Opinions about psychotherrapy

skullchin

Hi, being new to Buddhism, I'm wondering what opinions are among Buddhists regarding (psycho)therapy/counseling? On one side of the continuum I've heard some Buddhists say that they thought the goal of therapy is to teach people to conform, while Buddhism does the opposite. On the other side of the continuum I've heard some therapists say they are having a harder and harder time distinguishing from Buddhism and psychotherapy in their private practices. In other words, the more they learn about Buddhism the more it influences their private practice.

I'm sure there are many other opinions on this board and am wondering what they are.

Geoff-Allen

Hi Skullchin

Good question! I think the two ARE compatible. Then again I'm a Buddhist who also believes in God so what do I know!

Here's an interesting piece on the matter -

http://www.lamayeshe.com/index.php?sect=article&id=69

Namaste

syrius

very interetesing articles geoff !

at my buddhsim class i was discussing this with one other meditator who is a psychotherapist and said that most of our ego are in the way of your own happiness / realisation . he also said that most of his patient were unaware of their mental state .

distortedchild

My mother is an atheist psychologist who uses meditation extensivley during therapy. I personally believe that the two mesh decently, after all buddhism is a bout self-improvement, and that is what therapy is.

MaxH

skullchin wrote: »

On one side of the continuum I've heard some Buddhists say that they thought the goal of therapy is to teach people to conform, while Buddhism does the opposite.

I have never heard either. The goals of psychotherapy are many but primarily deal with learning and understanding more about oneself and to alleviate emotional pain.

Other than achieving Nirvana I don't know if Buddhism has any stated goals. It has truths and paths. If anything, goals of any specificity seem to be ignored or discouraged.

Like other posters in this thread have stated, compatability between psychotherapy and Buddhism appears to be growing.

sara

Hi there,

I think that people see the two as diametrically opposed when they view psychotherapy as being self-indulgent and buddhism about the non-self. Psychotherapy is not self-indulgent per se, but like everything it is a tool that could be used to that end.

PS So sorry I haven't been on here in ages, my only option is a quick peep while I'm at work for the moment.

Valtiel

I think that people see the two as diametrically opposed when they view psychotherapy as being self-indulgent and buddhism about the non-self.

That's where the conflict does seem to come from, mostly because not-self is easily misunderstood. Article on Buddhism and psychotherapy: The Problem of Egolessness.

MaxH

o0Mundus-Vult-Decipi0o wrote: »

That's where the conflict does seem to come from, mostly because not-self is easily misunderstood. Article on Buddhism and psychotherapy: The Problem of Egolessness.

That is an interesting article. It's theme seemed consistent with pursuing a life of balance. The middle path to which many Buddhists refer would also traverse this same territory.

sambodhi

You should check out the book Buddhist Practice on Western Ground: Reconciling Eastern Ideals and Western Psychology by Harvey Aronson. It talks about this exact topic.

This is the first book to offer Buddhist meditators a comprehensive and sympathetic examination of the differences between Asian and Western cultural and spiritual values. Harvey B. Aronson presents a constructive and practical assessment of common conflicts experienced by Westerners who look to Eastern spiritual traditions for guidance and support—and find themselves confused or disappointed. Issues addressed include: Our cultural belief that anger should not be suppressed versus the Buddhist teaching to counter anger and hatred Our psychotherapists' advice that attachment is the basis for healthy personal development and supportive relationships versus the Buddhist condemnation of attachments as the source of suffering Our culture's emphasis on individuality versus the Asian emphasis on interdependence and fulfillment of duties, and the Buddhist teachings on no-self, or egolessness

Geoff-Allen

Some nice contributions!

Here's an interesting article I found a while back -

http://www.buddhanet.net/buddhist_therapy.htm

Namaste

Dazzle

These links might be of interest in this thread, the first is about mindfulness based cognitive therapy which is based on Buddhist meditation techniques and is said to be very effective:

http://mbct.co.uk/about-mbct/

the second one is an excellent article by a Tibetan Buddhist teacher and is about meditation and depression.

http://www.purifymind.com/MeditationDepression.htm


_/\_

fivebells

Dialectical Behavior Therapy is another offshoot of CBT which uses a version of mindfulness.

slowmichael

As most people replied i think there is a recognition in classical psychologie that buddhism, yoga is a good tool to support the classical western types of treatment.

Yes there is such a thing as mbct wich is mindfulness behavorial cognitive therapy where not only meditation is seen as a tool but is a very important part of the therapy.

Hey let's go holistic. As i personaly experience regular physical activity; walking, swimming, or if you are in good shape running, cycling...... . Has a good influence on my mood. Nutrition is important. A good social network.

I have some problems with exagerated guilt and obsesional thinking. Luckily it is something that is always there but i can live for years witouth that it becomes a big problem so i was able to live a "normal" live.

For me only buddhism would not be enough a good therapist can realy help a lot. But meditation and the way buddhism looks at the world helped me a lot to.

FoibleFull

Familiar with both (practicing buddhist and degree in psychology), I'd say the two are compatible, and seem very similar, but the end goals are very different places.

Psychological therapy seeks to make you a better you. The path to happiness lies inside a better working of your identity/personality.

Buddhism seeks to bring your Buddha nature to the surface, and the path to happiness lies not in your identity but in your Buddha nature.

That is my opinion.