Buddhist Psychology

As with many of the other practices and philosophies that we draw from, rather than incorporating the entirety of Buddhist Psychology, we incorporate a few aspects that we have found to be the most powerful and helpful in the process of Love Therapy.  Namely compassion, leaning into the pain, Buddhist Meditation and Buddhist Mindfulness.

Also helpful are practices from what is referred to as “The 8 Fold Path” that includes: having the “right” thought (cognitions, beliefs), view (perception), speech (words), conduct (consideration & compassion), livelihood (work), effort (motivation), mindfulness (leaning into the pain – being aware of yourself in the moment) and concentration (meditation).  By following the 8 Fold Path and other Buddhist practices, the goal is to attain “enlightenment”.  A Buddhist Psychologist is more likely to refer to it as “mental health” or “inner peace”.

A big part of having the “right” conduct is having compassion, both for yourself and others.  Most of us have experienced negative self-talk and having compassion for your humanity, and that it is “ok” to make mistakes, it is “ok” to have strengths and weaknesses, is a major key to creating a happy, healthy life.

Buddhist mindfulness is about experiencing the fullness of the moment that you are in.  Being “mindful” of your full experience.  The concept of “leaning into the pain” is a part of this tenant.  This is incredibly helpful on a path to inner peace and wholeness because the more you try to avoid pain or negative feelings the worse they get.  In fact, many anxiety disorders are exactly that.  Pain caused by avoidance of the fear or feared thing, but not pain from the thing itself.  In fact, once you allow yourself to experience the fear, pain, anger sadness, etc. it often will dissipate.  You can turn off and tune out to your feelings or negative experiences but the fact that you’re not facing your demons doesn’t make them go away.  In fact the more you ignore your negative feelings, sensation, emotions, etc. the more they stay inside and fester, often resulting in negative, self-destructive behaviors.

Buddhist Mindfulness helps you to notice, and be aware whereas Buddhist Meditation can help you to let go of negative, looping, obsessive (hurtful) thoughts, emotions, sensations, etc.  There are many different forms of meditation; clearing your mind, focusing on your sensations, being mindful, loving kindness affirmations, to breath. Finding the balance between noticing and letting go is vitally important and we lovingly incorporate these aspects into your overall therapy experience.