Richard Unger is the Founder and Director of the International Institute of Hand Analysis and is one of the foremost authorities on Hand Analysis in the world today. His unique system of Life Purpose analysis is the culmination of over thirty years of intensive research including the analysis of over 50,000 pairs of hands. Richard has merged his own experience with an exhaustive study of the medical literature on hands and fingerprints (the study of dermatoglyphics) to create a specific and accurate assessment tool that has been useful to businesses, therapists, and individuals.

Richard began teaching Hand Analysis at SUNY Binghamton, NY in 1969 and has presented the LifePrints System in the U.S., Canada, and Europe in lectures, workshops, and on radio and television.

In 1985 Richard founded the International Institute Of Hand Analysis in Marin, CA and currently serves as its Director. The IIHA's interactive programs include Life Purpose Support Groups, weekend intensive workshops, a year-long certification training program, a graduate training program, and teacher training program. The year-long programs are ongoing in San Francisco, Los Angeles, Houston, and Zurich, Switzerland.

In addition to interactive programs, Richard produces written material: he is Editor of the Hand Analysis Journal and The Hand Analysis Newsletter. His new book LifePrints: Deciphering Your Life Purpose from Your Fingerprints is now available in bookstores and from Amazon.com.