Presence, Clarity and the Space of Receptivity in Counselling: Shambhala Buddhist Counsellors' Narratives of Experience

Published by VDM Verlag Dr. Muller Aktiengesellschaft & Co.

Dialogues between Buddhism and Psychotherapy link philosophical concepts from each tradition as both systems offer insights into the psychology of the mind and promote emotional well-being through self-awareness. In Buddhism this is fostered through meditation practice. Recent advances in neuroscience research have led to greater understanding of the beneficial impact of meditation on mental functioning. How this is embodied in counselling remains a challenge for many counsellors.

This book offers practical insights from the actual experiences of counsellors who are Shambhala Buddhist practitioners. Using the logic of Buddhist thought, Dr. Jennifer Rodrigues presents the findings of her research on how the practice of Shambhala Buddhism is distilled in interaction. Enhanced counsellor awareness, profound empathic connection, attentiveness to self and other, and openness without agenda give rise to the conceptual clarity that informs skillful action. It results in an openhearted presence, clarity and receptivity. This study enlarges the conversation on empathy and counsellor competency. It offers substantive practical implications for counselling practice and for the education of counsellors.

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