Therapists in Bergen County, NJ
![Photo of Mark Morris, LMSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4beb25d7-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Mark Morris
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Ridgewood, NJ 07450 (Online Only)
I am also a long-time Zen Buddhist, teacher and priest.
I am a psychotherapist working with individuals and couples to help them resolve issues interfering with emotional and mental health. My aim is to help empower clients to live a fully conscious and meaningful life in harmony with the world around them. Using the techniques and training listed below I’ve helped clients manage and overcome relationship issues, anxiety, depression, trauma, substance abuse, and other issues. I also have experience as an EMT, Buddhist chaplain, and prison counselor, so I bring diverse perspectives on health and the human condition to our work together.
I am also a long-time Zen Buddhist, teacher and priest.
I am a psychotherapist working with individuals and couples to help them resolve issues interfering with emotional and mental health. My aim is to help empower clients to live a fully conscious and meaningful life in harmony with the world around them. Using the techniques and training listed below I’ve helped clients manage and overcome relationship issues, anxiety, depression, trauma, substance abuse, and other issues. I also have experience as an EMT, Buddhist chaplain, and prison counselor, so I bring diverse perspectives on health and the human condition to our work together.
![Photo of Stacey Stetson - Stacey Stetson Therapy, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/22c99ae8-23d8-447e-b312-b4f5415150b1/1/320x400.jpeg)
Stacey Stetson Therapy
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Tenafly, NJ 07670 (Online Only)
www.staceystetsontherapy.com I have been trained in applied behavioral analysis, internal family systems, cognitive behavioral therapy which provides a safe and secure environment to create insight, awareness and growth. By gaining awareness into automatic thoughts and feelings we can gain insights into our behaviors and create space for our choices. My practice is a confidential and judgement free setting where you can have a selfish hour to focus on yourself and care for yourself. Mental health is the best form of self care you can practice.
www.staceystetsontherapy.com I have been trained in applied behavioral analysis, internal family systems, cognitive behavioral therapy which provides a safe and secure environment to create insight, awareness and growth. By gaining awareness into automatic thoughts and feelings we can gain insights into our behaviors and create space for our choices. My practice is a confidential and judgement free setting where you can have a selfish hour to focus on yourself and care for yourself. Mental health is the best form of self care you can practice.
![Photo of Mike Bellamy - Mike Bellamy Counseling, LCSW, LCADC, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/81c33e24-5d3e-4d7a-8d24-18ab27ae03d9/1/320x400.jpeg)
Mike Bellamy Counseling
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LCADC
Verified Verified
Hackensack, NJ 07601 (Online Only)
As an experienced and skilled therapist, having spent 13 years working in the largest psychiatric hospital in NJ and 7 years in private practice, I help, adolescents, adults, and older adults address their relational and emotional challenges. My aim is to empower you to find your solutions and change self-defeating patterns. My specialties include: anxiety, depression, trauma, LGBTQ+ issues, and older adults. Additionally, I supervise and train therapists toward their certification. We will work together focusing on your goals to give you the life you desire for yourself.
As an experienced and skilled therapist, having spent 13 years working in the largest psychiatric hospital in NJ and 7 years in private practice, I help, adolescents, adults, and older adults address their relational and emotional challenges. My aim is to empower you to find your solutions and change self-defeating patterns. My specialties include: anxiety, depression, trauma, LGBTQ+ issues, and older adults. Additionally, I supervise and train therapists toward their certification. We will work together focusing on your goals to give you the life you desire for yourself.
![Photo of Melanie McClellan (Clover Counseling), LCSW, MPH, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e5b5fc50-8025-40ab-baee-8296b9b13ad0/2/320x400.jpeg)
Melanie McClellan (Clover Counseling)
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MPH
Verified Verified
Alpine, NJ 07620 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
Clover Counseling is a virtual practice built to support clients struggling with OCD, anxiety, depression, and general life changes that emphasizes evidence based interventions. No matter what you are going through, every client deserves an opportunity to experience a quiet mind and a supportive environment.
Clover Counseling is a virtual practice built to support clients struggling with OCD, anxiety, depression, and general life changes that emphasizes evidence based interventions. No matter what you are going through, every client deserves an opportunity to experience a quiet mind and a supportive environment.
