Buddhist Therapists in Oakville, ON
![Photo of Ekta Hattangady, BA, MSW, RSW, Registered Social Worker](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/eb4bdb66-a48e-49da-a9b3-1268def695ad/1/320x400.jpeg)
Ekta Hattangady
Registered Social Worker, BA, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oakville, ON L6H (Online Only)
Therapy with me is about befriending oneself unconditionally, with compassion and kindness. Through traumas, life transitions, mistakes, and successes, mindfulness can be that constant strategy that allows you to be grounded firmly in your healing. My approach is holistic, and one that synthesizes the mind, body, and spirit. My work is rooted in yoga and Buddhist practices and my professional social work experience of 18 years. My practice is LGBTQIA2S-affirming, pro-fat and anti-racist. My areas of specialty are: anxiety, depression, chronic/terminal illness, grief, burnout, body image, relationships, and immigrant issues.
Therapy with me is about befriending oneself unconditionally, with compassion and kindness. Through traumas, life transitions, mistakes, and successes, mindfulness can be that constant strategy that allows you to be grounded firmly in your healing. My approach is holistic, and one that synthesizes the mind, body, and spirit. My work is rooted in yoga and Buddhist practices and my professional social work experience of 18 years. My practice is LGBTQIA2S-affirming, pro-fat and anti-racist. My areas of specialty are: anxiety, depression, chronic/terminal illness, grief, burnout, body image, relationships, and immigrant issues.
![Photo of Vladimir Rakic, MA, RP, Registered Psychotherapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9c19471a-5610-4a04-ae79-a6aad62b63ad/2/320x400.jpeg)
I have spent more than 10 years studying healing methods with not only top psychologists in the field of therapy but I have also travelled the world and studied with Buddhist and Christian monks at various monasteries, lived with shamans indigenous to the Amazon and learned from religious leaders in the First Nation and Sufi communities in North America.
"I believe one of the bravest things you can do is to begin to understand your own story." I have dedicated my life to build a practice where people can come to a place of peace, where you feel comfortable and safe to unburden yourself about the most intimate and personal aspects of your life without the fear of being judged or shamed. This process allows you to shed the layers that keep you going in the same cycles and help you start a new and more fulfilling chapter in your life. Calling a therapist can be intimidating, but I hope you will take a moment (and maybe a deep breath) to call and see how I can help.
I have spent more than 10 years studying healing methods with not only top psychologists in the field of therapy but I have also travelled the world and studied with Buddhist and Christian monks at various monasteries, lived with shamans indigenous to the Amazon and learned from religious leaders in the First Nation and Sufi communities in North America.
"I believe one of the bravest things you can do is to begin to understand your own story." I have dedicated my life to build a practice where people can come to a place of peace, where you feel comfortable and safe to unburden yourself about the most intimate and personal aspects of your life without the fear of being judged or shamed. This process allows you to shed the layers that keep you going in the same cycles and help you start a new and more fulfilling chapter in your life. Calling a therapist can be intimidating, but I hope you will take a moment (and maybe a deep breath) to call and see how I can help.
![Photo of Julie Barasevic, MSW, RSW, Registered Social Worker](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4f90759c-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Now Accepting New Clients prior to 4pm. I am a passionate, compassionate and a non-judgmental therapist. I help many clients overcome life challenges from: trauma, anxiety, grief/loss, stress management, emotional support, or relationship concerns. I offer trauma-focused therapy through Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Sensorimotor Psychotherapy (SP). I offer Mindfulness-Based Therapies, Emotion-Focused Therapy for individuals and couples, and Sex Therapy. I am a hypnotherapist with over 15 years of experience. I work with culturally diverse clients and I am respectful towards diverse beliefs.
Now Accepting New Clients prior to 4pm. I am a passionate, compassionate and a non-judgmental therapist. I help many clients overcome life challenges from: trauma, anxiety, grief/loss, stress management, emotional support, or relationship concerns. I offer trauma-focused therapy through Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Sensorimotor Psychotherapy (SP). I offer Mindfulness-Based Therapies, Emotion-Focused Therapy for individuals and couples, and Sex Therapy. I am a hypnotherapist with over 15 years of experience. I work with culturally diverse clients and I am respectful towards diverse beliefs.
