Buddhist Psychology & Gestalt Therapy Integrated: Psychotherapy for the 21st Century

by Eva K. Gold, Steve Zahm

This groundbreaking book points the way to an expansive and comprehensive psychotherapy approach in its integration of Buddhist psychology and Gestalt therapy. The authors establish the essential convergences of Buddhist psychology and mindfulness with Gestalt therapy theory and method, and creatively explore the clinical implications of these and their relevance in psychotherapeutic work. These convergences, as well as the recognition of the two systems’ differences in focus and ultimate aims, then serve as the foundation for a Buddhist psychology informed Gestalt therapy (BPGT). This innovative integration offers a new perspective while also maintaining the holistic integrity of each system. Here, the book lays out how Buddhist psychology’s universal view and Gestalt therapy’s focus on the individual and relational can work synergistically in addressing the fundamental ground of human suffering. Clinical vignettes throughout the book bring the concepts and methods to life, offering clear examples of how these can be implemented. This book’s heart, wisdom, and deeply relational holistic perspective on the therapeutic endeavor can offer psychotherapists of any stripe an enriched clinical understanding, and the “how to” for putting this understanding into practice.

Genres: Counselling, Buddhism, Psychology

309 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 15, 2018

About the author

Eva Gold, PsyD is a clinical psychologist and Founding Co-Director as well as Senior Faculty at Gestalt Therapy Training Center-Northwest in Portland, OR. She was an adjunct Assistant Professor at Pacific University School of Professional Psychology where she taught Gestalt therapy for 15 years. Dr. Gold presents and trains nationally and internationally, and brings her 40+ years of clinical and teaching experience as well as almost two decades of Buddhist studies and Insight (Vipassana) meditation practice to her writing.

Reviews

[Thomasgrace · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is both academic and simple to understand. I am not a psychologist and I was able to parse out the concepts and theories within. The authors offer not only a dynamic approach to their field, but ideas that can benefit us all in day to day living.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best integration of psychology and Buddhism for practitioners

Extremely clear and readable with plenty of clinical vignettes and practical applications. I love the tranformational and experiential aspects of both practices and this is an extremely clear, concise explanation of how gestalt therapy and Buddhist psychology can support each other to produce more effective psychotherapy and personal transformation.

[Joshua · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hands down the most exciting text that I have read since beginning my Masters counseling program. I highly recommend this book. I am a Buddhist, but for some reason it had not occurred to me that there would be a path in western counseling that could so seamlessly integrate Buddhist principles. I am happy that my naivete has been dispelled. My only regret is that the author's training center is so far away. I want to learn more.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Extremely clear and clinically oriented.

[Ela Ünler · Rating 3 out of 5]

Çok derin gibi gözüküp çok genel bilgiler veren bir kitap eğer bu 2 başlıkta zaten bilgi sahibiyseniz o zaman size çok da fazla bir şey katmayacaktır