“I’m a person who evolved over a long life from cognitive scientist to shaman and healer. That was like a 30-35 year evolution. I’m very much a bridge builder and a synthesizer”
About Michael Reddy, Ph.D. (1944-2023)
Michael J. Reddy, fondly known as “Cougar,” was a man of extraordinary talent, intellect, and compassion. Born on March 4, 1944, in Cicero, Illinois, Michael spent his life exploring and excelling in diverse fields, leaving a profound legacy of inspiration, innovation, and healing. He passed away on June 7, 2023, in Pottstown, Pennsylvania, yet his influence continues to resonate through the lives he touched and the work he left behind.
A Life of Learning and Innovation
Michael’s academic journey was distinguished by a Ph.D. in Linguistics from the University of Chicago, where he contributed groundbreaking research to the emerging field of Cognitive Science. In 1979, he developed the concept of the Conduit Metaphor, which remains a cornerstone in understanding how conceptual metaphors shape human communication. As an Assistant Professor at Columbia University, he taught linguistics, semantics, and writing while publishing research that continues to be widely cited in academic circles.
However, Michael’s thirst for fulfillment led him beyond academia. His career expanded into business systems analysis, technology management, and alternative healing practices. His ability to combine analytical thinking with profound spiritual insight set him apart, allowing him to bridge disciplines and make meaningful contributions across varied fields.
Transformative Healing Practices
In the late 1980s, Michael’s path took a deeply spiritual turn as he immersed himself in Native American-inspired shamanic practices under the guidance of Sun Bear and other elders. This training inspired him to found the Lower Hudson Bear Tribe in New York and Walk In Balance in Philadelphia, organizations dedicated to healing circles, sweat lodges, and vision quests.
In 2008, Michael founded ReddyWorks, where he expanded his focus to include Family Constellations, Energy Psychology, and coaching. As a certified professional coach and Family Constellations facilitator, he empowered countless individuals to overcome challenges and embrace their full potential. His workshops, teleclasses, and one-on-one sessions were complemented by his prolific writing, which made his methods accessible to both professionals and the broader public.
A Multifaceted Career
Michael’s professional journey also included significant achievements in consulting and business leadership. As a systems analyst and project manager, he guided organizations like the NYC Board of Education and Money Magazine. Later, as Chief Technical Officer at Music Together LLC, he designed systems that supported the company’s growth from 6 to 60 employees, helping it flourish as a leader in early childhood music education. His ability to integrate technical expertise with a human-centric approach made him a sought-after consultant and leader.
Creativity and Personal Passions
Michael’s creativity extended beyond his professional life. A talented musician, he recorded several CDs of original music that reflected his deep connection to self-expression and storytelling. He also authored multiple books and countless articles, sharing his insights with the world. In his private life, Michael found joy and inspiration as a sailor, woodworker, and singer-songwriter, often retreating to the solace of his log home west of Philadelphia.
Michael’s deep love of sailing mirrored his spiritual outlook. The open water offered him freedom, challenge, and communion with nature—qualities that paralleled his approach to both life and healing. Sailing was not only a pastime, but also a personal metaphor for navigating life’s emotional currents with presence, courage, and awareness.
“When I’m on the water, I remember that I’m not in control. I’m in dialogue—with the wind, the tide, the boat, and myself.”
“Music is like a constellation. Each note has a place, a direction, a tension, a resolution. It’s a field you enter—not just something you hear.”
Beyond his roles as teacher and healer, Michael was also a lifelong musician and passionate songwriter. He recorded several CDs of original music, channeling themes of spiritual reflection, personal growth, and soulful connection. Music was a central part of his self-expression, and he often shared his songs in healing spaces and personal gatherings, enriching his community with heartfelt melodies and lyrical insight.
Remembering Michael
Michael Reddy’s life was a testament to the power of vision, compassion, and curiosity. His ability to bridge ancient wisdom and modern methodologies created practices that remain transformative today. Whether through his academic contributions, his leadership in business, or his healing work, Michael left a profound mark on the world.
Those who knew Michael remember him not only for his intellect and accomplishments but also for his warmth, humor, and genuine desire to empower others. His legacy lives on in the lives he touched and the teachings he shared, ensuring that his wisdom and vision continue to inspire and guide future generations.
Michael’s Education and Career
Education and Trainings
PhD, Cognitive Linguistics of English . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .University of Chicago
BS, Philosophy and Physics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . University of Santa Clara
Advanced German Conversation . . . . . . . . . . . . Goethe-Institut, Luneburg, Germany
Jr Yr Abroad, Freiburg, Germany Ordentlicher Student . . . . . Albert-Ludwigs-Universitat
Systemic Constellation Training
Systemic/Family Constellations . . . . Hellinger Institute of Western PA (Mark Wolynn)
3rd US Summer Intensive 2010 . . . . . . . . . . . .U of Connecticut, Family Systems Dept
4th US Summer Intensive 2011. . . . . . . . . . . . U of Connecticut, Family Systems Dept
5th US Summer Intensive 2012 . . . . . . . . . . . .U of Connecticut, Family Systems Dept
(Without listing all the workshops and private sessions, I have represented for and/or done personal work with Hunter Beaumont, Ulrich Bold, Andrea Bosbach Largent, Thomas Bryson, Dan Booth Cohen, Stephan Hausner, Judith Hemming, Ed Lynch, Francesca Mason Boring, Claudia Mengel, Vernon Morin, John Payne, Eve-Marie Schaeffer, Heinz Stark, Mark Wolynn, Chris Walsh, and Carolyn Zahner.)
