Buddhist psychotherapy : the aspect of mindfulness psychotherapy

Abstract

Objective To review the method of practicing mindfulness, its mechanisms of action in psychodynamic aspect and its application in psychotherapy.

Materials and methods Databases (eg: databases from Department of Mental health of Thailand, Journal of Psychiatric Association of Thailand, Journal of Mental
Health of Thailand, Tipitaka Online, PUBMED and Buddhist text books) were searched for literature on impact of mindfulness interventions and applications.

Results The practicing of Buddhist mindfulness has been more accepted and widespread to the western culture. The western psychotherapists have applied thistechnique into their psychotherapeutic interventions both in group and individual psychotherapies which provide good outcome in many psychiatric problems such as anxiety disorder, panic disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, personality disorders and also give good benefit for prevention of stress and depressive symptoms in patients with cancer. This technique could also promote good mental health and spiritual well being.

Conclusion The application of this technique is helpful for psychiatric patients especially in anxiety and depressive disorders. However, further studies should be conducted in order to apply in other aspects of mental health conditions.