpful. He helped me relax and focus on whats important in my life without all the background noise that throws you off balance. If you ever feel overwhelmed he's the man to go see. I was never into meditation before I saw him but I can honestly say its helped me in everyday life. You meet with him in a relaxing setting so he can help show you how to use meditation to calm yourself. Its 1 one 1 so you get his utmost attention. At first I thought it might be kind of silly but my wife got me to go. It was one of the best things I've done in a while and has helped with so many aspects of my life. Thanks Michael! read more

Michael taught me the mindfulness skills I needed to relax and see my concerns from an objective point of view. Then he showed me how complex problems can be simplified and solved with a here-and-now attitude. Michael's friendly and compassionate counseling style is solution-focused and encouraging, and his great sense of humor helps me through hard places. I never knew how healing Buddhist and Jungian counseling could be until I worked with Michael. read more

We can't express enough how gifted, professional and supportive Dr. Michael has been with our family. We brought our daughter to see him for meditation and stress management. He has exceeded our expectations in every aspect of therapy. We could have gone to any number of counsellors in the area, but chose him because he is the best. He has the ability to provide outstanding techniques that have not only helped our daughter, but our entire family. He is extremely knowledgeable and provides a level of service we wouldn't be able to receive by any other therapist. We Love his calming meditation counseling, his ability to understand our daughter's stresses and his reassurance that healing is able to be achieved through this process he provides. We will forever be grateful for him and his care. She is well on her way to managing whatever stressors life throws her way. Thank you Dr. Michael. read more