![Photo of Tom Washington, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/56d82f69-13d4-4adc-8b46-62c285390c5f/3/320x400.jpeg)
Tom Washington
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Paramus, NJ 07652 (Online Only)
I tend to work well with people facing change, overwhelm, and looking for inner peace. They're navigating the complexities of life's uncertainties, seeking clarity and resilience. They need a safe space to process experiences, the tools to cultivate mindfulness, and support in finding meaning and purpose. Ultimately, they want to find a balance in their lives and rediscover a sense of calm within themselves.
I tend to work well with people facing change, overwhelm, and looking for inner peace. They're navigating the complexities of life's uncertainties, seeking clarity and resilience. They need a safe space to process experiences, the tools to cultivate mindfulness, and support in finding meaning and purpose. Ultimately, they want to find a balance in their lives and rediscover a sense of calm within themselves.
![Photo of Tamara Leah Sauer-Diner - BetterWay Counseling Tamara Leah Sauer-Diner LMFT, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/fcb3f681-be79-496d-9747-60a9b71b6de3/2/320x400.jpeg)
BetterWay Counseling Tamara Leah Sauer-Diner LMFT
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Teaneck, NJ 07666 (Online Only)
Tamara Leah Sauer-Diner is an experienced therapist licensed in both NJ and California. Tamara tailors her approach to best suit the client and their needs and draws from a variety of evidence-based modalities such as CBT, DBT, Exposure Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy. Tamara has experience with crisis management, trauma, anxiety, eating disorders, depression, body image and relationship issues. Tamara obtained her master’s degree in Marriage And Family Therapy from Touro University Worldwide with Summa Cum Laude. Tamara accepts insurance.
Tamara Leah Sauer-Diner is an experienced therapist licensed in both NJ and California. Tamara tailors her approach to best suit the client and their needs and draws from a variety of evidence-based modalities such as CBT, DBT, Exposure Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy. Tamara has experience with crisis management, trauma, anxiety, eating disorders, depression, body image and relationship issues. Tamara obtained her master’s degree in Marriage And Family Therapy from Touro University Worldwide with Summa Cum Laude. Tamara accepts insurance.
![Photo of Mark A Sykes, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/207afb35-15c5-435a-97fe-dfe7fee09c95/2/320x400.jpeg)
Welcome to my profile. There are times in life when we struggle. Perhaps we feel the demands upon us are too much or we are not able to live the life we truly value and want. If you are searching for help then perhaps you or someone you care about is struggling. My aim is to help others understand their struggle and live their lives to their deepest values. I offer therapy for stress, panic attacks, worry, fear and OCD. I also help others find their most effective communication strategies. Finally, I help people optimize their physical and mental well-being so they can live their very best life.
Welcome to my profile. There are times in life when we struggle. Perhaps we feel the demands upon us are too much or we are not able to live the life we truly value and want. If you are searching for help then perhaps you or someone you care about is struggling. My aim is to help others understand their struggle and live their lives to their deepest values. I offer therapy for stress, panic attacks, worry, fear and OCD. I also help others find their most effective communication strategies. Finally, I help people optimize their physical and mental well-being so they can live their very best life.
![Photo of Crystal Beckwith - Firefly Counseling and Wellness LLC, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/32d27303-059e-4b6f-97fc-7412ac1244eb/2/320x400.png)
Firefly Counseling and Wellness LLC
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Hackensack, NJ 07601 (Online Only)
The caring and effective counselors at our practice specialize in Anxiety, Depression, Trauma, EMDR therapy, ADHD, Autism, Infidelity, Marriage Counseling, Couples, and Grief. We work with Adults, Children, Teens, and Couples. Let us work together to develop a plan tailored to your unique needs that allows you and your family to find relief, peace, and balance.
The caring and effective counselors at our practice specialize in Anxiety, Depression, Trauma, EMDR therapy, ADHD, Autism, Infidelity, Marriage Counseling, Couples, and Grief. We work with Adults, Children, Teens, and Couples. Let us work together to develop a plan tailored to your unique needs that allows you and your family to find relief, peace, and balance.
