Encountering Buddhism

Practicing psychologists explore the mutual impact of Buddhist teachings and psychology in their lives and practice.

Practicing psychologists explore the mutual impact of Buddhist teachings and psychology in their lives and practice.

Creatively exploring the points of confluence and conflict between Western psychology and Buddhist teachings, various scholars, researchers, and therapists struggle to integrate their diverse psychological orientations-psychoanalytic, humanistic, cognitive-behavioral, transpersonal-with their diverse Theravada and Mahayana Buddhist practices. By investigating the degree to which Buddhist insights are compatible with Western science and culture, they then consider what each philosophical/psychological system has to offer the other. The contributors reveal how Buddhism has changed the way they practice psychotherapy, choose their research topics, and conduct their personal lives. In doing so, they illuminate the relevance of ancient Buddhist texts to contemporary cultural and psychological dilemmas.

Contributors include Belinda Siew Luan Khong, Jean L. Kristeller, Andrew Olendzki, Kaisa Puhakka, Robert Rosenbaum, Jeffrey B. Rubin, Seth Robert Segall, and Eugene Taylor.

Seth Robert Segall is Assistant Clinical Professor at Yale University School of Medicine, Director of Psychology and Psychology Training at Waterbury Hospital, and Vice President of Lotus: The Educational Center for Integrative Healing and Wellness.

Seth Robert Segall is Assistant Clinical Professor at Yale University School of Medicine, Director of Psychology and Psychology Training at Waterbury Hospital, and Vice President of Lotus: The Educational Center for Integrative Healing and Wellness.

"Seth Robert Segall offers the reader selections that challenge the mind and expand its horizons … [This] book is an excellent one for any therapist interested in understanding Buddhist psychology. While some of the chapters are challenging to read, they are worth the intellectual effort. Whether one finishes the book with a clearer understanding of Buddhism or just a clearer understanding, this book is a keeper." — Massachusetts Psychologist

"This book is fascinating, intelligent, and creative. It addresses the strengths and weaknesses of both Western psychology and Buddhism in a balanced way. Not only is it very interesting to read, but it has also literally initiated a transformation in my own person."— Etzel Cardeña, coeditor of Varieties of Anomalous Experience: Examining the Scientific Evidence