Contemplative / Buddhist Psychology:

Contemplative psychology is the combining of traditional clinical psychotherapy with Buddhist philosophy and awareness practices. This type of therapy helps the client to be present with whatever arises in the moment as a tool to encourage healing and wellness. Being in the present moment can help to bring about authenticity, self-acceptance, and a deeper trust in the flow of life and the flow of oneself.  Contemplative therapy has a foundation in the Buddhist idea of Basic Goodness and Compassion for Self and others.  From the contemplative point of view, our basic nature is intrinsically healthy and good,  but our understanding of this health has been hidden and obscured. Buddhist psychotherapy is a process of uncovering this goodness and helping the client be in a more aware and awake place.  It looks at ways in which one creates suffering through unnecessary attachments and neurotic thought patterns.  Although a client can be experiencing pain, depression, anxiety or other types of suffering, these contemplative tools can help remind one of the health and sanity underneath the symptoms.  Through this reminder, the client can experience hope, change, and a new sense of peace.  Though contemplation, the client can come to a better understanding of what is true and real.  Contemplative Psychology can help the client create more space in their mind to have better coping skills during the difficult times.  Mindfulness / Awareness sitting meditation can be taught to the client when using this type of therapy.  However, even though this therapy is based on Buddhist teachings, it doesn’t require that the client be considered a Buddhist or have a meditation practice in order to get the benefits from this type of therapy.