Shamanic Training
7 Year Apprenticeship in Shamanic Healing . . . . . . . . .Native, Mixed-blood Teachers
(I began working with Sun Bear in 1986 and through him connected with two others who do not wish to be named [call me if details are important]. Trained to lead healing circles, sweat lodges, vision quests, journey-work, soul-retrieval, and various ceremonies--I began public work in 1990. Teachers I learned from and supported during the 90's include Wallace Black Elk, Hawk Little John, Grandfather Albert Ward, Dhani Ywahoo, Slow Turtle, Medicine Story, Granfather Ellis and Charles Chipps, Brooke Medicine Eagle, Grandmother Parisha, Brant Secunda, Spirit Eagle, Hollis Little Creek, Bear Heart, and Vince and Mom Stogan.)
Training as a Coach
Sales and Management Communication . . . . . . . . . Sandler Institute President’s Club
Core Energy Coaching . . . . . . . Institute for Professional Excellence in Coaching iPEC
Energy Leadership. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iPEC
“Book Yourself Solid” Marketing Trainer . . . . . . . Trained Personally by Michael Port
Book Breakthru Gold Mentoring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Janet Goldstein, Elizabeth Marshall
Energy Psychology Training
ACEP's EFT Certification, Levels 1, II, & III . . . . . . . . . Tina Craig, Michael de Molino
(ACEP--Association for Comprehensive Energy Psychology)
ACEP's Comprhensive Energy Psychology I & 2 . . . . . . Stephanie Eldringhauf, et al
Professional Training and Personal Work in TWR (WHEE) . . . . . . . . . . . .Dan Benor
(TWR--Transformational Wholistic Repatterning)
Professional Training and Personal Work in CLEAR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Julie Roberts
(CLEAR, Clearing Limits Energetically with Acupressure Release)
Career
Overview
Extensive experience in Alternative Healing, Consulting, Business Software, and University-Based Research & Teaching. Unifying threads that run through these activities are strong interests and highly developed expertise in:
Wellness, emotional, spiritual, physical--making individuals healthy & happy
Networked systems—their effects on the health of organizations and individuals
Effective communication—connection, conceptual clarity, emphasis, metaphor
Best methods—in these areas, exploring, designing, articulating them in writing
Activities by Area
Counseling, Healing (24+ years)
Founder, Principle Teacher, Author . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1989–1994
The Lower Hudson Bear Tribe New York City
Native American inspired, shamanic Spirituality and Healing Techniques (Circles, Sweat Lodges, Vision Quests, Workshops, Articles). I was trained by Sun Bear and other native elders between 1986 and 1994. (Some of my teachers do not wish to be named; see Apprenticeship below or call me if you have questions.)
Founder, Principle Teacher, Author . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1995–2007
Walk In Balance Philadelphia
Native American inspired, shamanic Spirituality and Healing (Circles, Sweat Lodges,
Vision Quests, Workshops, Articles)
Healer, Trainer, Author . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2008-Present
ReddyWorks Philadelphia
Family Constellations, Energy Psychology, Coaching, and Shamanism--
teleclasses, workshops, private sessions in person or remote,
professional & popular articles and books, conference presentations
Consulting (7 years)
Owner, Project Manager, Author . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1980–1986
Michael Reddy PhD Consulting New York City
Systems Analysis, Rapid Applications Development, Creation of IT departments and data centers, Articles, Papers. Notable clients—NYC Board of Education, Couristan Carpets, Money Magazine
Senior Project and Relationship Manager, Author . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2007–2008
Soliant Consulting Philadelphia
Management Consulting, Systems Analysis, Custom Software Development, Technical Papers. Helped set up third regional office in Philadelphia, published several technical papers
Business (21 years)
Owner, Designer, Project Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1987–1997
Exceptional Woodwork NYC, Philadelphia
Marine, Residential, and Commercial woodworking projects. This business formed a grounded, flexible support system for me while I was apprenticed to native teachers, and later running the Lower Hudson Bear Tribe
Director of Organizational Development . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1997–2002
Chief Technical Officer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2003–2008
Music Together LLC Princeton
Design, Implementation, and Management of Human and Electronic Systems that helped this early childhood Music Education company to grow from 6 employees to 60. A very profitable business that did good in the world
Teaching, Research (10 years)
Research Technician . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1967-1971
Argonne Cancer Research Hospital University of Chicago
With considerable physics and math in my undergraduate background, I became part of a diagnostic radiology team investigating the frequent occurrence of small-lesion false positives in liver scans made using Techntium 99m as the radioactive agent. I became the team's developer when we modelled the behavior of early "collimaters" using Fourier transforms programmed in FORTRAN IV. This problem was solved in a most interesting way and I was named as a contributor on three publications, and as first author on another (see citations below).
Assistant Professor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1972–1978
Columbia University New York City
Joint Appointment in Linguistics and English. Taught graduate and undergraduate semantics, humanities, writing—trained expository writing staff. Original Research on the role of underlying Conceptual Metaphors in human language. See The Conduit Metaphor: A Case of Frame Conflict in Our Language about Language. (My groundbreaking article on a coherent, underlying “folk model” for human communication found in the English language. Google “conduit metaphor” to learn more about it or see references to my work; or see the Wikipedia article covering it)
“I am known for my efforts to try to induce people to use both mental and intuitive and psychic skills and not restrict themselves to one or the other.”
Michael Reddy