What is Contemplative Psychotherapy

“We can allow that which we have suffered to be a moment of our lives but not our whole lives…we are complex: we are not just filled with pain and rage but with well-being. Our experiences of rage and well-being exist alongside each other. On the path of awakening we attend to both.” -from The Way of Tenderness by Zenju Earthlyn Manuel

Contemplative psychotherapy integrates insights from Buddhist and US/European psychological traditions, providing a client-centered collaborative approach. Contemplative psychotherapy incorporates approaching all mind-states, situations, and experiences with curiosity and compassion based on a view of brilliant sanity and maitri.

Brilliant sanity is a commitment to understanding and uncovering the already existing wisdom of a client, and contacting the inherent spaciousness, clarity, and compassion of the human mind and heart.  Contemplative Psychotherapist Karen Wegela writes “Instead of taking refuge in a particular style of working, we bring as much wisdom as we can to meeting each client right where they are in this very moment.” This attitude of inquisitiveness, understanding, and accommodation supports a client in exploring difficult emotions, patterns of thinking and behavior, and challenging life situations.

Maitri is a Sanskrit word that is translated as loving-kindness and cultivating unconditional friendliness towards yourself and all situations.  It is an attitude of gentleness, but also confidence and trust. “Whatever arises in one’s own mind can be experienced for what it is. We do not have to push our experience away… we can accommodate anger, sadness, joy, boredom, agitation, calm, and so on.” – Karen Wegela, Contemplative Psychotherapist

In addition to holding brilliant sanity and maitri as foundations for their therapeutic work, Mo also incorporates feminist therapy, social justice counseling, somatic work, and the wisdom of the natural world into therapy sessions with clients.