Buddhist Therapists in New York
Using a psychodynamic framework and relational lens, my work is informed by both psychoanalytic theories and Buddhist psychology.
Often in therapy we work to bring what's unconscious into consciousness, which can create more agency, freedom, and choice. As both a psychotherapist and writer, I believe in the power of finding connections between that which is seemingly disconnected in order to uncover a deeper understanding of oneself and the way one relates to others and the world.
Using a psychodynamic framework and relational lens, my work is informed by both psychoanalytic theories and Buddhist psychology.
Often in therapy we work to bring what's unconscious into consciousness, which can create more agency, freedom, and choice. As both a psychotherapist and writer, I believe in the power of finding connections between that which is seemingly disconnected in order to uncover a deeper understanding of oneself and the way one relates to others and the world.
In addition to my thirty years as a creative art psychotherapist, I completed the Nalanda Institute Certificate Program in Contemplative Psychotherapy, a historic, intensive program integrating mindfulness and compassion-based systems of Buddhist psychology and meditation with contemporary psychotherapy, neuroscience, and health psychology.
I have come to accept that the very thing that causes pain in our lives can be the opportunity for transformation and joy. Death, divorce, loss of employment, and now with Covid-19, are unavoidable human traumas. We simply can not defeat these losses. What we can do is bravely embrace our frailty and slowly discover our inherent well-being and resiliency. Through a trusting therapeutic relationship, you can begin to mend the fragments and feel the soft strength within you.
In addition to my thirty years as a creative art psychotherapist, I completed the Nalanda Institute Certificate Program in Contemplative Psychotherapy, a historic, intensive program integrating mindfulness and compassion-based systems of Buddhist psychology and meditation with contemporary psychotherapy, neuroscience, and health psychology.
I have come to accept that the very thing that causes pain in our lives can be the opportunity for transformation and joy. Death, divorce, loss of employment, and now with Covid-19, are unavoidable human traumas. We simply can not defeat these losses. What we can do is bravely embrace our frailty and slowly discover our inherent well-being and resiliency. Through a trusting therapeutic relationship, you can begin to mend the fragments and feel the soft strength within you.
From my Buddhist roots and meditation belief, I unite mind-body, guide presence, strength, self-kindness.
On this journey, you'll learn to manage strong feelings and understand your life better. I'm here to guide you toward happiness, aiding with sadness, worry, stress, and balancing work with various aspects of your life. Whether struggling with overthinking or finding yourself in life transitions, you'll gain strength and overcome challenges. Therapy provides a safe space to change habits and thoughts for lasting positive change. Your thoughts and feelings are important here; together, we'll improve your well-being and create a more satisfying life.
From my Buddhist roots and meditation belief, I unite mind-body, guide presence, strength, self-kindness.
On this journey, you'll learn to manage strong feelings and understand your life better. I'm here to guide you toward happiness, aiding with sadness, worry, stress, and balancing work with various aspects of your life. Whether struggling with overthinking or finding yourself in life transitions, you'll gain strength and overcome challenges. Therapy provides a safe space to change habits and thoughts for lasting positive change. Your thoughts and feelings are important here; together, we'll improve your well-being and create a more satisfying life.
Douglas Goldschmidt
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSWR, PhD
Verified Verified
Fayetteville, NY 13066
My orientation comes from Buddhist psychology and its goal of ending suffering.
I believe that therapy can develop non-judgmental awareness of what we face in the present, of thoughts and feelings that are based on conditioned reactions from our past, and of the ability to then cultivate the inner freedom that allows us to move into a future grounded in experience and directed at a positive and compassionate understanding of ourselves and of others. Developing the ability to be aware is a practice that each client learns and practices according to their needs, interests, and learning styles. There is no ideal client, there is only the commitment to practice awareness and find freedom from the past.
My orientation comes from Buddhist psychology and its goal of ending suffering.
I believe that therapy can develop non-judgmental awareness of what we face in the present, of thoughts and feelings that are based on conditioned reactions from our past, and of the ability to then cultivate the inner freedom that allows us to move into a future grounded in experience and directed at a positive and compassionate understanding of ourselves and of others. Developing the ability to be aware is a practice that each client learns and practices according to their needs, interests, and learning styles. There is no ideal client, there is only the commitment to practice awareness and find freedom from the past.
Using Mindfulness/ CBT, Buddhist theory of mind, EMDR and trauma-informed care, and neuroscience, my hope is to support you on your evolving path, illuminating any stuck places and points of tenderness, and helping you learn how to be with them with care, reverence, and insight so that they might be more bearable, soften, and transform to love.