![Photo of Mika Fukuyoshi, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0af621be-035a-4eb0-accc-9dc32cd98fb0/1/320x400.jpeg)
Mika Fukuyoshi
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Fort Lee, NJ 07024 (Online Only)
Finding the right therapist is a hard process and it requires intuition, courage, patience, and readiness to be vulnerable. I work with adults from diverse backgrounds and my focus is to provide you with a safe and nonjudgmental space with deep compassion and respect for your unique identity and your life story. You may be overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, guilt, sadness, and or anger. You may be tired of feeling not good enough, struggling to trust others, or you are stuck with traumatic memories from the past. No matter how hopeless you may feel, healing is possible and support is available for you to take.
Finding the right therapist is a hard process and it requires intuition, courage, patience, and readiness to be vulnerable. I work with adults from diverse backgrounds and my focus is to provide you with a safe and nonjudgmental space with deep compassion and respect for your unique identity and your life story. You may be overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, guilt, sadness, and or anger. You may be tired of feeling not good enough, struggling to trust others, or you are stuck with traumatic memories from the past. No matter how hopeless you may feel, healing is possible and support is available for you to take.
![Photo of Michael Nichols - DBT Groups & Autism Group, LICSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/eaf9c266-b6f5-4ed7-a810-6dd1b38a95c4/1/320x400.jpeg)
DBT Groups & Autism Group
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Hackensack, NJ 07601 (Online Only)
My ideal client is someone who is struggling to cope with overwhelming emotions. They may have experienced trauma or abuse in the past, and they may be struggling with unstable and intense relationships. They may have tried individual therapy or even been psychiatrically hospitalized, but they still struggle with anger, mood swings, impulsive and erratic behavior, addictions, suicidal ideation, and self-harm urges and actions. My ideal client is someone who is ready to do more than just change their thinking; they want to change their life.
My ideal client is someone who is struggling to cope with overwhelming emotions. They may have experienced trauma or abuse in the past, and they may be struggling with unstable and intense relationships. They may have tried individual therapy or even been psychiatrically hospitalized, but they still struggle with anger, mood swings, impulsive and erratic behavior, addictions, suicidal ideation, and self-harm urges and actions. My ideal client is someone who is ready to do more than just change their thinking; they want to change their life.
![Photo of Shanni Liang, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a23bff35-c5ff-43af-9ac3-2f7f806e75c5/2/320x400.jpeg)
You are stuck in a dark maze carrying the crushing pressure of the world to succeed on your chest. While everybody is at the finish line of the race, you are handcuffed to the beginning of the line. The isolation and loneliness feel like a void in the pit of your stomach that is never filled. The emotions are like waves in the ocean, when it comes, it drowns you, and when it's quiet, it's boxed up in a container ready to explode. My post-grad includes the New York School for Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy with extensive training in AEDP (focus on here-and-now relational and body - somatic) and EMDR for dating and breakups.
You are stuck in a dark maze carrying the crushing pressure of the world to succeed on your chest. While everybody is at the finish line of the race, you are handcuffed to the beginning of the line. The isolation and loneliness feel like a void in the pit of your stomach that is never filled. The emotions are like waves in the ocean, when it comes, it drowns you, and when it's quiet, it's boxed up in a container ready to explode. My post-grad includes the New York School for Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy with extensive training in AEDP (focus on here-and-now relational and body - somatic) and EMDR for dating and breakups.
15 Second Videos
BetterWay Counseling Tamara Leah Sauer-Diner LMFT
Firefly Counseling and Wellness LLC
Mika Fukuyoshi
DBT Groups & Autism Group
Shanni Liang
![Photo of John Orr, LMHC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b41dec20-b6b9-489e-8ccd-61e7ce313496/1/320x400.jpeg)
I help people reconnect with their inherent worth and well-being, something that challenging life experiences (especially trauma) have an unfortunate way of obscuring. Doing so allows you to flow more freely in the world, get more from life, and embrace adventure. In other words: it's about finding the pathway to live the deepest and richest life possible. To do this, I blend evidence-based psychotherapy approaches like CBT, IFS & EMDR with contemplative practices from the wisdom traditions, including mindfulness, nonduality, and stoicism.
I help people reconnect with their inherent worth and well-being, something that challenging life experiences (especially trauma) have an unfortunate way of obscuring. Doing so allows you to flow more freely in the world, get more from life, and embrace adventure. In other words: it's about finding the pathway to live the deepest and richest life possible. To do this, I blend evidence-based psychotherapy approaches like CBT, IFS & EMDR with contemplative practices from the wisdom traditions, including mindfulness, nonduality, and stoicism.
