Contemplative Therapy

Contemplative therapy borrows principles and philosophies from Buddhism and integrates them with more traditional clinical approaches. Contemplative therapy is founded on the belief that each individual has the power within themselves to heal their own pain. Contemplative therapy is often a good match for individuals seeking to increase self-awareness and improve well-being in a holistic way. Mindfulness techniques to root oneself in the present moment and achieve clarity are the hallmarks of this approach. Think this approach might be right for you? Reach out to one of TherapyDen’s contemplative therapy experts today.

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I completed my master's degree in contemplative psychotherapy (now titled Buddhist Psychology) at Naropa University. This included a great deal of study beyond traditional therapy programs to learn Buddhist philosophy and practice meditation and mindfulness techniques. We embodied these practices beyond just intellectual understanding by undertaking two-week-long meditation retreats every semester, during which we would implement what we were learning to better understand it within ourselves.

— Grace Ballard, Sex Therapist in New York, NY

I integrate the Contemplative Theory seamlessly into my approach. By recognizing and embracing our strengths, often overlooked or dismissed, we gain the confidence needed to explore painful experiences. As humans, we thrive in a constant state of change, and the Contemplative Theory aligns perfectly with this perspective. It fosters ongoing self-exploration, guiding us towards our truest selves in this ever-evolving journey of life.

— MICHAEL ROSE, Licensed Professional Counselor in ,
 

Masters of Clinical Mental Health - focus on Contemplative Psychotherapy and Buddhist Psychology

— Electra Byers, Psychotherapist in arvada, CO

Overcoming our very human tendency to grasp at pleasure and avoid what's unpleasant is at the core of our work together in therapy. Fortunately, contemplative therapy also allows us to access tools available in your very own heart/mind to make that work less tedious and more meaningful.

— Christine Bates, Licensed Professional Counselor in Oxford, MS
 

I have a one-of-kind training from Naropa University with a masters degree in Contemplative Psychotherapy and Buddhist Psychology. Contemplative Therapy is an approach that combines Buddhist wisdom teachings with that of traditional western therapeutic approaches. It is rooted in the belief that we all possess innate wisdom. Through approaches grounded in openness, compassion and curiosity, I help clients uncover their innate wisdom and trust in it.

— Matthew Beals, Licensed Professional Counselor Candidate in Fort Collins, CO

Buddhism + psychology is an incredibly powerful combination for personal growth. Buddhism provides the analogy and wisdoms for living a life free from suffering — we are lotuses that transform the murky mud of our world and its challenges into nutrients for growth — psychology provides insight and guidance into the process of human development and offer tools for change. Up for the challenge? I will dive deep with you to tackle the most fundamental questions about life and who we are.

— I-Ching Grace Hung, Psychologist in San Francisco, CA
 

I graduated from Naropa University in the Contemplative Psychology program. Currently work as a professor at Naropa in the Mindfulness-based Transpersonal Program. My approach is rooted in the contemplative tradition. This approach is acceptance based, present moment centered, and works by recognizing the wholeness of my client. Who you want to become is already within you, let's uncover who you are together.

— Jenna Noah, Counselor in Denver, CO

I use an eclectic approach that combines Mindfulness-Based CBT and other forms of cognitive therapy, such as ACT and DBT to help recognize negative cognitions and beliefs and incorporate skills to increase adaptive thinking and positive cognitions. Using mindfulness-based cognitive therapies to better understand thinking patterns and how we can change our brain in order to move out of autopilot into healthier and more adaptive practices.

— Cara Maksimow, Licensed Clinical Social Worker in chatham, NJ
 

Contemplative therapy integrates Western psychology with Eastern psychology by using Buddhist tenants as foundational touchstones. We uphold the belief that all people are inherently good and have the capability for brilliant sanity-meaning that we all have natural wisdom within us which can be accessed to achieve healing and self-awareness. Mindfulness and meditation are encouraged with this modality.

— Jen Simmons, Licensed Professional Counselor in San Antonio, TX

I hold a MA in Contemplative Psychotherapy and Buddhist Psychology. “Contemplative psychotherapy may be said to have two parents: the 2,500-year-old wisdom tradition of Buddhism and the clinical traditions of Western Psychology, especially the Humanistic school. Like all offspring it has much in common with both of its parents and yet is uniquely itself at the same time.” — Karen Kissell Wegela,

— Chelsea O'Day-Navis, Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Supervisor in Grand Rapids, MI
 

I received my Master's Degree in Contemplative Psychotherapy and Buddhist Psychology from Naropa University in Boulder, CO. I believe in the power of presence, which we can access through meditation and mindfulness. Contemplative Therapy embodies these principles; by staying with our present experience we are able to understand our patterns and behaviors that no longer serve us, and then work towards change.

— Kirsten Rehman, Licensed Professional Counselor in Denver, CO

Just as the breath calms the body, meditation calms the mind. Meditation has physical, emotional, mental and spiritual benefits. Elizabeth guides her clients in different styles of meditating to determine which form is most effective in giving them the deepest sense of wellbeing, maintain equanimity and handle difficult situations. Meditation has been proven to change the brain in ways that correlate with less stress and depression, less pain and anxiety, and a stronger immune system.

— Elizabeth Pankey-Warren, Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Boca Raton, FL
 

Contemplative Psychotherapy is based on a Buddhist view of how mind functions. Within a contemplative view the mind is fundamentally sane and confusion is temporary. Like the body, the mind is instinctively moving toward clarity. By reflecting this view client and clinician learn to recognize islands of clarity rather than only focusing on defilements.

— Gretchen Kahre, Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor in Erie, CO

As a contemplative therapist, I am rooted in the belief that all beings are innately well, wise, and compassionate. This means as your therapist I will see your strengths and capacities in addition to the habits and patterns you may be concerned with. I will meet all of your experiences with compassion and non-judgment and help you find the same for yourself. Together we build a new perspective, where all experience is welcomed and workable so you can feel confident and choiceful in life.

— Dawn DeAno, Counselor in Lafayette, CO
 

I have a Master's degree in Holistic Health studies and have dedicated my career to integrative approaches to healing. I enjoy bringing in your cultural strengths and practices to our work. I employ mindfulness approaches and focus on compassion: towards self, others, and the natural world, as a part of our work. I encourage time in nature, readings, art, music, podcasts, meditation, and community connection as healing work.

— Jenny Adams Salmela, Psychotherapist in Minneapolis, MN