Daniel Troyak is a Mindfulness-Based Therapist, accredited Buddhist Chaplain and Pastoral Counsellor whose work brings together contemporary therapeutic approaches with mindfulness, meditation and Buddhist contemplative practice.

 

Daniel’s meditation journey began at the age of 21 in Cairns. His practice developed significantly after discovering the Buddha Dharma and Vajrayana Buddhism, beginning a much deeper engagement with meditation and contemplative practice. Over the years, this has continued through study, practice and connection with teachers and traditions of Tibetan Buddhism.

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Daniel began working as a Buddhist Chaplain in 2015 and went on to become Australia’s first full-time accredited Buddhist Prison Chaplain. His work within the NSW correctional system continues to this day and involves supporting people through some of the most challenging periods of their lives, as well as providing pastoral, wellbeing and mindfulness support to staff working in demanding environments.

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In 2026, Daniel also helped establish the not-for-profit organisation, Gongkar Australia, supporting the development of Dzongpa Buddhist teachings and practice in regional Australia and creating opportunities for people to connect with authentic Buddhist teachings and teachers.

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These experiences have strongly shaped Daniel’s approach to counselling. His style is grounded, practical and individual, providing a confidential space to explore what is happening beneath the surface. Rather than focusing solely on symptoms, Daniel explores the relationship between thoughts, emotions, behaviours and perceptions, helping clients recognise patterns and develop a greater understanding of the workings of the mind and go to the root cause,

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Mindfulness, meditation and contemplative practices are incorporated where they are helpful to the individual. You do not need to be Buddhist, spiritual or have previous experience with meditation to work with Daniel.

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Today, Daniel provides mindfulness-based counselling online Australia-wide and in person at Yulo Kopa in the Port Macquarie hinterland, alongside workplace wellbeing and chaplaincy support.

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Daniel’s work in Buddhist prison chaplaincy has also received international attention, with his experiences and approach featured several times in Tricycle: The Buddhist Review, a leading international Buddhist publication.​​​​​​