What is Contemplative Psychotherapy and Why is it Helpful?

What is Contemplative Psychotherapy?

Contemplative psychotherapy integrates Buddhist psychology and philosophy, Eastern contemplative traditions, and Western psychology (Darnall, 2007). Developed in the 1970s through dialogues between Tibetan Buddhist master Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche and Western psychologists, it led to the founding of the Contemplative Psychotherapy Department at Naropa University in 1978. This approach is rooted in the belief that individuals possess natural wisdom or brilliant sanity, an inherent capacity for healing and self-awareness.

A key aspect of Contemplative Psychotherapy is sitting meditation, which enhances mindfulness, emotional resilience, and presence in the therapeutic relationship. Unlike conventional clinical mental health counseling, this method views mental health holistically, addressing emotional suffering at its core rather than just treating symptoms. A contemplative psychotherapist facilitates this process by guiding clients toward self-awareness, self-compassion, and transformation.

A Contemplative Psychotherapy program emphasizes developing mindfulness-based skills to deepen therapeutic engagement. Practitioners trained in this approach integrate contemplative practices into their clinical work, fostering a space where clients reconnect with their inner wisdom. By combining Eastern meditation principles with evidence-based Western psychology, Contemplative Psychotherapy offers a unique framework for clinicians seeking a more profound, integrative way to support their clients.

Contemplative Psychotherapy vs. Buddhist psychology

Contemplative Psychotherapy and Buddhist psychology share foundational principles but differ in application. Contemplative Psychotherapy integrates Buddhist philosophy with Western psychology, combining meditation and mindfulness with clinical practices. This approach helps clients uncover brilliant sanity, the belief that individuals possess inherent wisdom and resilience. It is used in therapeutic settings and can be adapted secularly.

On the other hand, Buddhist psychology is rooted in Buddhist teachings and focuses on personal transformation through insight, compassion, and ethical living (Aich, 2013). Unlike therapy, it serves as a spiritual path aimed at understanding the mind’s nature rather than addressing psychological distress. Contemplative Psychotherapy integrates mindfulness within structured therapy, whereas meditation practices in Buddhist psychology are primarily tools for spiritual enlightenment.

A contemplative therapist applies this approach in clinical settings, guiding clients through mindfulness-based interventions. While both approaches emphasize self-awareness and compassion, Contemplative Psychotherapy is tailored for mental health treatment, while Buddhist psychology remains deeply tied to religious and philosophical traditions.

5 Contemplative Psychotherapy techniques and exercises

Contemplative therapy incorporates experimental practices that encourage mindfulness, self-awareness, and emotional regulation. These techniques, rooted in contemplative learning and humanistic psychology, help practitioners better understand themselves and their clients.

Below are key Contemplative Psychotherapy techniques used in therapeutic settings.

Shamatha (calm abiding) meditation

Shamatha, or "calm abiding," is a foundational mindfulness practice that cultivates mental stability and clarity by focusing on a single reference point, such as the breath. This technique helps practitioners stay grounded in the present moment, reducing mental distractions and fostering emotional balance. In contemplative therapy, Shamatha enhances concentration and deepens awareness, allowing therapists and clients to engage more effectively in therapeutic work.

Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR)

MBSR is a structured program that integrates mindfulness practices into stress and pain management (Kriakous et al., 2021). It encourages non-judgmental awareness of the present moment, helping individuals regulate emotions and reduce anxiety. Used in contemplative learning settings, MBSR is a key component of Contemplative Psychotherapy techniques, bridging traditional clinical traditions with meditative practices to support mental and physical well-being.

Loving-kindness meditation

Loving-kindness meditation is also one of the most followed Buddhist meditations. It focuses on fostering unconditional goodwill toward oneself and others (Zeng et al., 2015). Practitioners repeat phrases of lovingkindness, gradually expanding their compassion outward. Contemplative therapy helps dismantle negative thought patterns and cultivate emotional warmth. It aligns with humanistic psychology, emphasizing personal growth, self-acceptance, and meaningful connections with others.

Tonglen practice

Tonglen is a visualization technique that involves breathing in suffering and exhaling compassion (Adler, 2022). This practice encourages a deeper understanding of others' pain, strengthening compassionate leadership in therapists. By integrating Tonglen into Contemplative Psychotherapy techniques, practitioners develop greater empathy and resilience, fostering emotional balance in themselves and their clients.

Maitri space awareness practice

Maitri Space Awareness promotes contemplative insights by encouraging self-acceptance and emotional clarity. This technique involves recognizing and sitting with one's emotions without resistance. Practiced in undergraduate degree programs in contemplative learning, Maitri helps psychotherapists maintain presence and humor while working through personal and professional challenges.

When is the best time to practice Contemplative Psychotherapy?

Contemplative Psychotherapy best suits individuals seeking therapeutic approaches that integrate mindfulness and Buddhist approaches with human development principles. Training in contemplative psychology is particularly valuable for mental health professionals, graduate students, and clinicians looking to enhance their professional practice. This approach benefits those interested in professional development that goes beyond conventional therapy, incorporating experiential practices that deepen self-awareness and emotional resilience.

Practitioners who aim to support clients in recognizing sanity and accessing their inherent sanity will find this method useful. It aligns with the core concept of human growth, emphasizing self-compassion and presence in therapy. Contemplative Psychotherapy is also effective for clients who want to cultivate inner peace while addressing emotional challenges. Rooted in root teaching, this approach provides a structured yet introspective framework for clinicians to refine their skills, making it an essential path for those committed to holistic mental health care.

References

Adler, J. (2022, April 22). Tonglen - An integrated energy medicine point of view. Sacred Stream. https://www.sacredstream.org/tonglen-an-integrated-energy-medicine-point-of-view/

Aich, T. K. (2013). Buddha philosophy and Western psychology. Indian Journal of Psychiatry, 55(6), 165. https://doi.org/10.4103/0019-5545.105517

Darnall, K. T. (2007). Contemplative psychotherapy: Integrating Western psychology and Eastern philosophy. The Behavior Therapist, 30(7), 156–160.

Kriakous, S. A., Elliott, K. A., Lamers, C., & Owen, R. (2021). The effectiveness of mindfulness-based stress reduction on the psychological functioning of healthcare professionals: A systematic review. Mindfulness, 12(1), 1–28. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12671-020-01500-9

Zeng, X., Chiu, C. P. K., Wang, R., Oei, T. P. S., & Leung, F. Y. K. (2015). The effect of loving-kindness meditation on positive emotions: A meta-analytic review. Frontiers in Psychology, 6, Article 1693. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2015.01693