Buddhist Psychology Training: Integrating Mindfulness, Science, and Clinical Practice

Starts January 2025

Empower your practice, transform your life: bridging buddhist wisdom with cutting-edge psychological science.

Reflections from Past Participants

What is Buddhist Psychology?​

Buddhist psychology is an ancient system of understanding the mind and human experience that forms the foundation of mindfulness practices. It offers a comprehensive framework for exploring the nature of suffering, happiness, and the self. At its core, Buddhist psychology emphasizes the impermanence of all phenomena, the interconnectedness of all things, and the potential for transforming the mind through meditation and ethical living. Unlike Western psychology, which often focuses on treating specific mental health disorders, Buddhist psychology aims to address the root causes of human suffering and cultivate lasting well-being. It provides insights into the nature of consciousness, perception, and emotion, offering practical techniques for developing self-awareness, emotional regulation, and compassion.

Why This Course Is Essential for Your Growth

This course is essential for mental health professionals seeking to deepen their practice by integrating the rich, transformative principles of Buddhist psychology with contemporary therapeutic techniques. While mindfulness is now widely accepted in mental health care, much of its depth and historical context is often overlooked. This course bridges that gap, offering clinicians an opportunity to move beyond surface-level mindfulness practices and tap into the core teachings of Buddhist psychology—wisdom, compassion, and emotional regulation.

By blending these ancient insights with modern psychology, participants will not only improve client outcomes but also enhance their personal development. Whether you are looking to refine your therapeutic presence, learn practical tools to reduce suffering, or integrate mindfulness more effectively into your practice, this course provides the comprehensive training needed to elevate your clinical work.

This course offers more than just professional development; it provides a transformative journey for personal growth and well-being. By delving into the wisdom of Buddhist psychology, you’ll learn practices that help you navigate life’s challenges with greater ease, compassion, and mindfulness. These timeless teachings go beyond managing stress—they help you cultivate emotional balance, deepen self-awareness, and foster a more compassionate relationship with yourself and others.

Whether you’re looking to understand the nature of your thoughts and emotions or seeking tools to reduce suffering and find greater peace, this course equips you with practical, life-changing insights that can enrich your everyday experience. It’s an invitation to connect more deeply with yourself, leading to a more fulfilling and balanced life.

Course Overview

38 hrs Online LIVE

35+ Hours of LIVE Comprehensive Training and 4 Hours of LIVE Q & A

18

CE Credits

4

Months

Personal and Professional Growth

Deepen your own meditation practice while enhancing your clinical expertise, fostering growth both as a therapist and an individual

Evidence-Based with Spiritual Depth

Combine the rigor of evidence-based therapy with the profound depth of Buddhist psychology for a truly transformative therapeutic toolkit

Interdisciplinary Approach

Learn from an interdisciplinary curriculum that integrates mindfulness, neuroscience, and therapeutic modalities

Real-World Application

Every session offers practical tools, clinical case discussions, and immediate applications to your therapeutic work

Course Syllabus

In recent years, the integration of mindfulness and meditation into mental health care has become a powerful therapeutic tool. However, while many mindfulness-based approaches are now mainstream, they often lack the depth and richness of their origins in Buddhist psychology. This training program seeks to address that gap by providing clinicians with a more nuanced and comprehensive understanding of the Buddhist psychology that animates mindfulness-based interventions and how its richness can be effectively applied in therapeutic settings.

Designed specifically for mental health professionals—therapists, counselors, psychologists, social workers, and those in the helping professions—this four-month training also caters to healthcare practitioners, including doctors, nurses, and holistic health professionals seeking to integrate mindfulness into their practice. Moreover, the course is open to anyone passionate about self-growth, mindfulness, compassion, and emotional well-being, making it accessible to all sincere learners. Participants will deepen their personal meditation practice while enhancing their professional work, learning to use Buddhist principles alongside contemporary psychological theories. This training is particularly relevant for those looking to go beyond surface-level mindfulness techniques and develop a more holistic approach to mental health care.

Buddhist psychology emphasizes two core dimensions: wisdom and compassion. These teachings, combined with scientific research on the benefits of mindfulness, form the foundation of this course. Clinicians will learn how to incorporate these principles into their practice to foster emotional regulation, reduce suffering, and promote well-being in their clients.