Experiences of overwhelm, hardship, and imperfections are inevitable aspects of life, and too, they have beautiful qualities. They create atmospheres to understand imbalances and what is essential more deeply, both in ourselves and all those around us. When viewed as entry points to insight and peace, we can begin to feel some relief and sense of possibility. Rather than hindrances, we begin to see stepping stones on a path to greater awareness, healing, stability of mind amidst changing life conditions, compassion for our suffering and that of others, and joy.
Using Mindfulness/ CBT, Buddhist theory of mind, EMDR and trauma-informed care, and neuroscience, my hope is to support you on your evolving path, illuminating any stuck places and points of tenderness, and helping you learn how to be with them with care, reverence, and insight so that they might be more bearable, soften, and transform to love.
Experiences of overwhelm, hardship, and imperfections are inevitable aspects of life, and too, they have beautiful qualities. They create atmospheres to understand imbalances and what is essential more deeply, both in ourselves and all those around us. When viewed as entry points to insight and peace, we can begin to feel some relief and sense of possibility. Rather than hindrances, we begin to see stepping stones on a path to greater awareness, healing, stability of mind amidst changing life conditions, compassion for our suffering and that of others, and joy.
Francesca Maxime - Maxime Clarity Somatic Coaching
SEP, IFS, CMT-P, FOT/CFP, RLT
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Brooklyn, NY 11215
I am trained in Mindfulness Meditation, Couples Work, Somatic healing, as well as Internal Family Systems, & use attachment theory, neuroscience and Buddhist psychology to help you reach your goals.
Are you feeling hesitant, worried, shut down, or withdrawn? Or perhaps a little low, not quite yourself, & trying to figure out what to do? Are old patterns you've used to manage no longer working? Perhaps I can help. Using a combination of mindful awareness, somatic (body)/nervous system regulation work & Internal Family Systems/parts work, we can explore the different aspects of ourselves & start to move towards the changes we'd like to see. I offer in person services in Brooklyn, NY or worldwide via Zoom video. I offer a free brief phone or video consult to see if we're a good fit: feel free to book yours at www.maximeclarity.com
I am trained in Mindfulness Meditation, Couples Work, Somatic healing, as well as Internal Family Systems, & use attachment theory, neuroscience and Buddhist psychology to help you reach your goals.
Are you feeling hesitant, worried, shut down, or withdrawn? Or perhaps a little low, not quite yourself, & trying to figure out what to do? Are old patterns you've used to manage no longer working? Perhaps I can help. Using a combination of mindful awareness, somatic (body)/nervous system regulation work & Internal Family Systems/parts work, we can explore the different aspects of ourselves & start to move towards the changes we'd like to see. I offer in person services in Brooklyn, NY or worldwide via Zoom video. I offer a free brief phone or video consult to see if we're a good fit: feel free to book yours at www.maximeclarity.com
Sheridan A. Smith
Licensed Master Social Worker, MSW, LSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
New York, NY 10003
I primarily work from an Existential Therapy and Buddhist Psychotherapy lens.
Looking deeply into your life, your struggles, and what gives you strength and meaning can be a transformative and a healing process. Helping people to do this is a passion of mine. Working to understand your struggles in greater context, changing behaviors or transforming suffering through insight, we will work directly with the feelings and roots of your struggles. We will work towards goals of greater presence with all aspects of life, and a steady foundation to live a life that has meaning, value, and joy.
I primarily work from an Existential Therapy and Buddhist Psychotherapy lens.
Looking deeply into your life, your struggles, and what gives you strength and meaning can be a transformative and a healing process. Helping people to do this is a passion of mine. Working to understand your struggles in greater context, changing behaviors or transforming suffering through insight, we will work directly with the feelings and roots of your struggles. We will work towards goals of greater presence with all aspects of life, and a steady foundation to live a life that has meaning, value, and joy.
Seaghan Coleman
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-R
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Buffalo, NY 14209
Note: I am transitioning to ketamine assisted psychedelic (KAP) and MDMA once that becomes available. I am a master therapist and trainer. I love exploring how people have become distorted from their true nature and lose touch with what matters most to them. The work is to help us all clear the distortions so we can return to who we are: awake, kind, free. I often practice using EMDR, Buddhist Psychology, spiritual practice, exploring the nature of satisfaction/dissatisfaction and the nature of self, as well as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy.
Note: I am transitioning to ketamine assisted psychedelic (KAP) and MDMA once that becomes available. I am a master therapist and trainer. I love exploring how people have become distorted from their true nature and lose touch with what matters most to them. The work is to help us all clear the distortions so we can return to who we are: awake, kind, free. I often practice using EMDR, Buddhist Psychology, spiritual practice, exploring the nature of satisfaction/dissatisfaction and the nature of self, as well as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy.
