What is Buddhist Therapy?

Buddhist therapy brings Western psychotherapeutic techniques together with a Buddhist philosophy and perspective to create personal change.

I’ve trained in various Western models of psychotherapy to Masters level:

• The transtheoretical model of change
• Person-centered
• Cognitive behavioral therapy
• Psychodynamic

I’ve also been practising and studying Buddhism for over 30 years.

For 20 years I have brought these together to create powerful and often rapid positive change in the lives of my clients.

A Focus on the Present

Often when people think of therapy they think of working through past experiences.

But change only happens in the present moment.

Through my work with hundreds of clients from all over the world, I’ve found that focusing on what’s working and what’s not in your present experience — and developing strategies for change on that basis — is generally much more powerful than spending months talking about your past.

We will discuss your past where it’s affecting your present experience, but the focus will be on how this will allow you to get where you want to be now.

Bringing Buddhism and Psychotherapy Together

My MA research explored how Buddhism and psychotherapy can work together, specifically in the treatment of depression.

I was awarded a distinction and this work became the foundation of my book “The Buddhist Way Through Depression“.

Beyond Buddhist Therapy

My work as a Buddhist therapist crystalized over time into something beyond therapy. I now simply call myself a Buddhist teacher or guide.

I still work one to one with clients to help you navigate the reality in which you find yourself.

While this typically includes personal challenges and working towards personal goals, often the wider context is a significant factor. 

Social media, AI, changing political landscapes, changes in the economy and so on often have a dramatic impact on our experience, the world, and how one relates to the other.

To heal, achieve our goals or bring about significant change, I have found that we therefore need to work more broadly than therapy typically allows.

My work now stems from what I have come to call the Four Invitations to Compassion.

My Work with Organizations

Since moving beyond psychotherapy, I also apply the Four Pillars as a consultant to organizations, helping them design compassion into their systems and processes. 

By creating kinder, more inclusive experiences for their customers, compassionate systems have a positive impact on brand reputation, profitability and waste reduction.

Contact me if you’d like to find out more.