Integrating Counseling to Relieve Mental Distress through Buddhist Psychology

Abstract

This article presents the integration of counseling to relieve mental distress through Buddhist Psychology. It focuses on the therapeutic relationship between at least two individuals: the counselor and the counselee. The aim is to enable the counselee to make informed decisions and resolve problems independently. Effective counseling within the context of Buddhism seeks to help the counselee gain understanding, make decisions, and accept themselves in various aspects of life. This process fosters self-awareness of personal needs, promoting change in mental health, emotional well-being, social interactions, and intellectual growth.
The integration of counseling to relieve mental distress through Buddhist Psychology involves combining psychological counseling techniques with Buddhist teachings. This approach helps counselees to recognize and understand their suffering, allowing them to live mindfully amidst their struggles. The Buddhist counseling methodology employs 6 key steps which are 1) Establishing an atmosphere with kindness and empathy, 2) Facilitating conversations as a true friend who provides support and wisdom, 3) Helping the counselee become aware of their suffering, 4) Guiding the counselee to identify and comprehend the roots of their distress, 5) Leading the counselee towards inner peace and contentment, and 6) Offering practical guidance for life based on the Noble Eightfold Path. These steps are integrated with the core Buddhist principles of the Four Noble Truths: 1) Understanding Suffering (Dukkha), 2) Identifying the Causes of Suffering (Samudaya), 3) Envisioning the Resolution of Suffering (Nirodha), and 4) Practicing the Path to End Suffering (Magga) and aligns with the Threefold Training or Tri-Sikkha: Morality (Sila), Concentration (Samadhi), and Wisdom (Panna). These components, also known as the Noble Eightfold Path, consist of Right View (Samma Ditthi), Right Intention (Samma Sankappa), Right Speech (Samma Vaca), Right Action (Samma Kammanta), Right Livelihood (Samma Ajiva), Right Effort (Samma Vayama), Right Mindfulness (Samma Sati), and Right Concentration (Samma Samadhi), aims to support self-development and enhance insightful way of life.