Deirdre A Cole
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, BCD
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Mount Kisco, NY 10549
My own spiritual path and buddhist training have greatly deepened my ability to be present to myself and others, both as a therapist and person.
When you need help, where do you look? How do you determine which kind of therapy and which kind of therapist would suit you? These are important questions. There is no one-size-fits-all. The foundation of my work is mindfulness-based, meditation-based, strengths-based, and informed by the current neuroscientic research. If you find yourself facing a significant life transition, a death or loss, anxiety or depression; if you are struggling with past trauma, PTSD, or dissociation, or if you find yourself at a spiritual crossroads, or have a desire to deepen your relationship with yourself, this approach might help.
My own spiritual path and buddhist training have greatly deepened my ability to be present to myself and others, both as a therapist and person.
When you need help, where do you look? How do you determine which kind of therapy and which kind of therapist would suit you? These are important questions. There is no one-size-fits-all. The foundation of my work is mindfulness-based, meditation-based, strengths-based, and informed by the current neuroscientic research. If you find yourself facing a significant life transition, a death or loss, anxiety or depression; if you are struggling with past trauma, PTSD, or dissociation, or if you find yourself at a spiritual crossroads, or have a desire to deepen your relationship with yourself, this approach might help.
Anthony Tshering, LCSW
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Brooklyn, NY 11242
My first specialty is working with adults who are feeling spiritual discontentment with their lives, using Buddhist and mindfulness principles.
I believe that at their very core, human beings desire to live meaningful, connected lives. Using a cognitive, as well as existential and spiritual approach, I will help you engage your suffering in a fresh way so you can live a more present, contented existence. I am a mindfulness-based, existential psychotherapist located in Brooklyn, New York. My ideal client is someone who is interested in an alternative to Western psychology and has some interest or experience in Eastern thought or spirituality. Anyone who has found usefulness in psychedelics in the past could also be a good fit.
My first specialty is working with adults who are feeling spiritual discontentment with their lives, using Buddhist and mindfulness principles.
I believe that at their very core, human beings desire to live meaningful, connected lives. Using a cognitive, as well as existential and spiritual approach, I will help you engage your suffering in a fresh way so you can live a more present, contented existence. I am a mindfulness-based, existential psychotherapist located in Brooklyn, New York. My ideal client is someone who is interested in an alternative to Western psychology and has some interest or experience in Eastern thought or spirituality. Anyone who has found usefulness in psychedelics in the past could also be a good fit.
I’m a Vietnamese, Queer, Buddhist, refugee, cisgender woman with a passion to help others relieve their life stressors, which has been heightened by COVID-19 pandemic, ongoing racism/injustice, transphobia, homophobia, xenophobia, climate change, wars, violence, and unrest in our world. Life stressors can cause a lot of suffering for people by placing strains on their mental and/or physical health, interpersonal relationships, and finances. Let’s work together to create a happier, stronger and more resilient version of you.
I’m a Vietnamese, Queer, Buddhist, refugee, cisgender woman with a passion to help others relieve their life stressors, which has been heightened by COVID-19 pandemic, ongoing racism/injustice, transphobia, homophobia, xenophobia, climate change, wars, violence, and unrest in our world. Life stressors can cause a lot of suffering for people by placing strains on their mental and/or physical health, interpersonal relationships, and finances. Let’s work together to create a happier, stronger and more resilient version of you.
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Art Therapist, MA, ATR-BC, LCAT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Woodside, NY 11377 (Online Only)
My practice is grounded in buddhist psychology and mindfulness.
As a practitioner I seek to assist my clients to begin to shed the layers of the their cocoon, and accept themselves as whole people. I utilize mindfulness techniques, somatic awareness, meditation, attachment and experiential psychotherapy. I encourage clients to stay with their feelings in the here and now, and ask them to accept and honor the present moment with all its feelings rather than exiling or "fixing" their feelings.
My practice is grounded in buddhist psychology and mindfulness.
As a practitioner I seek to assist my clients to begin to shed the layers of the their cocoon, and accept themselves as whole people. I utilize mindfulness techniques, somatic awareness, meditation, attachment and experiential psychotherapy. I encourage clients to stay with their feelings in the here and now, and ask them to accept and honor the present moment with all its feelings rather than exiling or "fixing" their feelings.
I combine my advanced training in psychoanalysis with Buddhist philosophy, group work, psychedelic integration, dreamwork, breathwork and energy work with my own lived human experience on our shared planet to help you move from Point A (stuckness, indecision) to Point B (emotional openness, clarity, honesty about who you are and what you bring to the world).
