Buddhist Psychology: Reconnection and Interdependence

In this first session of the spring season of the Buddhist Psychology series, we will return to the basic models of Buddhist psychology as provided by the teachings of the Four Noble Truths and The Twelve Links of Dependent Origination and look at the ways in which these inform our practices in therapy and mental health support. Whilst the teachings which we have looked at in previous sessions have mostly described our human tendencies to cut off from aspects of life which are painful and difficult, insulating ourselves from potential threat through selective attention and delusions, there are other teachings which are concerned with discovering and embracing our connectedness. As we saw in the previous session on Other-Centred Approach, it is these teachings which point to ways of connecting to others in all the forms that takes, providing an important route to positive change. Such ideas are founded on a recognition that we are not as separate or independent as we might like to imagine and despite the illusion of the self-bubble, we are deeply interconnected with others in all aspects of life. In this session we will explore the Buddhist notions of dependence and interdependence which are central to the understanding of the conditioned arising of all things including ourselves. In recognising the fundamental state of interdependence, we will revisit the importance of other-focused connection and its importance in fields of psychotherapy and ecotherapy. We will also look at the ways that such ideas underpin an ecosystemic perspective which can offer a frame for ecotherapeutic working.

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.