Buddhism and Psychology: Does East Meet West? (Study at Home Option Also Available)

6 Monday Nights - Jan. 10 - Feb. 14th, 2011

Homestudy also available (Click here for more info)

This six week series will investigate the commonalities and distinctions between Western and Eastern forms of psychology and healing.  Through presentations and conversations, we will review contemporary psychotherapies (ie., pschodynamic (Freudian), cognitive-behavioral, and positive psychology.)  and explore their similarities and differences relative to Buddhist philosophy and practice.  In particular, we will consider how Buddhist meditation techniques can support psychotherapy (and vice versa).  

Topics include: Psychodynamic theory and the Buddhist view of Karma, Cognitive Behavior Therapy and the Buddhist view of Klesha, Positive Psychology and the Brahmaviharas, and the student/teacher relationship compared to the therapist/client relationship.

Readings: Thoughts Without a Thinker by Mark Epstein
Other readings forthcoming.

This course can be taken by anyone with an interest in these two disciplines, as well as anyone interested in starting or supporting a consistent meditation practice. Additionally, full attendance counts for six weeks of credit toward our secular Buddhist Studies certification program.

Jonathan Kaplan earned his Ph.D. in clinical psychology from UCLA in 2000. For over a decade, he has been providing cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) with an emphasis on mindfulness and meditation.  He won an Early Career Award from the American Psychological Association in 2007 for his work in "educating university communities about the mind-body connection."   Recently, Dr. Kaplna achieved diplomate status with the Academy of Cognitive Therapy and co-founded the NYC CBT Association. He is author of the new book Urban Mindfulness: Cultivating Peace, Presence, and Purpose in the Middle of It All, based on a blog that he started in 2008

Ethan Nichtern is the founding director and Senior Teacher in Residence of the Interdependence Project.   For the past eight years, Ethan has taught ongoing meditation and Buddhist psychology classes and retreats in New York City and around North America. He is on the part-time faculty at Eugene Lang College at New School University and lectures regularly at Brown, Wesleyan, and New York Universities.  In the summer of 2010, Ethan was empowered by his teacher, Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche, as a Shastri, a senior teacher of the Shambhala tradition representing the New York region.. He has also studied Theravadan and Soto Zen traditions, and is an avid yoga practitioner.

Registration:

6 Week Pre-Registration
$100 or
$ 67 for IDP Full Members
$ 50 for IDP Sustaining Members
(Find out more about how much becoming a member helps support our programming)

Drop-In
$20 or
$13 for IDP Full Members
$10 for IDP Sustaining Members

Looking for Homestudy? Click Here

Can't afford it? It is our full intention to accommodate the financial needs of anyone who has a genuine commitment to practice and study. Reduced Payment Options and Work-Study are always available. Please contact patrick@theidproject.org to make alternative arrangements.

Please Read our Security Policy and Refund Policy