![Photo of Kayla Li, BSW, RSW, Registered Social Worker](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0ed691d6-e1e3-4784-92a7-6edd6fc3de22/4/320x400.jpeg)
Hello and welcome to my page! As a first-generation immigrant woman, I provide therapy sessions in English, Mandarin or Cantonese, with a culturally sensitive, intersectional, and humanistic approach. I have deep care and understanding, because of my own journey of living, studying, and working abroad alone for the last decade, for the need to have a safe space to explore all of the unique challenges and nuances of your experiences. I get it, it can feel scary, lonely, isolating, and tiring to fight alone, but I believe this can also be the birthplace of resilience, fun, and opportunity to create the life you love living in.
Hello and welcome to my page! As a first-generation immigrant woman, I provide therapy sessions in English, Mandarin or Cantonese, with a culturally sensitive, intersectional, and humanistic approach. I have deep care and understanding, because of my own journey of living, studying, and working abroad alone for the last decade, for the need to have a safe space to explore all of the unique challenges and nuances of your experiences. I get it, it can feel scary, lonely, isolating, and tiring to fight alone, but I believe this can also be the birthplace of resilience, fun, and opportunity to create the life you love living in.
![Photo of Peter Sammet - Sammet Counselling and Consulting Services, MA, Psy, Registered Psychotherapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3cb8a141-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Sammet Counselling and Consulting Services
Registered Psychotherapist, MA, Psy
Verified Verified
Oakville, ON L6L (Online Only)
I have been working for 43 years in a variety of counselling environments with various populations of people or on specific client issues. I work with my clients towards their goals. It is not my job to tell people what is right or wrong in their lives but I will bring different perspectives, information about research, suggest strategies for change, books, use my experience and training to support my clients in moving towards resolution of their unique challenges.
I have been working for 43 years in a variety of counselling environments with various populations of people or on specific client issues. I work with my clients towards their goals. It is not my job to tell people what is right or wrong in their lives but I will bring different perspectives, information about research, suggest strategies for change, books, use my experience and training to support my clients in moving towards resolution of their unique challenges.
![Photo of Nilusha Dore, MEd, RP, Registered Psychotherapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/45a4f48f-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
I believe that we're at our strongest when we have meaningful, supportive connections in our lives. My focus is on developing these types of connections with my clients - ones where they feel genuinely cared for, safe, and supported in their journey towards feeling more fulfilled in their lives. My aim is always to help my clients feel heard, empowered, and more confident in their ability to navigate struggles. I'm always in their corner, and it's important to me that they feel this way. At the end of the day, feeling like I've provided someone with meaningful and support is why I love this work.
I believe that we're at our strongest when we have meaningful, supportive connections in our lives. My focus is on developing these types of connections with my clients - ones where they feel genuinely cared for, safe, and supported in their journey towards feeling more fulfilled in their lives. My aim is always to help my clients feel heard, empowered, and more confident in their ability to navigate struggles. I'm always in their corner, and it's important to me that they feel this way. At the end of the day, feeling like I've provided someone with meaningful and support is why I love this work.
![Photo of Ivona D. Zager, MAPsych, CRPO-RP, CBT CPT, EMDR, hypno, Registered Psychotherapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/40cb91f8-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/1/320x400.jpeg)
Ivona D. Zager
Registered Psychotherapist, MAPsych, CRPO-RP, CBT CPT, EMDR, hypno
Verified Verified
Oakville, ON L6H
Put to use my 30+ years of proven ability to tackle anxiety, depression, stress, insomnia, fear of public speaking, trauma, mental blocks, low confidence, parenting challenges, social anxiety, relationship problems, feeling lost or stuck, anger, or cultural adaptation in Canada. Empowerment, Assertiveness, Life Coaching and self-improvement are my professional hobby. I aspire to help you on a quest for empowering yourself and your well-being so that you can deploy your full potential. I am a Licensed Psychotherapist, EMDR Clinician, NGH Board Certified Master Hypnotherapist, Instructor - CBT-hypnosis and Milton Erickson's hypnosis.
Put to use my 30+ years of proven ability to tackle anxiety, depression, stress, insomnia, fear of public speaking, trauma, mental blocks, low confidence, parenting challenges, social anxiety, relationship problems, feeling lost or stuck, anger, or cultural adaptation in Canada. Empowerment, Assertiveness, Life Coaching and self-improvement are my professional hobby. I aspire to help you on a quest for empowering yourself and your well-being so that you can deploy your full potential. I am a Licensed Psychotherapist, EMDR Clinician, NGH Board Certified Master Hypnotherapist, Instructor - CBT-hypnosis and Milton Erickson's hypnosis.
