Buddhist COUNSELLING & PSYCHOTHERAPY
About Buddhist Psychotherapy
A contemporary and compassionate approach chat combines psychological understanding with che wisdom of Buddhist psychology to support greater awareness, freedom and wellbeing.
What is Buddhist Psychotherapy?
Buddhist psychotherapy is an integrative. person-centred approach that draws on modern therapeutic methods and the insights of Buddhist psychology. It brings together an understanding of the human mind, compassion and mindful awareness, offering a supportive space to explore our thoughts, emotions and behaviour with curiosity and kindness.
It is not about adopting a particular religion or set of beliefs. Instead, it offers practical ways of understanding human experience and invites us to relate to ourselves and others with greater awareness, acceptance and freedom.
Awareness creates space.
In that space, change becomes possible
Roots and influences
Buddhist psychotherapy is informed by both contemporary psychology and the teachings of the Buddha.
It explores the nature of suffering, the wayo we create and maintain habitual pattems, and how awareness and compassion can support healing and change. The approach has been developed in the West by practitioners such as the Tariki Trust and Amida Trust, and is grounded in rigorous training and ethical practice.
AT BLUE MORPHO EDINBURGH
Working with Chanan
At Blue Morpho Edinburgh, Buddhist counselling and psychotherapy is offered by Chanan Tej, a counsellor and mindfulness teacher with an Honours degree in Psychology and a Postgraduate Diploma in Buddhist Counselling and Psychotherapy.
For over twenty years, Chanan’s journey has been shaped by an interest in psychology, emotional wellbeing and contemplative practice. She brings these together in a gentle, collaborative approach grounded in compassion, curiosity and respect for each person’s individual experience.
Chanan’s therapeutic approach
Buddhist psychotherapy is guided by a number of core principles, including:
Awareness
Developing a clearer understanding of our thoughts. emotions, sensations and behaviour, both in the present moment and in the context of our life experiences.
Compassion
Cultivating a kinder and more accepting attitude towards ourselves and others. recognising our shared humanity.
Understanding suffering
Exploring how suffering arises through conditions such as attachment, avoidance and habitual patterns, and how we can relate to these patterns differently.
Change and freedom
Supporting the possibility of new ways of being and relating, with greater choice. resilience and a sense of inner freedom
What does this look like in practice?
In sessions, this approach might include mindful attention, exploration of your inner experience, reflection on habitual patterns, and compassionate inquiry into the challenges you face. We may also draw on practices such as breath awareness, grounding and other simple mindfulness techniques to support emotional regulation and insight.
The focus is always on what is meaningful and helpful for you, in your life, rather than on following a particular doctrine or set of practices.
Is Buddhist Psychotherapy right for me?
This approach can be helpful if you are curious about exploring your experience at a deeper level, are interested in mindfulness and compassion, or feel drawn to a more holistic understanding of yourself. You do nat need to be Buddhist, meditate or have any particular spiritual beliefs to benefit from this work.Learn more about the principles behind Kasia’s approach, how Buddhist psychotherapy works in practice and what it may offer you.