Photo of Erin C Peterson, MA, LMFT, CST, Marriage & Family Therapist
Erin C Peterson
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, CST
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Saint Paul, MN 55105
Waitlist for new clients
I have been a therapist for individuals, couples, and families for over 15 years. I provide counseling for those who want help with sexual concerns, disordered eating maintenance/body image recovery, prenatal/postpartum issues, relationship strains, trauma symptoms, and problematic drinking/sober curiosities. I want to understand what it is you hold most dear and find meaningful in your life and relationships. By doing this, I can help you identify and navigate how to align with your values, intentionally, through awareness of unhelpful patterns and incremental behavioral change.
I have been a therapist for individuals, couples, and families for over 15 years. I provide counseling for those who want help with sexual concerns, disordered eating maintenance/body image recovery, prenatal/postpartum issues, relationship strains, trauma symptoms, and problematic drinking/sober curiosities. I want to understand what it is you hold most dear and find meaningful in your life and relationships. By doing this, I can help you identify and navigate how to align with your values, intentionally, through awareness of unhelpful patterns and incremental behavioral change.
(952) 856-3786 View (952) 856-3786
Photo of Sue M Sexton, MA LP, Psychologist
Sue M Sexton
Psychologist, MA LP
Verified Verified
Saint Paul, MN 55105
Have you had a recent change in your life and want a safe person to talk with to better understand yourself? Perhaps your feelings have felt more intense: anxiety, depression, confusion, or desire to find purpose to your life. You look around - seeking answers, understanding, & deeper healing. Maybe a life situation unfolded and you were suddenly on a path you never imagined (job loss, divorce, etc) or one you wanted to be on but it’s more stressful or different than what you thought (attending college or a new job). If this is you, I can support you. I approach all my clients with the understanding that we are capable of change.
Have you had a recent change in your life and want a safe person to talk with to better understand yourself? Perhaps your feelings have felt more intense: anxiety, depression, confusion, or desire to find purpose to your life. You look around - seeking answers, understanding, & deeper healing. Maybe a life situation unfolded and you were suddenly on a path you never imagined (job loss, divorce, etc) or one you wanted to be on but it’s more stressful or different than what you thought (attending college or a new job). If this is you, I can support you. I approach all my clients with the understanding that we are capable of change.
(651) 412-7480 View (651) 412-7480
Buddhist Therapists

Is buddhism beneficial for mental health?

While Buddhism itself is not a treatment for mental health conditions, its practices can greatly enhance mental well-being by introducing coping skills and ideas that promote overall wellness. Key Buddhist practices, such as mindfulness, have been shown to alleviate symptoms of various mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, addiction, and trauma. Moreover, Buddhism's focus on self-compassion, non-judgment, and acceptance can benefit individuals with particularly negative or self-critical thought patterns.

What are the concepts and principles of buddhism as a therapeutic approach?

Core Buddhist principles are often used in therapy to help clients gain insight into their thoughts and emotions. Concepts such as suffering (dukkha) and impermanence (anicca) are applied to help clients recognize that common forms of suffering, like repetitive negative thought patterns, can be accepted and viewed as impermanent. The Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path are additional core concepts utilized frequently in Buddhist therapy sessions. The Four Noble Truths highlight the existence of suffering as an inherent part of the human experience—an insight frequently used to move clients toward greater acceptance. The Eightfold Path, which includes right understanding, right thought, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right concentration, and right mindfulness, offers practical skills to alleviate suffering.

What is the buddhist approach and practice during a therapy session?

Therapists informed by Buddhist principles often integrate mindfulness and meditation practices into therapy sessions to help clients cultivate greater acceptance, compassion, and non-judgment toward themselves and others. Typically, Buddhist therapists guide clients through mindfulness exercises, such as breathing exercises or body scans, and encourage them to practice similar exercises outside of sessions. Additionally, many Buddhist therapists utilize elements of Positive Psychology or Compassion-Focused Therapy, which can help reduce symptoms of self-criticism and shame common among clients with various mental health conditions. In general, Buddhist therapists strive to embody the compassion and non-judgmental approach they promote, often incorporating exercises aimed at developing compassion in session, such as loving-kindness meditation (Metta).

Is mindfulness the same as buddhism in the context of therapy?

While Buddhist therapists frequently integrate mindfulness practices into therapy sessions, the terms mindfulness and Buddhism are not synonymous in the context of therapy. Therapists may use mindfulness techniques, such as Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) or Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), without identifying as a Buddhist therapist. In contrast, those practicing within a Buddhist belief framework typically encourage mindfulness therapies, in addition to foundational Buddhist beliefs, such as the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path. These therapists may also guide clients toward a deeper understanding of Buddhist philosophy, unlike those who use Buddhist mindfulness principles without the broader spiritual context.