![Photo of Natasha Sharma - NKS Therapy, Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/956ac372-4dd7-4713-bc8c-13ea3bdf46a4/2/320x400.jpeg)
Voted Top 5 in Toronto for Best Psychotherapists in 2021, NKS Therapy is a team of psychotherapists, marriage/family therapists, counsellors and life coaches in Toronto, Etobicoke, Mississauga, and Oakville who specialize in mental health support for adults, couples, teenagers, and families. With multiple experts on the NKS Therapy team, we will help you achieve your goals through a deeper understanding of yourself, and help you make conscious choices today. We offer sessions virtually & in-person. Start living a better life today with a FREE 15-minute therapy consultation! A Happier, Healthier, Better Version of Yourself awaits.
Voted Top 5 in Toronto for Best Psychotherapists in 2021, NKS Therapy is a team of psychotherapists, marriage/family therapists, counsellors and life coaches in Toronto, Etobicoke, Mississauga, and Oakville who specialize in mental health support for adults, couples, teenagers, and families. With multiple experts on the NKS Therapy team, we will help you achieve your goals through a deeper understanding of yourself, and help you make conscious choices today. We offer sessions virtually & in-person. Start living a better life today with a FREE 15-minute therapy consultation! A Happier, Healthier, Better Version of Yourself awaits.
![Photo of Len Ramsay, BA, MBA, SP, RP](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3ccbc3dd-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I’m a fortunate man, really enjoying my life and my work. I am well, and I remember not being well; anxious, depressed, traumatized and clinically diagnosed with various psychiatric ailments. Life threw me some awful curves and I’ve experienced the therapy world as a client for many hundreds of hours in several of its forms. I have acted badly and I apologize to those I’ve hurt. I won’t indulge my humility here but I’ll be open if you ask. My practice is built in part on my personal experiences of suffering, change, and growth. I am a Registered Psychotherapist in the Province of Ontario.
I’m a fortunate man, really enjoying my life and my work. I am well, and I remember not being well; anxious, depressed, traumatized and clinically diagnosed with various psychiatric ailments. Life threw me some awful curves and I’ve experienced the therapy world as a client for many hundreds of hours in several of its forms. I have acted badly and I apologize to those I’ve hurt. I won’t indulge my humility here but I’ll be open if you ask. My practice is built in part on my personal experiences of suffering, change, and growth. I am a Registered Psychotherapist in the Province of Ontario.
![Photo of Dr. Bryan Choi, PhD, CPsych, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ab739f5b-d855-442c-a435-63c75554c8b4/4/320x400.jpeg)
How are you really feeling? Our emotions can feel out of reach, confusing or overwhelming. From my own personal experience learning about my emotions, I created EmotionMatters Psychology where we believe emotions are part of the normal human experience. When we start to feel our emotions in a safe and supportive environment, we can begin to understand how we truly feel and open ourselves to healing, growth and change. Our skilled, compassionate and inclusive psychologists and therapists get to know you as a person and your unique needs and collaborate with you to help you on your journey to a stronger, healthier, and confident you.
How are you really feeling? Our emotions can feel out of reach, confusing or overwhelming. From my own personal experience learning about my emotions, I created EmotionMatters Psychology where we believe emotions are part of the normal human experience. When we start to feel our emotions in a safe and supportive environment, we can begin to understand how we truly feel and open ourselves to healing, growth and change. Our skilled, compassionate and inclusive psychologists and therapists get to know you as a person and your unique needs and collaborate with you to help you on your journey to a stronger, healthier, and confident you.
![Photo of Margarita Rabinovich, RP, Registered Psychotherapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/df731c47-9902-4a7f-9f02-9ef04f2c5492/1/320x400.jpeg)
I am the owner and operator of Margarita Rabinovich & Associates. I believe that most of us decide to seek help through psychotherapy when we have painful feelings or destructive impulses that cause difficulties in our lives and the lives of others we care for or love. Most individuals are affected by periods of discouragement and hopelessness, feeling disconnected, numb, distressed, unable to function or anxious. You are not alone. Many mental health disorders can be episodic and often is a response to a way of life that does not align with our more profound sense of meaning and authenticity or to unexamined early traumas.
