Janet Surrey

Janet Surrey is an American author, playwright, clinical psychologist, and mindfulness teacher known for her work exploring relationships, spirituality, and gender through both academic and creative lenses. Blending her deep understanding of human psychology with a gift for storytelling, Surrey has made significant contributions to the fields of relational therapy, contemplative practice, and performance-based dialogue.

Surrey holds a Ph.D. in clinical psychology and is a founding scholar of the Stone Center Theory of Relational-Cultural Psychology, developed at the Wellesley Centers for Women. This influential framework emphasizes the centrality of relationships in human development, especially for women, and has shaped therapeutic practices worldwide. Surrey co-authored the groundbreaking book Women’s Growth in Connection and has written extensively on empathy, relational resilience, and intersubjectivity.

As a playwright, Surrey is best known for co-authoring the play You’re Wearing That? with her longtime collaborator, therapist and author Carol Gilligan. The play explores mother-daughter dynamics through a real-time conversation between the two characters, examining generational conflict, love, and miscommunication. Their work on stage is a natural extension of their shared psychological and philosophical explorations, bringing academic theory into emotionally resonant, accessible performance.

In addition to her work in psychology and theatre, Janet Surrey is also an active Buddhist teacher in the Insight Dialogue tradition, combining Western relational theory with Eastern mindfulness practices. She teaches retreats and workshops internationally, emphasizing mindful communication and spiritual connection. She is affiliated with Insight Dialogue Community and the Barre Center for Buddhist Studies.

Janet Surrey’s multifaceted career spans therapy, writing, theatre, and spiritual practice. Her work is unified by a deep commitment to fostering authentic connection, healing, and compassion, whether through a therapeutic conversation, a play on stage, or a meditation retreat. She continues to influence a broad audience through her integrative, human-centered approach to both inner and interpersonal life.