Students will gain a lived understanding of:

• Buddhist psychology from the perspective of the three main Buddhist traditions
• The interface between Buddhist psychology and the western psychological traditions
• The social, cultural and ethical issues in the integration of Buddhism and Psychotherapy
• Mindfulness and its four foundations in psychotherapy
• The awakening experiences of insight, compassion and equanimity
• Buddhism and Psychotherapy in specialised areas of therapeutic work such as body based psychotherapy, working with addictions, and supporting clients with end of life issues
• The spiritual dimensions of therapy
• Buddhist informed relationship therapy

The course modules offer a balance of theoretical and experiential learning, using lectures, discussion, experiential and group processes, case presentations, supervision, contemplation and meditation practices. Throughout the modules and retreats students are instructed and supported to learn, deepen and refine personal meditation practices. The retreats in particular offer the opportunity to experience Buddhist teachings and practices in three of the main Buddhist schools.

In this training we hope to provide a context in which people can explore their interest in the integration of Buddhist philosophy, psychology and practice into their work as psychotherapists and counsellors. The training process is interactive and experiential so that knowledge held by members within the group can be tapped and utilised for learning.

The course provides an opportunity to engage with the theoretical, philosophical and scientific aspects of this exploration as well as the more personal “inner” process of learning which is central to this integration. We hope that the course can contribute to the ongoing development of participants’ relational capacities, innate qualities of non-judgmental observation, active listening, flexibility, presence, insight, compassion and wisdom. Meditation and contemplation form a significant part of the course and students explore these practices for the purpose of self-regulation, self-exploration, and self-liberation, and for their relevance in clinical contexts.

Group supervision provides an opportunity for students to reflect on their learning in the context of their own clinical work.

Students are encouraged to participate in the life of the group as it emerges, and also to develop their observational and relational skills in relation to the group process. This provides an opportunity to deepen self-awareness and awareness of others. 

This course will count towards 288 hours of professional development in category A. 

Presenters

Francine Bartlett (BSW [Hons], MSci [Hons])

Subhana Barzaghi (BA Soc Sc, Masters App Psychotherapy)

Geoff Dawson (BA [Psych, Phil], MAPS)

Louise Fisher (B.App.Soc.Sc. B.Psych.Sc.[Hons1], MPsych [Clin])

Malcolm Huxter (M. Psych [Clin])

Dr Eng-Kong Tan (MBBS, MPM, FRANZCP)

Dr Liz Turnbull (BA [Hons], PhD [Sociology], Dip Som Psych)

Jeff Ward (BA [Hons], Dip Adult Psychotherapy [ANZAP], PhD) 

To register, please see here.