I am the owner and operator of Margarita Rabinovich & Associates. I believe that most of us decide to seek help through psychotherapy when we have painful feelings or destructive impulses that cause difficulties in our lives and the lives of others we care for or love. Most individuals are affected by periods of discouragement and hopelessness, feeling disconnected, numb, distressed, unable to function or anxious. You are not alone. Many mental health disorders can be episodic and often is a response to a way of life that does not align with our more profound sense of meaning and authenticity or to unexamined early traumas.
15 Second Videos
Ekta Hattangady
Kayla Li
Nilusha Dore
NKS Therapy
Bryan Choi
Margarita Rabinovich
Dong Oh at Tracey & Co Inc
Tracey Nguyen at True Health Counselling
Mihaela Poca | Emdr | Ifs | Mindfulness
David Renaud
![Photo of Tracey Nguyen - Dong Oh at Tracey & Co Inc, MN, RN](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a3f501d4-5dec-4304-8ca3-833196c75701/2/320x400.png)
Are you suffering from narcissistic abuse and looking to heal your heart from it? Are you sick of always needing to meet others’ needs at the expense of your soul because of the way they always shame you if you don’t meet their demands? If you already fully acknowledge that you currently are or have suffered from narcissistic abuse in your life, that is already a huge step towards your healed heart. A lot of the time, people who have experienced life-long narcissistic abuse have a very difficult time awakening to the reality of the fact that they are suffering from it. They are so used to the abuse that it becomes a norm to them.
Are you suffering from narcissistic abuse and looking to heal your heart from it? Are you sick of always needing to meet others’ needs at the expense of your soul because of the way they always shame you if you don’t meet their demands? If you already fully acknowledge that you currently are or have suffered from narcissistic abuse in your life, that is already a huge step towards your healed heart. A lot of the time, people who have experienced life-long narcissistic abuse have a very difficult time awakening to the reality of the fact that they are suffering from it. They are so used to the abuse that it becomes a norm to them.
![Photo of John Sendim | Uplift Therapy For Men - Etobicoke, MPS, RP, CAPP, Registered Psychotherapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/55833094-cdcf-415b-9724-98ec77a358c5/2/320x400.jpeg)
John Sendim | Uplift Therapy For Men - Etobicoke
Registered Psychotherapist, MPS, RP, CAPP
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Oakville, ON L6M
Are you tired of suffering in silence? As a man, you may feel uncomfortable thinking or talking about your feelings. From challenges in your relationships and your career to feelings of self-doubt, you may find yourself feeling disconnected from how you want to show up in your life. Life’s stressors can have you acting in ways that you don’t feel good about at the end of the day. By talking it out, you can find calm in the chaos, and develop new ways of coping. As a male therapist who understands how men have been conditioned to suppress their feelings, I invite you to explore those emotions in a safe, non-judgmental environment.
Are you tired of suffering in silence? As a man, you may feel uncomfortable thinking or talking about your feelings. From challenges in your relationships and your career to feelings of self-doubt, you may find yourself feeling disconnected from how you want to show up in your life. Life’s stressors can have you acting in ways that you don’t feel good about at the end of the day. By talking it out, you can find calm in the chaos, and develop new ways of coping. As a male therapist who understands how men have been conditioned to suppress their feelings, I invite you to explore those emotions in a safe, non-judgmental environment.
![Photo of Tracey Nguyen - Tracey Nguyen at True Health Counselling, MN, RN](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9a4e4f96-9052-4325-bcbf-45466d26bfac/2/320x400.jpeg)
Do you walk on eggshells or do you live to please others for fear of making others upset? The reason you can’t seem to heal your chronic stress & depression, health and finances in your relationship, isn't because you haven't already tried talk therapy and various healing modalities; it’s because of a dysregulated nervous system and codependency from long-term narcissistic abuse with an angry person. You need to break free and heal from this within, untangle the confusion in your mind, gain clarity and be your sovereign and most authentic self, where you validate and approve of your core self. Feel safe and confident to be you.
Do you walk on eggshells or do you live to please others for fear of making others upset? The reason you can’t seem to heal your chronic stress & depression, health and finances in your relationship, isn't because you haven't already tried talk therapy and various healing modalities; it’s because of a dysregulated nervous system and codependency from long-term narcissistic abuse with an angry person. You need to break free and heal from this within, untangle the confusion in your mind, gain clarity and be your sovereign and most authentic self, where you validate and approve of your core self. Feel safe and confident to be you.