Please don’t ask me to help you become "normal" (most damaging concept ever, IMO) because you can and should aim higher than that. But please do ask me for help learning about, and becoming, your very own unique self, in all your beautiful, hilarious, infuriating, idiosyncratic glory. As with most big undertakings, this work can be rough going at times. But if you're like most of the folks who come through here -smart, creative, successful, growth-oriented people who have done a lot of personal work already, whether in an official therapeutic context or otherwise- you are, by this point, more than ready to get into the trenches.
I combine my advanced training in psychoanalysis with Buddhist philosophy, group work, psychedelic integration, dreamwork, breathwork and energy work with my own lived human experience on our shared planet to help you move from Point A (stuckness, indecision) to Point B (emotional openness, clarity, honesty about who you are and what you bring to the world).
Please don’t ask me to help you become "normal" (most damaging concept ever, IMO) because you can and should aim higher than that. But please do ask me for help learning about, and becoming, your very own unique self, in all your beautiful, hilarious, infuriating, idiosyncratic glory. As with most big undertakings, this work can be rough going at times. But if you're like most of the folks who come through here -smart, creative, successful, growth-oriented people who have done a lot of personal work already, whether in an official therapeutic context or otherwise- you are, by this point, more than ready to get into the trenches.
Alice Pencavel
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Brooklyn, NY 11215 (Online Only)
I am grounded in the belief that we have the intrinsic capacity to heal. I am committed to supporting the development of compassion, wakefulness, and ease, in response to anxiety, depression, relationship issues, and unresolved trauma. As a trained yoga teacher and practicing Zen Buddhist, I view physical/spiritual health, mindfulness practice, and engagement with philosophical inquiry to be the pillars for emotional well-being. With a robust background as a playwright, I draw on my writing practice and the innate creativity of my clients as guides along the healing journey.
I am grounded in the belief that we have the intrinsic capacity to heal. I am committed to supporting the development of compassion, wakefulness, and ease, in response to anxiety, depression, relationship issues, and unresolved trauma. As a trained yoga teacher and practicing Zen Buddhist, I view physical/spiritual health, mindfulness practice, and engagement with philosophical inquiry to be the pillars for emotional well-being. With a robust background as a playwright, I draw on my writing practice and the innate creativity of my clients as guides along the healing journey.
My approach draws from a blend of therapeutic modalities: Psychodynamic, ACT, Polyvagal Theory, Somatic Therapy, Buddhist Psychology, and Mindfulness.
Welcome! I am a mindfulness-based therapist who is passionate about bringing a somatic and spiritually informed approach to the therapeutic space. Whether you are a trauma survivor, navigating issues of self-worth, experiencing depression or anxiety, struggling with feelings of disconnection, or trapped in a cycle of unhelpful behaviors, I'd love to support you on your journey. As a mixed-race Asian therapist, I am especially passionate about supporting individuals who identify as AAPI, multicultural, and 1st generation. All are welcome.
My approach draws from a blend of therapeutic modalities: Psychodynamic, ACT, Polyvagal Theory, Somatic Therapy, Buddhist Psychology, and Mindfulness.
Welcome! I am a mindfulness-based therapist who is passionate about bringing a somatic and spiritually informed approach to the therapeutic space. Whether you are a trauma survivor, navigating issues of self-worth, experiencing depression or anxiety, struggling with feelings of disconnection, or trapped in a cycle of unhelpful behaviors, I'd love to support you on your journey. As a mixed-race Asian therapist, I am especially passionate about supporting individuals who identify as AAPI, multicultural, and 1st generation. All are welcome.
Jesse Saland, LCSW-R
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-R, ADHD, CCSP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Rhinebeck, NY 12572
My approach is psychodynamic (understanding your childhood), with ACT therapy (values, action, mindfulness, and acceptance), CBT, Buddhist psychology, education, humor, and kindness.
My ideal client is ready to challenge themselves to do the work and is tired of feeling stuck or on autopilot. You may have long struggled with focus, sticking to a plan, anxiety, or follow-through. You may find you're still living your life according to your upbringing, rather than in the present. As a result, you may feel overwhelmed, depressed, like you've wasted time, or have no control. I enjoy helping people through life transitions. I also have expertise working with people in startups and technology fields, decision making, and adult ADHD. If you are ready to make some changes, but need a partner, consider reaching out.
My approach is psychodynamic (understanding your childhood), with ACT therapy (values, action, mindfulness, and acceptance), CBT, Buddhist psychology, education, humor, and kindness.
