Buddhist Psychotherapy in Practice

Buddhist Psychotherapy in Practice showcases the fundamentals of this approach in a psychotherapy demonstration conducted by Liang Tien, PhD, and in a dynamic discussion with coguest expert Debra Kawahara, PhD. The client in this video shares her struggles with her teenage daughter and the growing pains of being a mother.The therapeutic approach in this video consists of an assessment of the conditions that gave rise to the client's presenting problem, recommendations for experiencing the moments of her lived experience, and criteria for taking action.

In general, Buddhist psychotherapy works with clients to engage with Buddhism's three marks of existence. Therapists listen to the client's presenting problem to discern their suffering (dukka). Then, in annica (impermanence), the therapist works to fully understand the conditions at play in a client's presenting problem; in anatta (not self), the therapist engages with the functioning of the five-aggregates—form, feeling, perception, volition, and consciousness—evident in the pivotal moment that gave rise to the client's presenting problem.The discussion between the coguest experts analyzes the client's session within the context of the fundamentals of early Buddhism.

Buddhist psychotherapy brings a theoretical framework from the fundamentals of Buddhism to the use of mindfulness and meditative practices in various third wave psychotherapy interventions. Mindfulness is defined (by the APA) as nonjudgmental awareness of the present moment, often used for relaxation and stress reduction. Since its introduction to Western society, mindfulness has been applied widely and has inspired major psychotherapeutic approaches such as Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) also integrates mindfulness techniques. 

Dr. Liang Tien (Tien), is a retired professor from the California School of Professional Psychology PsyD Program, Hong Kong. Since retirement, she has earned a PhD in Buddhist studies at the University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, and is a cofounder of the Illumination of Mindfulness Institute at Alliant International University. She is a long-time meditator. As a licensed clinical psychologist, her independent practice focuses on individuals with ancestry from Asian Buddhist-based countries and women with histories of abuse. Her research interest has been in ethics and the integration of early Buddhist ideas to clinical treatment.

Debra M. Kawahara, PhD, serves as associate dean of Academic Affairs and Distinguished Professor at the California School of Professional Psychology and leads as executive director of the Illumination of Mindfulness Institute at Alliant International University. In 2025, Dr. Kawahara stepped into her role as president of APA. As a licensed clinical psychologist, she works with individuals, couples, and families, and consults with organizations. Dr. Kawahara’s scholarship explores intersectionality, Buddhist psychotherapy, women’s empowerment, and leadership. Her work resonates globally through publications, presentations, and a lifelong commitment to advancing mental health and equity.

APA Videos

Spiritually Oriented Psychotherapy for Trauma
Donald F. Walker, PhD

Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for Depression
Zindel V. Segal, PhD

Addressing Issues of Spirituality and Religion in Psychotherapy
Edward P. Shafranske, PhD, ABPP

Spiritual Awareness Psychotherapy
Lisa J. Miller, PhD

Theistic Integrative Psychology
P. Scott Richards, PhD

Forgiveness Therapy in Practice
Robert D. Enright, PhD
 

APA Books

Buddhist Psychotherapy: Connecting Early Buddhism to Mindfulness and Western Psychotherapy
Liang Tien, Debra M. Kawahara, and Venerable Dhammadinna

The Art and Science of Mindfulness: Integrating Mindfulness Into the Helping Professions (3rd ed.)
Shauna L. Shapiro, Linda E. Carlson, and Broderick A. Sawyer

Mindfulness-Based Practices in Therapy: A Cultural Humility Approach
Don E. Davis, Cirleen DeBlaere, Joshua N. Hook, and Jesse Owen

Handbook of Spiritually Integrated Psychotherapies
Edited by P. Scott Richards, G. E. Kawika Allen, and Daniel K Judd

Spiritual Diversity in Psychotherapy: Engaging the Sacred in Clinical Practice
Edited by Steven J. Sandage and Brad D. Strawn

Relational Spirituality in Psychotherapy: Healing Suffering and Promoting Growth
Steven J. Sandage, David Rupert, George Stavros, and Nancy Gieseler Devor
 

Other Suggested Resources

Bhikkhu Analayo (2004). Satipaṭṭhāna: The Direct Path to Realization. Windhorse Publications.

Bhikkhu Analayo (2020). Mindfulness in Early Buddhism: Characteristics and Functions. Windhorse Publications.

Bhikkhu Analayo (2020). Introducing Mindfulness: Buddhist Background and Practical Exercises. Windhorse Publications.

Bhikkhu Bodhi (1994). The Noble Eightfold Path: Way to the End of Suffering. BPS Pariyatti Editions.

Karunadasa, Y. (2018). Early Buddhist Teachings. Wisdom Publications.