![Photo of Jordan Day Weir, MEd, Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b5752061-b269-4182-8c90-ce4054e19834/1/320x400.jpeg)
Jordan Day Weir
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), MEd
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Oakville, ON L6H
So, you’re here because you want change. Maybe you are desperate for relief, but how can therapy help? Therapy is a process of reconnection. Connecting to yourself, your heart, and to others. When space is held for all parts of you to express themselves and be heard, things that were stuck can begin to move. It’s simple, but it’s not easy- fear and shame can make it so hard to be okay with ourselves and our lives. But you don’t have to do this alone.
So, you’re here because you want change. Maybe you are desperate for relief, but how can therapy help? Therapy is a process of reconnection. Connecting to yourself, your heart, and to others. When space is held for all parts of you to express themselves and be heard, things that were stuck can begin to move. It’s simple, but it’s not easy- fear and shame can make it so hard to be okay with ourselves and our lives. But you don’t have to do this alone.
![Photo of Mihaela Poca - Mihaela Poca | Emdr | Ifs | Mindfulness , BSc, RP, RMT, EMDR, IFS, Registered Psychotherapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a9d43d6c-81e8-456c-9f79-7bf57568b5e3/3/320x400.jpeg)
Mihaela Poca | Emdr | Ifs | Mindfulness
Registered Psychotherapist, BSc, RP, RMT, EMDR, IFS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oakville, ON L6H
If you are seeking awareness, growth, emotional regulation, clarity, trauma healing, meaningful connections or if you are in a transition - i can help. I combine brain/body-based therapies with talk therapy. This helps process traumatic patterns that keep you from being happy. We can work towards moving beyond coping mechanisms to a more peaceful/harmonious life. In our sessions you will feel heard and seen; this promotes self acceptance which is the first step to changing. We’ll have conversations that will increase awareness this will help you understand yourself and others, feel more compassion, and live with more ease.
If you are seeking awareness, growth, emotional regulation, clarity, trauma healing, meaningful connections or if you are in a transition - i can help. I combine brain/body-based therapies with talk therapy. This helps process traumatic patterns that keep you from being happy. We can work towards moving beyond coping mechanisms to a more peaceful/harmonious life. In our sessions you will feel heard and seen; this promotes self acceptance which is the first step to changing. We’ll have conversations that will increase awareness this will help you understand yourself and others, feel more compassion, and live with more ease.
![Photo of David Renaud, MSW, RSW, Registered Social Worker](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d17721f9-14b0-41cf-a3fd-abd976dfb163/1/320x400.jpeg)
David Renaud
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oakville, ON L6K (Online Only)
Not accepting new clients
I work with people experiencing difficult problems. Such problems go by many names, and may be new or old, but all share the common trait of stubbornly obstructing our happiness. You might feel depressed, anxious, stuck or directionless, unable to steer toward a more hopeful future. You might struggle with the overwhelming complexity of your life, or feel paralyzed by the choices it presents. You might lament the harshness with which you treat yourself or those you love. Whatever they do, however they operate, these problems make life needlessly hard.
I work with people experiencing difficult problems. Such problems go by many names, and may be new or old, but all share the common trait of stubbornly obstructing our happiness. You might feel depressed, anxious, stuck or directionless, unable to steer toward a more hopeful future. You might struggle with the overwhelming complexity of your life, or feel paralyzed by the choices it presents. You might lament the harshness with which you treat yourself or those you love. Whatever they do, however they operate, these problems make life needlessly hard.
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![Photo of Jason Townsley, MSW, RSW, Registered Social Worker](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/155f78df-6729-454e-8e97-7cdb3e89e795/1/320x400.jpeg)
People have come to me when they want to: improve their mental & emotional health, address stressful relationship patterns, receive support during difficult life situations, and want help from a professional in learning about and helping to unpack clouded thoughts and feelings. People who benefit from my work are those who want to better understand the root of their challenges, and who feel making changes are important, but they're needing support in realizing those changes.
People have come to me when they want to: improve their mental & emotional health, address stressful relationship patterns, receive support during difficult life situations, and want help from a professional in learning about and helping to unpack clouded thoughts and feelings. People who benefit from my work are those who want to better understand the root of their challenges, and who feel making changes are important, but they're needing support in realizing those changes.
![Photo of Helen Chan, Registered Psychotherapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9f82ceac-9351-40be-b5c7-34db914d4bf8/2/320x400.jpeg)
Do you feel overwhelmed with all the changes in your life? Do you worry about whether you will get through it? Are you feeling stuck in life and/or in your marriage and relationship? Whether you are entering a new stage in life, becoming a new parent, navigating new relationships, having frequent arguments with your loved ones or suffering from trauma or a loss, these experiences can create intense feelings of fear, anxiety, loneliness, and uncertainty. These emotions can impact how we function in our every day lives, how we learn, and how we connect with our family and friends. Please know that you are not alone. I’m here to help!
