Contemplative therapy combines traditional Western therapeutic practices with the principles and philosophies of Buddhism. Contemplative therapy seeks to help individuals work through problematic issues and identify ways to make positive changes, while also encouraging acceptance.
Like other types of mindfulness-based therapy, contemplative therapy is designed to help a client’s attention focus on the present moment and achieve clarity. A therapist practicing contemplative therapy will take a warm and compassionate approach, inspiring the client to use their natural wisdom.
ontemplative psychotherapy is built upon the tenets of Buddhism and uses the Buddhist philosophy as its primary theoretical framework, though the approach also incorporates theory from traditional psychology models like the psychodynamic and humanistic approaches.
Buddhism and its Four Noble Truths are within the foundation of the contemplative psychotherapy
The Truth of Suffering: The Truth of Suffering: individuals commonly deny, ignore, or dispute their unhappy or painful experiences. However, in reality people have these experiences and will continue to encounter them throughout their lives
The Truth of the Origin of Suffering: Pain is caused by attempts to create a solid, unchanging sense of ego. Buddhist believe there is no such thing as a permanent, distinct self or ego as people are constantly changing and therefore attempting to create stability is stressful and causes suffering.
The Truth of the Cessation of Suffering: People are able to stop suffering when the realise their efforts to control a situation are futile. By accepting themselves are they really are allows people to relax and release any illusion of ego.
The Truth of the Path: Once people accept their true selves, they are “awakened” to their own personal path. This path may be a steady process of development over time and for some, psychotherapy may play a role in this journey.
