Buddhist counselling and psychotherapy

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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

Comment by Kurosh on November 3, 2008 at 1:08pm

Dear Stanley

I'd like to share my attitude toward a therapeutic session with you, as you wanted.
To me, therapy is a special relationship between me and the client in which "Right Observation" is practiced and is the main issue of the session. My clients are first rationally convinced that "cure" depends on how they observe their problems not how they "resolve" them, because in psychological world no real "problem" exists and what we call problem is only the result of our interpretation of perceived reality. So when in a special level of consciousness and awareness a kind of problem arises, it can't be resolved by the same level of consciousness and awareness. It means that the awareness has to reach to a higher level and this is done by true observation. You know of course how difficult is explaining this attitude to the client. But once this attitude was established at least partially and rationally, the client can continue to work on observation and see the results by his or her own.
In a therapeutic session the client explains his or her problem and we focus on how that problem has arisen and what has been the client's "state of mind" at the time of problem arising. We'll find each time that he or she has lost the "objective" state of mind and has habitually reacted to the situation. The client sees once again how old habits are always there to act whenever objective state of mind is lost, and he or she becomes more and more diligent and determined to keep the distance from the problem and watch both the situation and his or her inner thoughts, feelings and temptation to react to the situation.
Working with the client I myself keep the objective mind toward the client, the situation and my inner state of thoughts and feelings. In this manner an atmosphere of "mindfulness" is created and lasts throughout a session. As far as this mindfulness is there the "balance" is automatically kept. At the end of the session the client and I feel as if we have had an hour of meditation; meditation on a live and dynamic reality.
It was my experience. I hope it would be useful. And I would be glad to here your and other friends' attitudes and experiences.

Kind wishes
Kurosh

Comment by Dr Di on October 27, 2008 at 3:10pm

I work as a counselling psychologist in Jhb, South Africa. I love my work as it provides me with an opportunity for unconditional love and joining of minds. The topic of conversation is determined by the client but I lead from behind, stearing them towards removal of hindrances and increased self control, until they `wake up` and can do it for themselves.

Comment by prashant on October 24, 2008 at 6:26am

i have done lot of reseach in buddhist herbal medicince and found it is wonderful
tool if you want any kind of help i will provide

Comment by Stanley Eden on October 23, 2008 at 8:22pm

Hello. Kurosh,

Sorry for any confusion, What I meant by 'doing therapy' was trying to maintain the 'being in the moment' while also being there for the other person.

I really don't believe that we 'do' or 'perform' therapy and my speaking of 'keeping balance' was in reference to not getting lost in my own metaphors and and theroies, but instead just 'being there' for the other person.

Again, sorry for not being more clear in conveying my thoughts. Hope the clarifications are actually that.
Best regards,

Comment by Ben Ross on October 23, 2008 at 7:55pm

Hi Stanley and other group folks,

I'm excited at hearing others' take on this topic too. I spent 3 years getting my MA in something called the Contemplative Psychotherapy program at Naropa University in Colorado. They had a very particular perspective on Buddhist Psychology that I'm not sure fits me anymore. These days, I'm particularly wondering how to fit my experience with something outside the rational - the unconditional love of Amida - with the work of counseling, which either involves the relationship in the room or certain techniques of working with mind, body and emotions, etc. I don't work as a therapist currently, I actually work in a place called Windhorse Associates, which is a "contemplative-based" therapeutic community in Northampton, MA. I've learned a lot from them, as well, but have so many questions. I think I'm going on a bit long here, but anyway, thanks for forming this group!

Comment by Kurosh on October 23, 2008 at 7:31pm

Dear Stanley
I recieved your e mial and will be glad to share, but I couldn't get what you meant by 'doing therapy' and also by keeping balance. please make some clarification.
Thank you
Kurosh

Comment by Stanley Eden on October 23, 2008 at 6:49pm

I'm new on the 'site' so please forgive any repetitions in communication.
I look forward to hearing from anyone in the group that might wish to contact me.
I have twenty years plus as a counselor/psychologist practicing from a Buddhist view point and have recently decided to take time off to travel to various Buddhist site and Centers.

"Balancing on one leg in a state of controlled excitement."

Again, I look forward to participating. Regards, and good things to you.
Stanley Eden

Comment by Kazuo Yamashita on June 8, 2008 at 6:32am

Dear Steve, Welcome. Very nice to meet you. I also look forward to learning from you during your "lurking".
Namo Amida Bu
Kazuo

Comment by Steve Durham on June 6, 2008 at 2:23am

Hi all ... I doubt I'll have much to contribute to this group, but I'm certainly looking forward to learning a lot. I'm the Christian (Prebyterian) minister in Vow22 -- I guess there were 2 of us for awhile -- and while I have some background in pastoral counseling (it's unavoidable in the local church!), and my own rough-hewn ways of approaching issues people bring me ... I have so much to learn, and especially in the area of Buddhist psychotherapy, that, as I said, I'm really eager just to "lurk" here and absorb all I can.
namu amida bu,
steve

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