Buddhist Spiritually Integrated Psychotherapy

This course explores the theoretical and practical intersection of Buddhist theology and praxis, and spiritually integrated psychotherapeutic practice. Designed for students committed to both their spiritual path and professional development as healing practitioners, this course provides the theoretical foundations and practical skills necessary for Buddhist-informed psychotherapy and counselling. The course is organized into four integrated parts: Part One establishes cross-cultural dialogue between Buddhist psychology and Western psychotherapy, examining the Abhidhamma's sophisticated analysis of mental states and emotions, and exploring Yogācāra teachings on consciousness (ālayavijñāna) as they relate to therapeutic understanding. Part Two introduces Kin Cheung Lee's practical "Note, Know, Choose" intervention model for Buddhist counseling, complemented by deep engagement with popular Buddhist spiritual transformation narratives (The Life of Milarepa or Monkey: Journey to the West) as vehicles for understanding the therapeutic journey. Part Three addresses the practitioner's own development, exploring how Buddhist understandings of 'self' and 'non-self' inform the therapeutic relationship and shape skillful responses to transference and countertransference. Part Four focuses on clinical applications, including working with emotions from a Buddhist perspective, integrating sacred texts like the Metta Sutta into practice, and understanding the healing dimensions of repentance, faith, and devotion. By course completion, students will possess a robust framework for Buddhist spiritually integrated therapy and the self-awareness necessary for ethical, compassionate practice.