Integrated Perspectives discusses concepts of an integrated psychotherapeutic approach to patient care and explores some of underlying principles that make it beneficial. ********** The events of September 11, 2001, have called on therapists in a way they never would have imagined, asking them to support a multitude of people directly or indirectly affected by terrorists' attacks while trying to remain calm and centered in midst of chaos. It is a difficult task, but essential because it is therapist who sets tone of interaction, whose presence provides cornerstone, sets basis for role-modeling, and encourages rapport that is so important for trust and change. In these times of uncertainty, it is therapist, as a healing, calming presence, who defuses anxiety and promotes safety. Inherent in this healing role is therapist's own ability to remain centered, to listen attentively, and to be open to interaction without expectation or agenda, to be receptive in a quiet, calm manner. Freud (1912/1958) called this therapeutic ability evenly suspended (pp. 111-112) an open-mindedness without prior expectation or censorship. Theodor Reik (1951) described it by using term third ear to suggest free floating attention, where one's mind speaks to another beyond words and in silence (p. 146-147). Whatever term is used, theorists agreed, even before this difficult time, that such openness and receptivity could promote healing in therapeutic interaction just by its presence alone (Jackson, 1992), an important consideration that has become even more significant since events of September 2001. But how does one achieve such a centered presence, especially in midst of so much anxiety and despair? Many theorists have fallen short of giving therapist an idea of how to develop this capacity, even as they describe its importance (Rubin, 1985). Perhaps an answer to this question can be found in an exploration of Eastern thought and its application to therapist and his or her role. Rather than focusing on technique alone and/or illness in therapist, Eastern philosophies emphasize the present and one's experience in that moment, which transcends any theoretical framework (Twemlow, 2001). In this open, spacious place of present, there are simply thoughts without judgment, without a thinker (Epstein, 1995), which create a shift for therapist and change nature of interaction, allowing for more receptivity and openness. The ability to incorporate these concepts of presence and attention into therapeutic setting can add a deeper, more powerful dimension to therapist as well as client, reducing anxiety and promoting a healing atmosphere. An Eastern approach can help in promote a greater sense of quiet, centered presence within therapist, expanding awareness and enhancing effectiveness. Eastern thought and philosophy cover a wide range of topics, but for purposes of this column, meditation and Buddhist philosophy will be explored primarily as examples of an approach to open heart, quiet mind, and become fully present to therapeutic interaction. Buddhism and Therapeutic Presence When looking at Buddhist philosophy through perspective of enhancing therapeutic presence, perhaps one of most important concepts to consider is view of nonattachment. From Buddhist's perspective, there is nothing to attach to--there is no past, no future; there is only this very moment (Christensen & Rudnick, 1999). When we are living in past or future thoughts, our sense of ourselves as separate beings struggling alone is magnified and we in illusion that we are a permanent fixed self to whom things happen (Christensen & Rudnick, 1999, p. 61). This illusion, Buddhists say, creates suffering because we refuse to live life as it is, with all its aspects, but rather as we want it to be. …