Two Year Professional Training in Contemplative Psychology

The Two Year Professional Training is a comprehensive programme in Contemplative Psychology that teaches us how to heal ourselves and work skilfully with others through the innate potency of the heart. The programme joins deep study of Tibetan Buddhist principles with contemplative practice, skills development, ongoing group interaction and community support.

It is a journey of discovering one’s own brilliant sanity and of learning how to exchange ourselves for others so that we can transform everyday life challenges into opportunities for openness and wisdom.

Curriculum includes:

  • Learning from experts in psychological health from the Buddhist perspective combined with insights from Western process-based therapeutic models.
  • Meditation, mindfulness and compassion practices, sensory awareness exercises and cognitive techniques.
  • Group and partner-based work.
  • Supervised continuity groups between modules that deepen compassionate exchange and understanding.
  • Personal development within a therapeutic community.

What the programme develops:

  • Trust in one’s own basic health.
  • The clarity to allow direct experience to arise.
  • A fresh view based on compassion and confidence towards oneself, one’s work and others.
  • The ability to utilise one’s relationships as a transformational path of awakening the heart.

The programme nurtures personal development, which helps deepen one’s sense of purpose in life, and the ability to offer oneself as a vehicle for transformation in working with others. It provides a valuable base to integrate mindfulness and compassion in our work with others.

Methods worked with in the training:

In this training we present the basics of Contemplative Psychology—with a focus on the personal transformation of each participant. Participants will also become familiar in working with the following methods:

  • Mindfulness—Training us to abide in the present moment.
  • Meditation—Basic practice for training in mindfulness, investigating the mind, and cultivating confidence.
  • Body-Speech-Mind Groups—Mindfulness-based group practice which will help participants to go deeper in their understanding of relationships.
  • Process Groups—Ongoing groups based on mindful speech and listening.
  • Four-Step Practice—Process for investigating and transforming emotions.
  • Maitri Space AwarenessEnables us to uncover and trust the intrinsic wisdom of emotions. Maitri is a term from Sanskrit meaning unconditional, loving kindness.
  • Tonglen—A contemplative practice that develops compassion. Tonglen, also called sending and taking, helps to open our hearts.
  • Compassionate Exchange—A mindful and compassionate encounter that allows mutual healing.

More information:

Curriculum Faculty Fees, Dates & Locations Application Process