Do you feel overwhelmed with all the changes in your life? Do you worry about whether you will get through it? Are you feeling stuck in life and/or in your marriage and relationship? Whether you are entering a new stage in life, becoming a new parent, navigating new relationships, having frequent arguments with your loved ones or suffering from trauma or a loss, these experiences can create intense feelings of fear, anxiety, loneliness, and uncertainty. These emotions can impact how we function in our every day lives, how we learn, and how we connect with our family and friends. Please know that you are not alone. I’m here to help!
![Photo of Jeffrey Ly Quitting Porn Specialization, AMFT, LPHA, MA](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c516b1be-d5eb-41b9-b958-76a73beda3dc/1/320x400.jpeg)
Jeffrey Ly Quitting Porn Specialization
AMFT, LPHA, MA
Verified Verified
Mississauga, ON L5C (Online Only)
Pornography addiction can significantly impact your life and relationships but there is hope for recovery. I’m not just a mental health professional, I’ve been “you” for many years. I understand firsthand the personal struggles in your life and committed relationships that come with uncontrollable pornography use. The endless stream of attractive women a few clicks away on Pornhub, Onlyfan or Social Media is hard to quit even with all your willpower and promise to quit for the sake of your relationship.
Pornography addiction can significantly impact your life and relationships but there is hope for recovery. I’m not just a mental health professional, I’ve been “you” for many years. I understand firsthand the personal struggles in your life and committed relationships that come with uncontrollable pornography use. The endless stream of attractive women a few clicks away on Pornhub, Onlyfan or Social Media is hard to quit even with all your willpower and promise to quit for the sake of your relationship.
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Nearby Buddhist Counsellors Searches for Oakville
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Is buddhism beneficial for mental health?
While Buddhism itself is not a treatment for mental health conditions, its practices can greatly enhance mental well-being by introducing coping skills and ideas that promote overall wellness. Key Buddhist practices, such as mindfulness, have been shown to alleviate symptoms of various mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, addiction, and trauma. Moreover, Buddhism's focus on self-compassion, non-judgment, and acceptance can benefit individuals with particularly negative or self-critical thought patterns.
What are the concepts and principles of buddhism as a therapeutic approach?
Core Buddhist principles are often used in therapy to help clients gain insight into their thoughts and emotions. Concepts such as suffering (dukkha) and impermanence (anicca) are applied to help clients recognise that common forms of suffering, like repetitive negative thought patterns, can be accepted and viewed as impermanent. The Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path are additional core concepts utilised frequently in Buddhist therapy sessions. The Four Noble Truths highlight the existence of suffering as an inherent part of the human experience—an insight frequently used to move clients toward greater acceptance. The Eightfold Path, which includes right understanding, right thought, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right concentration, and right mindfulness, offers practical skills to alleviate suffering.
What is the buddhist approach and practice during a therapy session?
Therapists informed by Buddhist principles often integrate mindfulness and meditation practices into therapy sessions to help clients cultivate greater acceptance, compassion, and non-judgment toward themselves and others. Typically, Buddhist therapists guide clients through mindfulness exercises, such as breathing exercises or body scans, and encourage them to practice similar exercises outside of sessions. Additionally, many Buddhist therapists utilise elements of Positive Psychology or Compassion-Focused Therapy, which can help reduce symptoms of self-criticism and shame common among clients with various mental health conditions. In general, Buddhist therapists strive to embody the compassion and non-judgmental approach they promote, often incorporating exercises aimed at developing compassion in session, such as loving-kindness meditation (Metta).
Is mindfulness the same as buddhism in the context of therapy?
While Buddhist therapists frequently integrate mindfulness practices into therapy sessions, the terms mindfulness and Buddhism are not synonymous in the context of therapy. Therapists may use mindfulness techniques, such as Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) or Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), without identifying as a Buddhist therapist. In contrast, those practicing within a Buddhist belief framework typically encourage mindfulness therapies, in addition to foundational Buddhist beliefs, such as the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path. These therapists may also guide clients toward a deeper understanding of Buddhist philosophy, unlike those who use Buddhist mindfulness principles without the broader spiritual context.