A Qualitative Study of Buddhist Counseling on Traumatized Clients: Counseling Practices of Seven Experienced Buddhist Counselors

Abstract

In the past decade, a number of contemporary psychotherapy approaches for trauma have extracted Buddhist ideas and practices into their treatment models. However, there has been growing criticisms that are primarily rooted in the concern that these practices have been taken out of their original Buddhist context, necessitating the implementation of holistic Buddhist knowledge among mental health professionals. In response, this qualitative study aims to explore the treatment of traumas by utilizing a Buddhist counseling approach that incorporates the wisdom and principles of Buddhism. Seven experts with advanced training in Buddhism and experiences in Buddhist counseling for trauma were interviewed. The results indicate that Buddhist counseling facilitates the development of concentration, enabling clients to cultivate wisdom in addressing their rigid attachment to self-identity or self-notion. Various specific Buddhist counseling interventions were discussed. Initially, the research question aimed to explore the Buddhist conceptualization of trauma. However, the participants encountered difficulties in understanding the Western construct of trauma. To them, trauma was simply suffering associated with concepts such as grief, loss, and challenging life experiences