Thoughts without a Thinker

Thoughts without a Thinker

Regular price
Checking stock...
Regular price
Checking stock...
Summary

This text discusses how Eastern spirituality can enhance Western psychology. It argues that the contemplative traditions of the East help patients go beyond merely recognizing their problems to healing them, and that this approach is not at odds with the psychodynamic method.

The feel-good place to buy books
  • Free US shipping over $15
  • Buying preloved emits 41% less CO2 than new
  • Millions of affordable books
  • Give your books a new home - sell them back to us!

Thoughts without a Thinker by Mark Epstein

This text discusses how Eastern spirituality can enhance Western psychology. As patients and therapists find themselves reaching for new solutions to their problems, the traditional disctinctions between matters of the mind and matters of the spirit are increasingly being questioned. This book is written by a traditionally trained psychotherapist who has immersed himself in the Buddhist tradition. Drawing on his own experiences as patient, meditator and therapist, the author argues that the contemplative traditions of the East help patients go beyond merely recognizing their problems to healing them, and that such an approach is not at odds with the psychodynamic method. The book begins by focusing on the Buddhist perspective. Dispelling misconceptions common even among those already practising meditative techniques, this section presents the Buddha's psychological teachings in the language of Western psychodynamics. It then goes on to explain the meditative practices of bare attention, concentration, mindfulness, and analytical inquiry, and shows how they speak to issues at the forefront of psychological concern. Finally, the book uses Freud's treatise of psychotherapy - "Remembering, repeating and working-through" - as a template to show how the Buddha's teaching can complement, inform and energize the practice of psychotherapy.
SKU Unavailable
ISBN 13 9780715627112
ISBN 10 0715627112
Title Thoughts without a Thinker
Author Mark Epstein
Condition Unavailable
Binding Type Paperback
Publisher Duckworth Books
Year published 1997-01-16
Number of pages 256
Cover note Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary.