Harvey pursued professional psychotherapeutic training at the Boston University School of Social Work from 1982 to 1984. He earned a Masters in Social Work, focusing on psychodynamic and self-psychology, family therapy, chemical dependency, and group therapy. During this period Harvey also began his own therapy, which served as an experiential touchstone for much of the material in Buddhist Practice on Western Ground. (Shambhala, 2004). Harvey is a member of the Texas Society for Clinical Social Work, the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy, the National Association of Social Workers, and the International Association for Relational Psychoanalysis and Psychotherapy. He is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, and a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor.