Donald Meichenbaum, PhD., is one of the founders of cognitive behavioral therapy, noted for developing the therapeutic technique that focuses on changing the automatic negative thoughts that can contribute to and worsen emotional difficulties, depression, and anxiety. He is also recognized for his considerable knowledge around the efficacy of psychotherapy—and for his sense of humor. He is a distinguished professor emeritus of psychology at the University of Waterloo, Ontario.

He believes his relationship with his mother drew him to the field of psychology. His first client died by suicide, which resulted in his feeling he had failed as a therapist and subsequently making trauma a specialty. He works with cognitive behavioral interventions, and offers free resources to download from his website on resiliency.