What is Buddhist Psychology?

Buddhist psychology is a profoundly useful and proven framework for understanding the mind and developing increased mental and emotional clarity, stability, and flexibility. Fundamentally, the focus of Buddhist psychotherapy is the ending of suffering. It is steadfastly optimistic, pragmatic, and reality based. It is a perspective that believes in the potential of everyone’s innate goodness and the importance of taking deep responsibility for one’s life. It is a strength-based approach, supported by a radical trust that we all have the capacity within us right now to be truly free.

The recent increase in the integration of Buddhist psychology and “Western” clinical psychology has informed many contemporary evidence-based therapeutic modalities. Approaches that incorporate mindfulness, acceptance, and compassion (ACT, MBSR, MBCBT, DBT for example) are all influenced by Buddhist psychology. My practice integrates other modalities with Buddhist psychotherapy.

Do I need to be Buddhist to benefit from Buddhist psychology?

No, you do not need to “be Buddhist”, religious, or spiritual at all to experience the benefits and utilize the tools found in this approach. Therapy that is informed by Buddhist psychology is neither explicitly or implicitly “religious” and does not require any adherence to specific beliefs. I offer a secular, clinically grounded form of mindfulness and compassion-focused psychotherapy that is appropriate for the diversity and complexity of today’s world and the challenges we might face.

Any brief introduction to Buddhist psychology will be limited and subjective. What is described above is informed by my own experience, practice, and training. I have been working on a series of brief essays about specific areas of Buddhist Psychology. I welcome any questions or feedback.