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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Jodi is a graduate of Naropa's Contemplative Psychotherapy Graduate Program. Naropa University’s concentration in Contemplative Psychotherapy & Buddhist Psychology master's degree is a counseling program that grounds itself in the Buddhist contemplative wisdom tradition and includes current humanistic psychological approaches to give insight and skills to show up fully for one's self and others.

— Jodi Alieksaites, Licensed Professional Counselor in Columbia, MO

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 New York, NY
 

With a master's degree in Contemplative Psychotherapy, I specialize in using mindfulness and present-moment awareness to help you explore your thoughts and emotions with compassion. This approach allows us to uncover patterns and beliefs that may be holding you back, creating space for deeper understanding and healing. By fostering a connection with your inner self, we can work together to find clarity and cultivate personal growth.

— Samantha Patel, Licensed Professional Counselor Associate in Houston, TX

Contemplative practices include contemplation, meditation, and yoga, and are usually part of a larger worldview and way of life, optimizing well-being. These practices offer psychological and psychosomatic benefits. Through contemplative therapy, we can train and develop the mind, resulting in enhanced mental capacities, well-being, and maturity. This training therapy can heighten calm, concentration, insight, and joy.

— MARCIA OLIVER, PMHNP-BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Ormond Beach, FL
 

With a master's degree in Contemplative Psychotherapy, I specialize in using mindfulness and present-moment awareness to help you explore your thoughts and emotions with compassion. This approach allows us to uncover patterns and beliefs that may be holding you back, creating space for deeper understanding and healing. By fostering a connection with your inner self, we can work together to find clarity and cultivate personal growth.

— Samantha Patel, Licensed Professional Counselor Associate in Houston, TX

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

— Electra Byers, Psychotherapist in arvada, CO
 

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

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
 

Contemplative psychotherapy operates on the belief that all people have natural wisdom within them, and this wisdom can be used to achieve healing and self-awareness. I believe that all people are gifted and creative beings, but sometimes those gifts get buried under years of trauma or other pain. It is my great privilege to help you heal your pain and tap into that inner wisdom for optimal living.

— dawn altman, Licensed Professional Counselor in Bryn Mawr, PA

Scientific research on contemplative / meditative practice clearly demonstrates the decrease in stress, negative emotions, and the increase in both insights and clearer thinking. I've practiced meditation personally for decades and also instruct in it.

— Eric Best, Psychologist in Bivins, TX
 

I have a meditation practice of nearly 30 years that helps inform my work with the reflection and mindfulness training in Contemplative Therapy.

— Susan Rooney, Counselor in Portland, OR

I have found mindfulness and contemplative wisdom (often from cultures outside of our Western mindsets) to be very helpful in radically transforming the most stubborn patterns of suffering. I love to teach mindfulness and meditation, and to share helpful concepts with my patients. Therapy can help patients to deepen their awareness, and I often talk with patients about concepts like compassion, self-compassion, acceptance, responsibility... and ways to put this in practice.

— Dr. Leslie Merriman, Psychologist
 

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 ,

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
 

30+ years of Buddhist practice has given me skills and tools that I enjoy teaching to my clients: meditation, emotional self regulation, self compassion, patience, kindness, and a community focus. Many of the things that help us heal and make us well start with understanding ourselves and also being able to self-regulate and self-correct unhelpful beliefs or patterns. I also have many clients who want to heal from abusive religious backgrounds and enjoy the non-theistic approach of Buddhism.

— Elaine Dove, Licensed Professional Counselor in Austin, TX

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
 

Contemplative psychotherapy is a branch of therapy integrating Eastern Buddhist philosophy and practice with the clinical traditions of modern Western psychology, and is rooted in the belief that all individuals posses the internal wisdom necessary to heal from pain.

— Micah Hala, Clinical Social Worker in Portland, OR