Abstract
This article explores the relationship between the Person-Centred Approach (PCA) and Buddhist practice, considering therapeutic presence as a bridge between the two. A small-scale research project, using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA), was undertaken with four therapists with a Buddhist practice and trained in the PCA. Interviews explored therapists’ experiences of their Buddhist practice in relation to the PCA and therapeutic presence. The four key themes identified – ‘Internal Authority’, ‘Whole-hearted Engagement’, ‘Therapeutic Space’ and ‘Compassion and Acceptance’ – describe a holistic and integral relationship between the PCA and Buddhist practice. While therapeutic presence is an important factor in the relationship, the quality of presence in the therapeutic space, which emphasizes compassion and acceptance, is a significant feature of this relationship.
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author.
Notes on contributor
Becky Seale, MA (Counselling practice), MBACP Senior Accredited Practitioner in Children and Young People (CYP), is a counselling lecturer on the BACP-accredited programme in counselling at Coleg Sir Gâr and a school-based person-centred counsellor in South West Wales. She qualified in Shiatsu with the Bath School of Shiatsu and Yoga in 2009 and has a small private practice. She began a Buddhist practice over 16 years ago through Vipassana meditation, and more recently through Soto Zen.