The training is designed not only to provide participants with theoretical knowledge but also with practical, real-world applications. Each session will include clinical case studies from participants, along with group discussions and personalized feedback. Participants will leave the course with enhanced confidence in applying mindfulness-based interventions in their therapeutic work, as well as a deeper understanding of how Buddhist psychology can enrich their personal and professional development.

This training is structured to foster a community of learning, where clinicians can explore both personal and professional growth.

It’s a journey that brings together ancient wisdom and modern science, allowing participants to expand their therapeutic toolkit, cultivate a greater presence in their practice, and ultimately, improve client outcomes.

Introduces the core concepts of Buddhist psychology, focusing on the spectrum of suffering to flourishing. Establishes mindfulness as a key resource among interdisciplinary approaches to mental health.

Explores the importance of personal practice in developing persuasive power as a therapist. Discusses how to effectively introduce mindfulness to clients by aligning it with their existing values.

Examines various classifications of meditation practices and delves deep into the concept of mindfulness (sati). Provides a repertoire of descriptions to effectively communicate mindfulness concepts to clients.

Focuses on meditation techniques for addressing hyperarousal and anxiety. Explores the relationship between emotion regulation, experiential avoidance, and the concept of ‘purification’ in Buddhist practice.

Introduces ‘deconstructive’ meditation practices for analyzing distress. Discusses the importance of therapist self-development in improving client outcomes across theoretical orientations.

Understanding anxiety as a function of prediction, and applying mindfulness and Buddhist practices to tolerate uncertainty and anxiety.

Covers teaching compassion practices, safety considerations in mindfulness interventions, and explores Buddhist teachings on self, self-love, and selflessness in relation to clinical practice.

About Matthew Brensilver

Matthew Brensilver, MSW, PhD teaches retreats at the Insight Retreat Center, Spirit Rock, and other Buddhist centers. He was previously program director for Mindful Schools, and for more than a decade, was a core teacher at Against the Stream Buddhist Meditation Society. Matthew worked as a clinical social worker, serving severely and persistently mentally ill adults and adolescents. He subsequently earned a PhD from the Dworak-Peck School of Social Work at USC where he was a Provost’s Fellow. His dissertation examined the mechanisms of risk and resilience in maltreated adolescents in a large, longitudinal study in South Los Angeles.

Before committing to teach meditation full-time, he spent years doing research on addiction pharmacotherapy at the UCLA Center for Behavioral and Addiction Medicine. Each summer, he lectures at UCLA’s Mindful Awareness Research Center on the intersections between mindfulness, science and psychotherapy. Matthew is the co-author of two books about meditation during adolescence and continues to be interested in the unfolding dialogue between Buddhism and science. He serves on the Board of Directors at Spirit Rock and Insight Meditation Center.

Matthew is uniquely positioned at the intersection of clinical research and Buddhist practice. With experience conducting empirical research at UCLA’s School of Medicine and serving as a senior teacher at Spirit Rock, his expertise allows him to bridge these two worlds seamlessly. His published works on mindfulness with adolescents demonstrate a commitment to evidence-based practices.

Key Benefits

Deeper Therapeutic Tools

Integrating Buddhist psychology enhances therapy with practices for emotional regulation, self-compassion, and mindfulness

Enhanced Mindfulness Application

Go beyond basic mindfulness with Buddhist-inspired, science-backed interventions for more precise, impactful treatment

Strengthened Therapeutic Presence

Clinicians strengthen therapeutic presence through personal meditation and ethical reflection, fostering deeper client connections

Culturally Sensitive Practice

Clinicians will ethically integrate Buddhist teachings into therapy, promoting inclusivity and respect for client diversity

Improved Client Outcomes

Clinicians gain science-backed, wisdom-rooted tools to enhance client engagement and drive lasting change

Continued Professional Growth

The course builds lasting skills in mindfulness, compassion, and wisdom for ongoing growth in diverse therapeutic settings

Deepened Personal Meditation Practice

The course enhances mindfulness and meditation, fostering self-awareness, calm, and emotional regulation

Enhanced Emotional Regulation

Learning Buddhist principles like mindfulness, compassion, and equanimity helps participants better manage stress, anxiety, and emotions personally and professionally.

Improved Presence and Compassion

Developing a grounded presence through practice cultivates compassion and fosters a more empathetic, mindful approach in both personal and professional life.

