Buddhism and Psychotherapy: A Healing Partnership

Instructor(s): Dr. Pilar Jennings

Program Description:

In this program, we will explore the Buddhist teachings of anatta, or no-self, in conversation with a Western psychological understanding of self and its development. We will read classic Buddhist texts and their commentaries alongside developmental and psychoanalytic texts exploring how selfhood is formed within the parent/infant dyad and in family systems. With an emphasis on the need for a well-developed sense of personhood, or subjectivity, we will explore the model of spiritual mentor/student, in contrast with the therapist/patient model in psychotherapy. Themes will include the Buddhist and psychotherapeutic understanding of mind, as the foundation of selfhood, and how it is shaped in the context of relationship.

This program is open to meditators of all experience levels and will be especially relevant to clinicians interested in the clinical applications of Buddhist contemplative practice.

Listen to Pilar's invitation on YouTube.

Noble Silence:

Noble silence will be observed following each evening session through breakfast the following morning.

Experience Level:

Suitable for beginning and experienced practitioners.

Continuing Education:

Applications for 10 continuing education units for psychologists and social workers have been submitted for this program. Accrediting agencies are the National Association for Social Workers (NASW) and the Institute for Meditation and Psychotherapy (IMP). You can find more information about social work licensure board endorsements here. Please confirm with your licensing board whether the CEUs offered are applicable for your licensure before registration. For more information about CEUs through BCBS, please click here.

About the Instructor(s):
• 

  Dr. Pilar Jennings

  Dr. Pilar Jennings is a psychoanalyst based in New York City with a focus on the clinical applications of Buddhist meditation practice. She has been a Buddhist practitioner for 40 years; a teacher of Tibetan Buddhism in the Sakya lineage; a Visiting Lecturer at Union Theological Seminary; Columbia University; and a faculty member of the Nalanda Institute for Contemplative Science. Her publications have included "East of Ego: The Intersection of Narcissism and Buddhist Meditation Practice," "I've Been Waiting for you: Reflections on Analytic Pain," “Imagery and Trauma: The Psyche’s Push for Healing,” and Mixing Minds: The Power of Relationship in Psychoanalysis and Buddhism released through Wisdom Publications. Her most recent book: To Heal a Wounded Heart: On the Transformative Power of Buddhism & Psychotherapy in Action, is a psychoanalytic memoir exploring her entry into clinical work as a practicing Buddhist.