Online Therapists
![Photo of Dr. Jodi Manning, DSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8c8e358a-9259-402e-8001-cf4b0095bddb/1/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Jodi Manning
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, DSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Princeton, NJ 08540 (Online Only)
For those who find comfort in spirituality, I welcome the option to incorporate Buddhist Psychology, religion, and spirituality into our sessions.
Are you struggling with depression, anxiety, sleeping, going to work, socializing, or adjusting to various changes? In the wake of the unprecedented challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, you might still be grappling with its profound effects on your mental health and overall well-being. As a Doctor of Social Work (DSW) and Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), I am dedicated to supporting individuals like you in overcoming these challenges and achieving personal growth.
For those who find comfort in spirituality, I welcome the option to incorporate Buddhist Psychology, religion, and spirituality into our sessions.
Are you struggling with depression, anxiety, sleeping, going to work, socializing, or adjusting to various changes? In the wake of the unprecedented challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, you might still be grappling with its profound effects on your mental health and overall well-being. As a Doctor of Social Work (DSW) and Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), I am dedicated to supporting individuals like you in overcoming these challenges and achieving personal growth.
![Photo of Nikki Nguyen, LPC, LCADC, ACS, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/afc9836d-4649-46ef-a764-364d5a6e34df/1/320x400.jpeg)
Nikki Nguyen
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, LCADC, ACS
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Wharton, NJ 07885 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
My ultimate aim is to teach clients to become their own therapist. I facilitate self-reflection to gain insight into maladaptive thoughts and behaviors. I foster self-compassion, coping skills, and mental fortitude in facing stressors, problems, and crises. I believe in empowering clients to make positive changes beyond the near future and build resilience in facing challenges for a lifetime.
My ultimate aim is to teach clients to become their own therapist. I facilitate self-reflection to gain insight into maladaptive thoughts and behaviors. I foster self-compassion, coping skills, and mental fortitude in facing stressors, problems, and crises. I believe in empowering clients to make positive changes beyond the near future and build resilience in facing challenges for a lifetime.
![Photo of Karishma Chawla, MS, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/695b64d0-7d20-4e04-8e28-137b1b1318e4/2/320x400.jpeg)
Karishma Chawla
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Skillman, NJ 08558
At Authentic Healing, I will help empower you to improve your overall well-being & life satisfaction by learning to living in alignment and to develop deep self-trust. With 20+ years as a psychotherapist & professor, I know I can help you gain access to important internal information to develop deep awareness, and to identify unhelpful & irrational beliefs that drive problematic and self-defeating behaviors. I'm excited to help you develop an authentic relationship with yourself....which will in turn lead to more fulfilling relationships with others, and a life that feels meaningful.
At Authentic Healing, I will help empower you to improve your overall well-being & life satisfaction by learning to living in alignment and to develop deep self-trust. With 20+ years as a psychotherapist & professor, I know I can help you gain access to important internal information to develop deep awareness, and to identify unhelpful & irrational beliefs that drive problematic and self-defeating behaviors. I'm excited to help you develop an authentic relationship with yourself....which will in turn lead to more fulfilling relationships with others, and a life that feels meaningful.
![Photo of Luciann Cooke - Counseling & Consulting Services of North Jersey , LPC, LCSW, LCADC, CCS, CCTP, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4859e2bc-260b-4a5f-8675-75ebf14b1c80/1/320x400.jpeg)
Counseling & Consulting Services of North Jersey
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LPC, LCSW, LCADC, CCS, CCTP
Verified Verified
Montville, NJ 07045
We offer the highest quality of care providing therapy services for adults, couples, families, and children. CCSNJ s a beautiful and established facility that individualizes ALL our patients.You will have direct access to your therapist and can contact them at any time. Offering both in person and tele-health, you will receive the highest quality of therapy from a fully licensed clinician (no intern or trainee's).Our therapists specialize in Addictions, Trauma, PTSD & EMDR Therapy, Anxiety, Depression, OCD, ADHD, Grief, & Family/Couples counseling. We have an in-house prescriber if you are in need of medications as well.