Integration of Ancient Wisdom and Modern Science

The course connects Buddhist teachings with psychological science, deepening your understanding of the mind and well-being for everyday use.

Community Learning

The course fosters a supportive community where you can explore personal growth and development alongside other like-minded professionals.

Reflections from Past Participants

Sample Course Lecture

Anxiety and Buddhist Psychology

Sample Case Study

Working with a Client Experiencing Grief and Loss

This case explores the application of Buddhist psychological principles in a clinical setting, focusing on a therapist supporting a mother facing the imminent loss of her child. It delves into the therapist’s internal struggles, the client’s profound grief, and the delicate balance of providing effective therapy while navigating the complexities of such a profound loss. The case highlights the significance of cultivating equanimity, compassion, and a deep understanding of human suffering in therapeutic practice. It emphasizes the importance of holding space for grief, recognizing impermanence, and exploring the transformative potential of suffering within a Buddhist framework.

Who Should Enroll?

Mental health professionals

Therapists, counselors, psychologists, and social workers who want to integrate mindfulness and Buddhist psychology into their therapeutic practice

Healthcare practitioners

Doctors, nurses, and holistic health practitioners looking to enhance patient care with mindfulness-based approaches

Dedicated mindfulness practitioners

Anyone with a sincere interest in deepening their mindfulness practice and applying Buddhist principles to emotional well-being

Register Now

Payment Plan

12 monthly payments of

$139

Full Payment

$1,599

Course Logistics

Orientation: Tuesday 1/7, 5:30pm PT & Friday 1/10, 12pm PT (attend only one)

Opening weekend: January 11-12

Sat Feb 8

Sat Mar 1

Sat April 5

Sat May 3

Registration closes Fri, Feb 7

Times:

9:00am-3:00pm

Office Hours Dates & Times (All times in Pacific Time)

  1. Fri, January 24; 10:00am PT

  2. Sat, February 22; 9:00am PT

  3. Fri, March 14; 10:00am PT

  4. Sat, April 12; 9:00am PT

Your participation in this training is important. The cohesion of the group is an important aspect of this training, so participation serves both your own development as well as the group. We ask that you commit to the dates and to participate wholeheartedly.

For participants not wishing to receive CE credits: Attendance at the January retreat is mandatory. We expect that all participants will also attend each monthly daylong, however, we understand that sometimes there are unavoidable emergencies. If a participant must miss one of the daylongs, they will need to watch the Zoom recording prior to the next retreat.

For participants wishing to receive CE credits: In order to receive Continuing Education Credits, participants must attend all sessions live, on time, and in full. Your attendance is tracked carefully to grant your CE credits. Board regulations prohibit partial credit for partial attendance, therefore, incomplete attendance nullifies CE credit eligibility. No exceptions. More information on Continuing Education (CE) credits below.

We understand that plans can change, and we’re here to help.

  • If you need to cancel before the course begins, we’ll provide a refund with just a $75 administrative fee deducted.
  • For cancellations made by 5:00 PM PST on January 15th, we’ll happily refund your payment, keeping only a $270 course fee.
  • To assist you with your cancellation, please reach out to us directly at courses@spiritrock.org. We’ll take care of the process for you.
  • After January 15th, we won’t be able to issue refunds, so we appreciate your understanding.
  • CEs are non-refundable.

If you have any questions, we’re here to support you.

Open to: Everyone

General Prerequisite: Completion of at least one silent multi-day residential or multi-day online Insight Meditation retreat recommended by the start of the program (e.g. Spirit Rock, IMS, IRC, etc.)

Professional Prerequisite: This program is designed with mental health professionals in mind, but is open to anyone with a sincere interest in the integration of Buddhism and psychological science.

Course FAQ

Although our Programs are available on any device, we suggest using a computer (if possible) and Chrome or Firefox browser to log in: https://courses.spiritrock.org

Note: The login for our Online Learning Platform differs from your Spirit Rock login.

Accessing Your Program Page:

Click on it from your Dashboard after you’ve logged in. Once there, navigate through the sections on “My Courses” on the dashboard.

Are you logged in? Use the “log in” button on the top right of the page. This will give you the access you need to see all the content.

