Buddhist Psychology and Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy: A Clinician's Guide

Since the emergence of CBT approaches emphasizing mindfulness, acceptance, and compassion, this book has been crying out to be written. It is unique in offering a detailed and thoughtful analysis of the relationship between Western psychological science and Buddhism's clear-eyed, sophisticated theory of mind and transformative practices. Lucidly written, the book is enlivened by engaging clinical examples and experiential exercises. This is essential reading for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the ancient tradition that shapes evolving psychological approaches to the relief of suffering. --Melanie Fennell, PhD, Oxford Mindfulness Centre, Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, United Kingdom

Make no mistake, this book is not just for Buddhists. The authors provide an articulate overview of Buddhist teachings and their consistency with CBT theory and techniques. Behaviorists will recognize the emphasis on the function of behavior in context, and CBT practitioners will feel at home with the idea that one's reaction to events--rather than events themselves--are at the root of suffering. I wholeheartedly recommend this book to beginning students or seasoned clinicians to gain further insight into what really matters in our work with clients, and see afresh client experiences that should be the focus of intervention. Unlike many clinical guides, the exercises allow the reader to enhance self-compassion while learning more about providing compassionate help to others. --Christopher R. Martell, PhD, ABPP, Clinic Director, Psychological Services Center, University of Massachusetts, Amherst

For those who wish to go deeper into the foundations of mindfulness, this practitioner guide provides an approachable analysis of its Buddhist underpinnings. It provides psychotherapists with the tools to conceptualize clinical practice from both CBT and Buddhist perspectives. --Beverly E. Thorn, PhD, ABPP, Department of Psychology (Emerita), University of Alabama

This wonderful book should be read by everyone interested in contemporary psychotherapy. It clearly elucidates powerful insights from the rich Buddhist psychological tradition, which help to expand our understanding of third-wave therapies and have value for any psychotherapist. Masterfully crafted guided exercises and reflections give readers a direct experience of the concepts presented. The authors are to be congratulated for their succinct explication and contextualization of Buddhist psychology and its relevance for clinical practice. This is a superb book that offers both practical tools and a scholarly understanding of how we might all work better with our patients' and our own suffering, and cultivate positive emotions and mind states. --Susan E. Abbey, MD, FRCPC, Psychiatrist-in-Chief, Centre for Mental Health; Professor, Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Canada

A 'must read' for CBT practitioners who seek grounding in Buddhist theory as it applies to contemporary psychology. The authors do a very nice job of mapping Buddhist philosophical principles onto the tenets of third-wave therapies. Clinical examples and real-life applications of mindfulness are peppered throughout the book; the audio downloads at the companion website are an added bonus. Readers will surely find helpful additions for their therapeutic toolboxes. --M. Kathleen B. Lustyk, PhD, Department of Psychology, Seattle Pacific University