Buddhist Psychology: Fear and Trauma (with Caroline Brazier)

According to the Buddhist understanding of human process, our relationship to dukkha, the first Noble Truth, is the driving force in the creation of the ordinary mentality. Dukkha, often translated as suffering or affliction, describes both the painful existential events associated with loss, change and mortality to which we are all subject and the layers of fear and reaction which arise in reaction to these. The teachings suggest that the difficulties and traumas which we face in life can themselves be, on the one hand, a source of pain and psychological difficulties, and also, on the other hand, if approached appropriately, offer the possibility of positive transformation. Indeed, this becomes particularly apparent when we read the Buddha's account of his own enlightenment experience in the Sutta on Fear and Dread (Majjhima Nikaya 4) which followed on from his direct confrontation with fear. Since much of the work of the therapist centres on exploring anxieties and the painful effects of past trauma, this suggestion that working with our relationship to grief, loss and existential crisis can be key to the therapeutic process is an important one. Such work is, of course, often painful and difficult and needs careful handling, however, Buddhist psychology does suggest that by facing and working with such material, a possibility for transformation emerges.

Although this event is part of the Ten Directions training course for ecotherapy practitioners, anybody can book and take part in this public online event. If you are interested, please do buy a ticket.

About Caroline Brazier: Author of seven books on Buddhism, psychotherapy and ecotherapy and many chapters, papers and articles. Caroline has taught Buddhist psychology, ecotherapy and psychotherapy for more than thirty years, latterly through the Tariki training programmes. Alongside this, she has worked as a therapist and supervisor; work which continues now that she is semi-retired. She has also worked in a number of community settings over the years including community education, women's health projects, community arts and running residential retreats. A Buddhist for many years with experience in a number of traditions, Caroline took Tokudo ordination in the Jodo Shinshu school in 2018. She is also a mother and grandmother and enjoys plenty of family time.