M.D., F.R.C.P.(c), D.Litt., Bennet Wong completed his psychiatric training at the Menninger School of Psychiatry. Together with Jock McKeen, M.D., Lic.Ac.(UK), D.Litt., who studied at the College of Chinese Acupuncture in Oxford, England, he developed a deeply integrated approach to self-development after retiring from medical practice. Their work focused on bringing body, mind, and spirit into alignment, with a strong emphasis on personal responsibility in health, relationships, and lifestyle.
Over more than 40 years of professional collaboration, Wong and McKeen became sought-after presenters at conferences and workshops worldwide. They taught extensively across Asia and Europe, and also in Russia, Africa, and South America, bringing a natural ease to cross-cultural work. As consultants to many agencies, corporations, and groups, they worked with people in a wide range of settings, and both also served on the boards of major corporations.
Their approach grew largely from a close and ongoing exploration of their own relationship, alongside years of work with clients. Known for their warm, personable style, they created an atmosphere of intimacy and trust where each individual could change in a way that felt authentic and personal.
Among their most recent books are The Illuminated Heart: Perspectives on East-West Psychology and Thought (2012), Being: A Manual For Life (2013), and Joining: The Relationship Garden (2013). These and other titles may be purchased online or at The Haven’s store on Gabriola Island.
In 2004, The Haven Foundation was established as a federally recognized Canadian nonprofit charity. Wong, McKeen, and their three sons transferred ownership of The Haven Institute to The Haven Foundation so that the facility and their work could continue in perpetuity. Both men later became Emeritus Faculty of The Haven Institute. In 2012, they received honorary Doctor of Letters degrees from Vancouver Island University in recognition of their role in establishing The Haven.
On March 18, 2013, The Haven served as host venue and sponsor of TEDxGabriolaIsland. Jock McKeen’s talk, A Dynamic Model of Empathy, was presented at that event.
Bennet Wong, affectionately known as Ben by family, friends, colleagues, students, and admirers, passed away in the Palliative Care Unit of Nanaimo General Hospital on the evening of Wednesday, September 25, 2013. He died from complications related to Parkinson’s disease.
Bennet Wong Curriculum Vitae