Weaving the Paths of Buddhism and Psychotherapy : The Practice of Human Being

"Weaving the Paths of Buddhism and Psychotherapy is an empathic guide to integrating Eastern and Western wisdom traditions that share the common goal of easing distress. Following the so-called 'mindfulness revolution' there has been a surge in interest as to how Buddhism's overarching view on suffering may enhance therapeutic practice. This book is not just a clinical text; it is a first-person account of one Buddhist therapist educator's lived experience of bringing Buddhism into the very personal and relational experience of psychotherapy. Western-trained therapists will recognize key concepts: the existential underpinnings of distress, driver behaviour and scripts, modifications to contact such as projection and introjection, relational conditions for healing, ethical considerations, and working with complex presentations and trauma, among others. Through autobiographical vignettes and case-study material, the book offers an invitation to all therapists to consider their own practice of human being"-- Provided by publisher Cover Endorsements Half Title Title Copyright Dedication Contents Acknowledgements Author’s note 1 Introduction About me How I came to find meditation The wounded healer Buddhist, therapist, and educator About this book My inspiration My aspiration My apology My arc towards human being Overview of content and chapter 2 East meets West Why bring together Western psychotherapy and Eastern wisdom traditions? Wholeness: human being and becoming The trap of spiritual bypassing The pitfalls of introspection My experience Existing systems of Buddhism-informed therapy Mindfulness-based therapies Mainstream Western psychology’s relationship to Buddhism Development of contemplative approaches A note on philosophy 3 The human condition My story of changing identity The view Suffering Impermanence Non-self Vignette “You are perfect . . . and you could use a little work” Comparing the Buddhist view with Western models Human nature Psychological distress Healing goal Client case study “Deena”: working with identity Interventions in the therapy Outcomes of the therapy How this work shaped my human being 4 Taking suffering as the path: the First and Second Noble Truths Vignette Our body keeps the score Client case study “Claire”: working with bodily held narrative Interventions in the therapy Outcomes of the therapy How this work shaped my human being Dis-ease and unravelling karma The value-added of karma Ultimate upaya: cultivating 20/20 clarity 5 Alleviation of distress: the Third and Fourth Noble Truths Vignette Mind the gap Working with the skandhas Catching the impulse Working with impulse and the gap Response-ability and choice Developing the underlying philosophical foundation: Prajna or wisdom Creating a foundation of ethical behaviour: Sila or discipline Training the mind: Samadhi or meditation Finding true refuge Client case study “Carol”: working with an anxious storyline Interventions in the therapy Outcomes of the therapy How this work shaped my human being 6 The role of the therapist-client relationship Vignette To know our suffering Relational wounding, relational healing Presence Compassion Interdependence Presence, attunement, resonance, trust Client case study “Penelope”: working with the internal critic Interventions in the therapy Outcomes of the therapy How this work shaped my human being 7 The role of meditation practices Vignette De-bunking some meditation myths Types of meditation practice Shamatha Vipashyana As simple as 1, 2 . . . and 3 Other practices How meditation may help the therapeutic journey Stabilising the mind Knower and known Experiencing and digesting emotions Bringing compassion and gentleness Client case study “Sebastian”: working with unfolding experience Interventions in the therapy Outcomes of the therapy How this fit in the therapeutic frame How this work shaped my human being 8 Practical implications and applications Essential ground for the therapist The place of ethics The Hinayana practice of non-harm The Mahayana recognition of interdependence and compassion The ethics of applying Buddhist ethics Working with Buddhists and non-Buddhists Holding not imposing a view Skilful means Discerning between roles of teacher and therapist Spiritual friendship Client case study “Jacob”: working with a spiritual emergence Therapeutic interventions Challenges and learning in the work 9 Working with complex presentations Disturbance to the organisation of self: trauma Vignette: emptying the vessel Client case studies in complex presentations Client case study “Simon”: working with Narcissistic Personality Adaptation Client case study “Charlotte”: working with Borderline Personality Adaptation Client case study “Frank”: working with trauma and the Schizoid Personality Adaptation How working with complex presentations shaped my human being 10 Benefits of an integrated path Bringing together heaven and earth A meeting of souls The ground of psychotherapy Self and self Soul and spirit From self to non-self? Joining heaven and earth Karma and the eight consciousnesses Vignette: how meditation transforms mind Shuttling between insight and experience Client case study “Jim”: working with spiritual bypassing Interventions in the therapy Outcomes of the therapy Discovering my learning edge Working with Puer How this work shaped my human being 11 Ground, path, fruition Ground: setting out on the journey Path: personal practice and training What has the Buddhist frame done for us? What next? Fruition: becoming a Buddhism-informed practitioner Becoming a human being Practise, practise, practise Postscript: transitioning off the cushion Practise, practise, practise . . . enough of the rehearsal, when does the show start? Don’t shoot the messenger Travelogue Appendix: Glossary Index