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Spirituality in Therapy

Spirituality is an important component of our health and well-being. First and foremost, it is important to honor your own spiritual roots and not engage with something that may compromise them. I am happy to bring Buddhist psychology into therapy sessions for clients who may find this helpful, but it is not the only way to do therapy if that is not right for you.

How Did I Become Interested in Buddhist Psychology?

I have found deep healing in my own Buddhist practice. At its heart, Buddhism is about understanding our suffering—where it comes from, how to end it, and how to generate happiness for the benefit of all beings.

When I started expanding my therapy training, I noticed something striking: many evidence-based methods from Western psychology (which traces back to the late 19th century) echo healing practices Buddhism has been developing for over 2,000 years.

As we've westernized these practices, we have seen mindfulness and yoga dominate wellness spaces. While some good has come of that, often times a lot is lost, as well—because the practices lose their roots. This is why I find it important to honor those roots and the depth of wisdom that comes from such a longstanding tradition and all of those who came before us, preserving this spiritual heritage.

I keep a regular meditation practice in the Plum Village tradition of Mahayana Buddhism. I don't pretend to carry the full depth of that tradition—it's far older and richer than I'll ever fully grasp—but even a small piece of it helps ground me to be more stable and solid in my own life and as a therapist. Many perspectives on subjects like the self, birth, and death help me find a healthy balance in areas where my own mental health was previously unbalanced. It also offers perspectives that have been a tremendous help with issues like reconciliation and healing in relationships, and grief. There are also major benefits to mindfulness and meditation practices when we try to deal with how busy, distracted, and stressful our modern lives have become.

If you'd like to bring Buddhism into our work together more directly, I'm happy to do that. We can weave it in however feels right for you.

I plan to write blogs on Buddhist psychology in the future so please check that out if you are interested in learning more.

Contact me to schedule your free 15 minute consultation if you are ready to start or continue your journey of healing.

Buddhist Psychology

Tranquil Roots