Alan’s journey from Burroughs to his current role as a licensed psychotherapist in Santa Monica, California, has been truly transformative. Through his work and personal experiences, Alan strives to inspire others to embrace authenticity and find purpose in their communities. 

As the son of Indian immigrants who worked long hours to provide for their family, Alan found solace and purpose in the tight-knit Burroughs community. Burroughs became a sanctuary where he learned from great teachers, made lifelong friends, and played a lot of basketball. He also decided to run for class office, prioritizing connections among his classmates through inclusive initiatives (such as dinner gatherings where six randomly assigned classmates shared a meal). 

After Burroughs, Alan briefly attended Harvard, but later transferred to Stanford, a school that he felt was more aligned with his desire for community and a sense of belonging. On the West Coast, Alan thrived, embracing the nurturing college community and reconnecting with his Indian heritage. His involvement with the South Asian Student Association allowed him to explore his cultural identity through music and dance, such as bhangra. This sense of camaraderie paved the way for incredibly fun and growth-filled college years. 

Alan graduated with a degree in economics and pursued a career in biotech consulting, initially finding success but eventually feeling unfulfilled. Amid personal challenges, including the end of a relationship, he sought solace in therapy, beginning a decade-long journey of self-exploration. He was inspired by his therapists’ guidance and experiences with psychedelic-assisted therapy, which helped him gain clarity on who he was and what he genuinely wanted beyond cultural and societal definitions of success. This exploration eventually empowered him to leave corporate America, enroll in graduate school, and become a licensed therapist. 

Today, Alan and his wife, Liz, a fellow psychotherapist, are part of a dedicated healing community in Southern California. Alan’s practice focuses on supporting clients who, like him, wrestle with the complexities of privilege and discontent and helping them embrace authenticity and connection. Additionally, he shares his insights through engaging talks on the benefits of psychedelic-assisted therapy and the power of community to foster an inherent sense of belonging, which is instrumental in driving personal growth. 

Looking back, Alan recognizes that some of the most significant periods of growth in his life came in the context of a caring community. From Burroughs to Stanford to his current home in Los Angeles, Alan says he is grateful for experiencing authentic connections that support him in leading a life he is proud of. During the Centennial Finale in October 2023, Alan was moved by seeing the community that first helped put him on his path. He says he will always appreciate the home Burroughs provided and his parents for enabling him to go there. 

Learn more about Alan and his work at alanbisarya.com.