Contemplative Psychotherapy
Introduction
Contemplative Psychotherapy is a more spiritual
form of psychotherapy that uses two very different approaches in order to help
with any psychological problems the client may have. This form of therapy
combines Buddhist philosophy with traditional Western culture clinical
psychotherapy, and it differs from other therapies in the sense that clarity
and compassion play a huge role. The origin of contemplative psychotherapy
actually stems from a dialogue between a Tibetan Buddhist master and Western
psychiatrists/psychologists, although the Contemplative Psychotherapy
Department at Naropa University did not open until 1978. This therapy combines
Buddhist awareness meditation with understanding the functions of our mind.
This unique combination of therapies has proven to be successful by many.
Goals of Contemplative Psychotherapy
The goal of contemplative psychotherapy is to
encourage and support patients to discover themselves and be able to walk their
own paths independently. It teaches clients to be able to tackle their problems
head-on as they experiencing them in the moment. Ultimately, the goal is for
the client to experience self-acceptance, authenticity, a deeper trust in the
way their lives flow, and an overall healed sense of wellbeing. Unlike
cognitive therapy, the goal of this therapy is not to eliminate symptoms or
improve dysfunctions, but to get through the obstacles that are in the way of
our wholeness. It is based on the notion that there is nothing wrong with the
patient because the patient is already a good, sane, knowledgeable person who
simply has some healing to do. Just telling the patient this gives them a world
of comfort because we tend to worry that we need therapy because we are not
good enough people.
When is Contemplative Psychotherapy Used?
Unlike therapies that are mainly used to help
certain mental disorders, contemplative psychotherapy can be used to treat just
about any psychological problems (like Coherence Therapy, this form of therapy
does not like to use words like “disorder”). It is mostly common for patients
who have depression, anxiety, or other mental pain, though. While this therapy
does have Buddhist origins, one does not need to be Buddhist (or of any
particular religion) in order to practice contemplative psychotherapy.
How Contemplative Psychotherapy Works
The basic notion behind contemplative
psychotherapy is that we need to be reminded of certain beliefs in order to be
able to handle things as they come in the moment. This gives the client a sense
of peace, hope, and change. It also gives the client proper coping skills
during seemingly hopeless times. It is basically a form of liberation; you may
not even have to see a therapist regularly to experience this. The main teaching
in contemplative psychotherapy is the idea of “brilliant sanity”. This is the
belief that we all have a natural wisdom and dignity inside of us, no matter
who we are, but sometimes it might be clouded temporarily by something else. This
process uncovers that goodness inside of us. The therapist recognizes the
sanity in the client, and nurtures this sanity in him or herself.
Another approach aside from “brilliant sanity”
is “space awareness”, which involves the client performing a series of
movements and postures which enables him or her to remain in the present state
of mind during difficult times. With practice, this type of training is
supposed to increase the client’s awareness, communication, and the interplay
of form and space. It can also help the client to experience more compassion
and humor toward others as well as him or herself, which can lead to lowered
fear and heightened relaxation.
Other practices within contemplative
psychotherapy include contemplative practice and body, speech, and mind
practice. Contemplative practice involves the client studying their own mind
through meditation. Body, speech, and mind practice is a way of including the
relationship with the therapist into the approach in order to establish a basis
for interventions.
Contemplative psychotherapy also believes that
one of the most healing aspects of therapy is to have someone that witnesses
your happiness and paint along with you. Yet another belief is that rather than
attempting to control our emotions, which is impossible, we should try to
befriend these emotions as they occur in order to gain peace and control of our
lives. There are many beliefs like these that help to enlighten the patient and
give them a better understanding of their own lives.
One of the best things about contemplative
psychotherapy is that it is made custom for each individual. Your culture,
creativity, spirituality, personality, and beliefs all play a collaborating
role in this form of treatment. At the same time, contemplative psychotherapy
can help to identify the client as a person by asking the question “Who am I?”.
References
Brilliant Sanity: Buddhist Approaches to
Psychotherapy Francis J. Kaklauskas, Susan Nimanheminda, Louis Hoffman University of Rockies Press, 2008. 396 pages.
The history of sanity in contemplative
psychotherapy. EM Podvoll. International Journal, 2002. Contemplative Psychotherapy: A path of
uncovering brilliant sanity.
KK Wegela. Journal of Contemplative
Psychotheraphy, 1994.
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