Thoughts Without a Thinker: Psychotherapy from a Buddhist Perspective - Couverture souple

Epstein M D, Dr Mark

 
9780715627112: Thoughts Without a Thinker: Psychotherapy from a Buddhist Perspective

Synopsis

An insightful investigation of how Eastern spirituality can enhance Western psychology, with a foreword by the Dalai Lama.

As patients and therapists find themselves reaching for new solutions to their problems, the traditional disctinctions between matters of the mind and matters of the spirit are increasingly being questioned. Mark Epstein, a traditionally trained psychotherapist, has immersed himself in the Buddhist tradition. Drawing on his own experiences as patient, meditator and therapist, the author argues that the contemplative traditions of the East help patients go beyond merely recognizing their problems to healing them, and that such an approach is not at odds with the psychodynamic method.

The book begins by focusing on the Buddhist perspective. Dispelling misconceptions common even among those already practising meditative techniques, this section presents the Buddha's psychological teachings in the language of Western psychodynamics. It then goes on to explain the meditative practices of bare attention, concentration, mindfulness, and analytical inquiry, and shows how they speak to issues at the forefront of psychological concern. Finally, the Epstein uses Freud's treatise of psychotherapy - "Remembering, repeating and working-through" - as a template to show how the Buddha's teaching can complement, inform and energize the practice of psychotherapy.

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Présentation de l'éditeur

Traditional distinctions between matters of the mind and matters of the spirit are increasingly being questioned, and people are searching for alternate perspectives on these issues. Thoughts Without a Thinker is a major contribution to today's exploding discussion of how Eastern spirituality can enhance Western psychology. In it, Mark Epstein argues that the contemplative traditions of the East can be extremely beneficial to patients, not just in helping them recognize their problems, but by giving them the strength to heal. Clearly written and very accessible, this enlightening guide explains the unique psychological contributions of the teachings of Buddhism, describes the path of meditation in contemporary psychological language, and lays out the possibility of a meditation-inspired psychotherapy.

Biographie de l'auteur

Mark Epstein, M.D., a graduate of Harvard College and the Harvard Medical School, has a private practice in New York City.

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Autres éditions populaires du même titre

9780465085859: Thoughts Without A Thinker: Psychotherapy From A Buddhist Perspective

Edition présentée

ISBN 10 :  0465085857 ISBN 13 :  9780465085859
Editeur : Basic Books, 1996
Couverture souple