Although the Online Learning Platform works on mobile and tablet devices, for the best experience, use a desktop or laptop. This might be an easier way to find all the areas of the site as you are learning how it works.

The course is delivered LIVE online over a four month period over Zoom.

If you notice a link, content, or anything that isn’t working properly, please email us at courses@spiritrock.org

Try refreshing your browser and check your internet connection. Check another website to see if it’s just our site or something in your system.

Yes, once you’ve completed the course, you will retain lifetime access to all course materials, allowing you to revisit lectures, exercises, and meditations whenever needed.

Certain programs provide CECs. Practitioners who meet the requirements and purchase Continuing Education Credits (CECs) will receive a Certificate of Attendance. Additionally, some programs also offer a Certificate of Completion, which will be mentioned in the program description.

If you have any questions related to continuing education credits (including attendance), please send an email to courses@spiritrock.org

We would love for you and your Sangha to join as a group. Please email us at courses@spiritrock.org with more details so we can help you.

If you have a question that isn’t answered here, email us at courses@spiritrock.org.

The course integrates the principles of Buddhist psychology with modern psychological science and mindfulness practices. It is designed to enhance both personal and clinical practice by offering tools for developing emotional resilience, self-awareness, and a deeper understanding of human behavior.

This course is ideal for:

  • Mental health professionals, including therapists, counselors, and psychologists.
  • Mindfulness practitioners seeking to deepen their understanding of Buddhist psychology.
  • Individuals interested in integrating mindfulness with psychological tools for personal growth.

While no prior Buddhism knowledge is needed, completion of at least one silent multi-day residential or multi-day online Insight Meditation retreat is recommended by the start of the program (e.g. Spirit Rock, IMS, IRC, etc.)

Spirit Rock offers scholarships for those in need. If the course fees are a barrier, please complete the scholarship form HERE.

We understand that plans can change, and we’re here to help.

  • If you need to cancel before the course begins, we’ll provide a refund with just a $75 administrative fee deducted.
  • For cancellations made by 5:00 PM PST on January 15th, we’ll happily refund your payment, keeping only a $270 course fee.
  • To assist you with your cancellation, please reach out to us directly at courses@spiritrock.org. We’ll take care of the process for you.
  • After January 15th, we won’t be able to issue refunds, so we appreciate your understanding.
  • CEs are non-refundable.

If you have any questions, we’re here to support you.

Continuing Education Credit (CEC) Information

Continuing Education (CE) credit available:

This program offers 18 CE credits for $180 for psychologists, and California licensed MFTs, LCSWs, LEPs, LPCCs, nurses, and chiropractors. Please review our Continuing Education Credit information page to determine if your association or board will accept credits offered by Spirit Rock.

Teachings are appropriate for health care professionals as well as the general public.

Learning Objectives for participating health care professionals:

At the end of the program, you will be better able to:

  • Describe at least two of the overlaps and differences between mindfulness-based treatment and Buddhist psychology.
  • Describe the three clusters of meditative practice: attentional, constructive, deconstructive.
  • List five types of emotion regulation.
  • Describe the relevance of equanimity for emotional regulation.
  • Describe how evolutionary biology informs contemporary understandings of emotion.
  • Describe the parallels between Buddhist practice and exposure therapy.
  • Explain the role of inflexible self-definition in the generation of difficult emotion.
  • Explain the role of the brain’s default mode network and self-referential thought in emotional regulation.
  • Describe Buddhist approaches to shame.
  • Explain the differences between self-esteem and self-compassion.
  • Describe how Buddhist practice is relevant for enhancing the therapeutic alliance.
  • Describe three ways in which clinician mindfulness helps manage countertransference.
  • Describe Buddhist approaches to anxiety.
  • Utilize a mindfulness practice to improve emotional self-regulation while working with clients.
  • Utilize equanimity and compassion practices for reducing stress and burnout.
  • Utilize mindfulness practices to improve the ability to stay present in the moment, in ways that may improve patient care.
  • Utilize body awareness practices to deepen your listening presence with clients.

Continuing Education content level:

Introductory

Attendance requirement for CEC participants:

Complete attendance at least 5 of the 6 days, live, on time, and in full.
CEC Schedule: (Times are listed in Pacific time.)

9:15am – 9:45am | Guided Meditation Practice
10:30am – 12:00pm | Discourse
1:00pm – 1:30pm | