A Buddhist Approach to Psychotherapy

Presenter Ed Geraty LCSW-C (MD) , LICSW (WV), LCSW (VA) , LICSW (DC) 

CEUs: Category 1 | 3.0 

Buddhist Psychotherapy differs in some ways from Western psychologies in that it initially focuses on human potential rather than human pathology. When you experience problems with living, it doesn’t find you in need of fixing. Instead, Buddhist Psychotherapy views all suffering as an opportunity for growth and change. Mindfulness Practice is an aspect of a Buddhist approach to psychotherapy. Several definitions of mindfulness have been used in modern psychology. According to various prominent psychological definitions, Mindfulness refers to a psychological quality that involves bringing one’s complete attention to the present experience on a moment-to-moment basis and involves paying attention in a particular way: on purpose, in the present moment, and nonjudgmentally. This workshop will explore the integration of Buddhist principles with the various types of Western psychotherapy.

Workshop Objectives:

At the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:

1. Understand the teachings of the Buddha as a form of psychotherapy practice.
2. Understand the Four Noble Truths
3. Understand how the Eightfold Path can be integrated into the various schools of psychotherapy
4. Integrate Mindfulness concepts into psychotherapy practice

Agenda:

10 to 10;15 am 15 min. Intro and general overview

10:15 to 11 am 45 mins A definition of Buddhist psychotherapy

11 am to 11:45 am 45 mins. How Buddhism relates to the basic psychotherapy approaches

11:45 to 12 pm 15 mins. break

12 to 1 pm 60 mins Mindfulness and Buddhist psychotherapy

1 to 1:15 Discussion and integration

1:15 to 1:30 Closure

Recommended Reading:

• The Wise Heart: A Guide to the Universal Teachings of Buddhist Psychology by Jack Kornfield
• Buddha's Brain: The Practical Neuroscience of Happiness, Love & Wisdom Audible Logo Audible
• Rick Hanson (Author), Richard Mendius MD (Author)
• Buddhist Psychology: The Foundation of Buddhist Thought, Volume 3 (3) 
• Paperback – Illustrated, October 20, 200 by Geshe Tashi Tsering, Author
• Thoughts Without a Thinker: Psychotherapy from a Buddhist Perspective Audible Logo Audible – Unabridge Mark Epstein M.D. Author
• Buddhist Psychology & Gestalt Therapy Integrated: Psychotherapy for the 21st Century Paperback – July 15, 2018 by Eva K. Gold PsyD (Author), Steve G. Zahm PhD (Author)
• Buddhist Psychology and Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy: A Clinician's Guide Reprint Edition by Dennis Tirch (Author), Laura R. Silberstein-Tirch (Author)