Buddhist counselling and psychotherapy

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Comment by Hara Willow on June 24, 2009 at 5:59pm

Thanks Susthama. I will do that asap. x

Comment by Susthama on June 22, 2009 at 9:18pm

Hi Hara,

That's great to hear - Caroline's away at the moment so I thought I'd just mention that you can find more information by going to http://buddhistpsychology.info

Comment by Hara Willow on June 22, 2009 at 8:05pm

Hi Caroline, I am interested to know more about course blocks in Buddhist psychology - I where do I find more info about them please? Hara x

Comment by caroline brazier on May 20, 2009 at 10:11am

Hi Graham,

why not come on one of our course blocks too - its a good way to get a feel for the method even if you don't sign up for the full programme. Alternatively we've the summer school in France

Comment by Graham L Peveller on April 13, 2009 at 6:54am

Hello my name is Graham.

I am from the England but have lived in Asia for the past 20 years. I am an online gender therapist and ex social worker who wants to use Buddhist psychology within my approach, which seems to be partially Rogerian.

I have been delving into Buddhism for many years but never seem to get far as my actual practice or discussions are somewhat restricted although I have lived for 15 years in Thailand. I aim to try to turn that around this year by participating in the Amida Trust’s online Buddhist psychology course. Hence the reason I am joining this group.
I hope that I can contribute as much as I know that I shall receive

Comment by Fiona Edwards on December 31, 2008 at 3:13pm

Mind...how wonderful to commune with the healers....currently writing on; Mindfulness...The gateway to transforming active and passive addiction.
Fiona.

Comment by Kurosh on November 5, 2008 at 11:43pm

many thanks Stanley. it was comprehensive and clear. hearing different or similar approaches of other practitiors is always useful. I'm looking forward to hearing new experiences from you as you travel to various Buddhist centers. I'm interested in different Buddhist schools viewpoints because they help me sum up the whole spectrum of Buddha Dharma.
and I can't help confessing that I've found the essense of practical and true Buddha Dharma in J. Krishnamurti's teachings.

Be happy

Kurosh

Comment by Stanley Eden on November 5, 2008 at 8:53pm

Dear Kurosh

The people/clients I see come from a wide range of social, economic and spiritual/religious backgrounds.

I however, try to follow Buddhist values and ethics in my work. With the 'view' I hold 'all' people have the Buddh nature as a part of their being/consciousness regardless of the of the way they present their 'self' to the world (thier ideas of 'self'', thier spiritual/religious beliefs, etc.)

So to hopefully answer your question of my 'teaching' basic Buddhist theories to my clients, I do instruct some of my clients in meditational methods in certain cases in order to help them look at the 'views' that they may have regarding their 'self'' which may be hindering or blocking their ability to move forward in their 'awareness', growth and openness toward a wider consciousness of how they are 'being' in the world.

I also instruct meditation methods to help certain clients relieve stress in their lives.

Because of the diversity of my clients backgrounds, and due to my respect for those backgrounds, unless I am specificaly asked, I do not present Buddhist theories to my client's.

But I am always 'open' to discussing higher/wider consciousness with all of my clients if they wish to and I never attempt to conceal that I am a Buddhist practitioner. I have found that 'openness' with 'compassion' is the best route I can follow.

I use a wide variety of 'standard' therapy methods in working with clients based upon how they present and percieve their 'self', and I also, as you do, find an awareness of a person's internal 'scripting' to be a good way to bring about change.

But regardless of the standard methods I might use I keep Buddhist values and ethics as a guide in helping me keep my 'clarity' and 'awareness' while 'being' with others/clients.

I hope I haven't gone on to long, and again I hope I have presented my thoughts clearly.

Please be well and happy,
Stanley

Comment by Kurosh on November 4, 2008 at 9:59pm

Dear Stanley

thank you. your thoughts are clear.I see many similarities between our approaches. in Buddhist words, as I've learnt from David's book "The Feeling Buddha", our psychological alchemy is transforming the energy which is arised in us when we face Dukkhas to insight (larger perspective) by being objective to the situation (Nirodha) and not being caught in habitual Samudaya Resopnses. and we encourage our clients to do the same.

It may be useful to say that I use "TA = Transactional Analysis" in practice. it helps a lot. its simple language is so applicable and "user friendly" and some issues in it, mainly "Script Theory", are very compatible withl Buddhist Psychology.

and a question: Do you teach Buddhist Psychology basic theories to your clients or not?

be happy
Kurosh

Comment by Stanley Eden on November 3, 2008 at 5:15pm

Hello Kurosh,

I have tried to maintain the idea in my work that 'view' (perspective) and 'awareness' are very important as it appears that you have as well.

I have found that 'Motivation' toward obtaining 'view' and 'awareness' for a client/patient/person, as well as for myself is always there in the form of 'suffering' that is a part of our human condition.

I have always tried in my work to help a client/patient to move toward a more 'open' perspective. With 'openness' I think an individual can begin to 'see' his/her 'views' and how these views may or may not be moving them toward greater growth and 'awareness'.

In that process I have also tried to maintain my own 'clarity' without imposing my personal 'self' into the process. This I think corresponds to the idea of 'objectivity' on my (the therapist's) part.

With that method of practice I am able to use that time with the other person (client) as a meditation in maintaining my own 'clarity'.

This method so far has helped me maintain and grow my own 'awareness' and to pursue my own 'openness'', such as it may be.

Again, Kurosh, thank you for your thoughts.
I hope I have conveyed my own thoughts clearly.

Please be well.
Stanley

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