แนวทางการบูรณาการพุทธธรรมในงานให้คำปรึกษาและการบำบัดทางจิตใจ: Guidelines for Integrating Buddhist Dhamma in  Counseling and Psychotherapy

PhraSomchai  Yanissaro

Authors

PhraSomchai Yanissaro Wat Chan Kapho, Pathum Thani, 12160

Keywords:

Buddhist psychotherapy, Buddhist counseling, mindfulness-based therapy, Buddhist psychology, holistic mental health

Abstract

This research article aims to study: (1) guidelines for integrating Buddhist Dhamma principles in counseling and psychotherapy, (2) patterns of applying Buddhist psychology in contemporary mental health care contexts, and (3) proposing systematic knowledge frameworks for integrating Buddhist Dhamma with modern psychotherapy. The research employs a qualitative methodology using Buddhist psychology and modern psychotherapy as theoretical frameworks, analyzing primary sources from the Tripitaka, commentaries, and related academic works. Key informants included 20 Buddhist scholars, clinical psychologists, and counselors with experience in Buddhist therapy, selected through purposive sampling. Research instruments consisted of (1) document analysis forms and (2) in-depth interview protocols. Data were analyzed through content analysis and descriptive narration.

The research found that: 1. Buddhist Dhamma contains systematic principles integrable with counseling, including the Three Characteristics (Tilakkhana), Four Noble Truths (Ariyasacca), Noble Eightfold Path (Ariyamagga), Four Foundations of Mindfulness (Satipatthana), and Four Brahmaviharas, which correspond to scientifically validated psychotherapy processes. 2. The most effective integration model is Mindfulness-Based Therapy, consistent with MBSR, MBCT, DBT, and ACT, all supported by empirical evidence. 3. The new knowledge framework presents a three-level Integrated Buddhist Psychotherapy Model (IBPM) as a practical guideline for therapists and counselors. The knowledge from this research will benefit counselor training curriculum development, Buddhist-integrated therapy program design, and mental health policy creation that accounts for Thai cultural and Buddhist contexts

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