We offer the highest quality of care providing therapy services for adults, couples, families, and children. CCSNJ s a beautiful and established facility that individualizes ALL our patients.You will have direct access to your therapist and can contact them at any time. Offering both in person and tele-health, you will receive the highest quality of therapy from a fully licensed clinician (no intern or trainee's).Our therapists specialize in Addictions, Trauma, PTSD & EMDR Therapy, Anxiety, Depression, OCD, ADHD, Grief, & Family/Couples counseling. We have an in-house prescriber if you are in need of medications as well.
![Photo of Matthew Zupko, MA, LPC, NCC, CCATP, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/10f62308-af0a-4d5c-96db-6bfb217ffe1e/1/320x400.jpeg)
Matthew Zupko
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, NCC, CCATP
Verified Verified
Cranford, NJ 07016 (Online Only)
Hey! Looking for a different, relaxed type of therapy? Maybe something unconventional? Tired of feeling depressed or anxious all the time? Maybe both? So many questions! Each of us may experience their own unique and evolving combination of symptoms - both positive and negative - and might feel overwhelmed. For some, this is a new feeling while others have felt this way for years. That's ok. It's never too late to try to get some help and talk to someone about what's going on. A team effort working together towards meeting your goals.
Hey! Looking for a different, relaxed type of therapy? Maybe something unconventional? Tired of feeling depressed or anxious all the time? Maybe both? So many questions! Each of us may experience their own unique and evolving combination of symptoms - both positive and negative - and might feel overwhelmed. For some, this is a new feeling while others have felt this way for years. That's ok. It's never too late to try to get some help and talk to someone about what's going on. A team effort working together towards meeting your goals.
![Photo of Cheryl Schnabolk, LCSW , LMSW, MSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/49943ec1-adc8-4a75-b4cb-f6772478b98f/2/320x400.jpeg)
Cheryl Schnabolk
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW , LMSW, MSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Chester, NJ 07930
Are you managing anxiety, depression, life transitions, relationship issues, childhood wounds, or trauma? My clients are provided unyielding support, resources, evidence based practical strategies, and meaningful active listening that encompasses reflection and interventions (when appropriate). I believe in creating a unique and tailor made therapeutic approach for each client. By utilizing an eclectic mix of practical evidence based methods we address the obstacles you are currently navigating and find tangible solutions, explore healthy coping mechanisms, and process feelings in a safe and therapeutic environment.
Are you managing anxiety, depression, life transitions, relationship issues, childhood wounds, or trauma? My clients are provided unyielding support, resources, evidence based practical strategies, and meaningful active listening that encompasses reflection and interventions (when appropriate). I believe in creating a unique and tailor made therapeutic approach for each client. By utilizing an eclectic mix of practical evidence based methods we address the obstacles you are currently navigating and find tangible solutions, explore healthy coping mechanisms, and process feelings in a safe and therapeutic environment.
![Photo of Jacky Fernandez, MA, LPC, LCADC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/50343545-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Jacky Fernandez
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, LCADC
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Hackettstown, NJ 07840
I am interested in identifying and drawing on your inherent strengths-believing we all have our own answers but sometimes need help uncovering them. I love working with people who want to change, who want to look at meaning and develop an ability to connect with greater purpose--to others, to work, to the world itself. I can help with anxiety, depression, addictive behaviors (i.e., substances, food, work), life transitions, work issues, mid-life and other challenging experiences, including grief and relationship issues.
I am interested in identifying and drawing on your inherent strengths-believing we all have our own answers but sometimes need help uncovering them. I love working with people who want to change, who want to look at meaning and develop an ability to connect with greater purpose--to others, to work, to the world itself. I can help with anxiety, depression, addictive behaviors (i.e., substances, food, work), life transitions, work issues, mid-life and other challenging experiences, including grief and relationship issues.
![Photo of Amber Pham - Achieving Nirvana, LLC, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/11659c2e-ae47-4b0c-88bb-7e038eb968d2/1/320x400.jpeg)
Achieving Nirvana, LLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Pennsauken, NJ 08110 (Online Only)
Having a hard time coping with current life circumstances? Whatever you do and however it’s done, things don’t seem to work? But you’re prepared, open and motivated to try something new, and to explore different ways to deal with issues.
Having a hard time coping with current life circumstances? Whatever you do and however it’s done, things don’t seem to work? But you’re prepared, open and motivated to try something new, and to explore different ways to deal with issues.
See more therapy options for Bergen County
Buddhist Therapists
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 recognize 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 utilized 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 utilize 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.