My ideal client is ready to challenge themselves to do the work and is tired of feeling stuck or on autopilot. You may have long struggled with focus, sticking to a plan, anxiety, or follow-through. You may find you're still living your life according to your upbringing, rather than in the present. As a result, you may feel overwhelmed, depressed, like you've wasted time, or have no control. I enjoy helping people through life transitions. I also have expertise working with people in startups and technology fields, decision making, and adult ADHD. If you are ready to make some changes, but need a partner, consider reaching out.
Psychotherapy and psychoanalysis can be instrumental in enhancing your self esteem, quieting depressive thoughts, unlocking your creativity, improving your relationships and helping you lead a happier, more fulfilling life. I lean toward a self-psychological approach that centers on mutuality, self inquiry and empathic encounter. I work with clients from all walks of life, including academics, artists, writers, executives, couples, people going through important life transitions, and people of different faiths, be it buddhist, christian or secular-spiritual. I also work with children. One of my specialties is giftedness, at any age.
Psychotherapy and psychoanalysis can be instrumental in enhancing your self esteem, quieting depressive thoughts, unlocking your creativity, improving your relationships and helping you lead a happier, more fulfilling life. I lean toward a self-psychological approach that centers on mutuality, self inquiry and empathic encounter. I work with clients from all walks of life, including academics, artists, writers, executives, couples, people going through important life transitions, and people of different faiths, be it buddhist, christian or secular-spiritual. I also work with children. One of my specialties is giftedness, at any age.
Has talking-only therapy not worked well for you? If you are looking for an experienced holistic practitioner -- a therapist's therapist -- you have found one. My approach is present-centered, relational, and collaborative, informed by understandings from humanistic therapies as well as from spiritual and meditative traditions. This way of working is very interactive and includes methods from Gestalt, Hakomi, and Buddhist practices. I have more than 35 years of experience in both doing experiential psychotherapy and training other therapists in these methods.
Has talking-only therapy not worked well for you? If you are looking for an experienced holistic practitioner -- a therapist's therapist -- you have found one. My approach is present-centered, relational, and collaborative, informed by understandings from humanistic therapies as well as from spiritual and meditative traditions. This way of working is very interactive and includes methods from Gestalt, Hakomi, and Buddhist practices. I have more than 35 years of experience in both doing experiential psychotherapy and training other therapists in these methods.
I incorporate a plethora of approaches: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, IFS, DBT, Relationship and Life Coaching, Mindfulness, Non-Violent Communication, Buddhist Psychology, Somatic Healing, and more.
I invite you to step into a sanctuary of affirmation, warmth, and practical guidance with me, Dr. Deb, a personable and highly experienced licensed psychotherapist and relationship coach. I am here to guide you through life’s ups & downs and get you unstuck and feeling better. I will help you find actionable solutions to the issues you struggle with – work, breaks-ups, mood, anxiety, stress, sadness, unhealthy patterns, pain, depression, relationships, life goals, substances, communication, and so much more. Together we will untangle life’s complexities and find a path to increased happiness and balance. (Really!)
I incorporate a plethora of approaches: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, IFS, DBT, Relationship and Life Coaching, Mindfulness, Non-Violent Communication, Buddhist Psychology, Somatic Healing, and more.
I invite you to step into a sanctuary of affirmation, warmth, and practical guidance with me, Dr. Deb, a personable and highly experienced licensed psychotherapist and relationship coach. I am here to guide you through life’s ups & downs and get you unstuck and feeling better. I will help you find actionable solutions to the issues you struggle with – work, breaks-ups, mood, anxiety, stress, sadness, unhealthy patterns, pain, depression, relationships, life goals, substances, communication, and so much more. Together we will untangle life’s complexities and find a path to increased happiness and balance. (Really!)
Tracey Gundel
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-R
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
New York, NY 10001 (Online Only)
Her experience with meditation and mindfulness is from teachings and retreat with Buddhist Thich Naht Han.
Tracey Gundel, LCSW-R has 20 years of experience as a licensed clinical social worker and psychotherapist. Her background includes senior psychotherapist positions to Clinical Director of a New York City mental health clinic. Though specializing in anxiety, depression and ADHD, Tracey’s extensive mental health experience gives her the know-how and dexterity to meet all your mental health needs. Her style is supportive and collaborative.
Her experience with meditation and mindfulness is from teachings and retreat with Buddhist Thich Naht Han.
Tracey Gundel, LCSW-R has 20 years of experience as a licensed clinical social worker and psychotherapist. Her background includes senior psychotherapist positions to Clinical Director of a New York City mental health clinic. Though specializing in anxiety, depression and ADHD, Tracey’s extensive mental health experience gives her the know-how and dexterity to meet all your mental health needs. Her style is supportive and collaborative.
See more therapy options for New York
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.