Contemplative Psychotherapy

Contemplative psychotherapy is a therapeutic approach based in Tibetan Buddhist philosophy, more specifically the Kagu and Nyingma schools, and Buddhist psychology married with key features of Western psychotherapy. This therapeutic approach embraces the notion that each individual client has a basic incorruptible nature that features openness, clarity, and compassion. It is the aim of the contemplative therapist not to change clients but to help them connect and reflect this inner nature.

Historical Context

Western psychology and therapy experienced three different points of contact with Buddhist philosophy, frequently described as Buddhist psychology because Buddhist literature includes an extensive study of the nature of the mind. Sigmund Freud (1856–1939) first came into contact with Buddhism and meditation but was critical of it. However, Karen Horney (1885–1952), Carl Jung (1875– ...

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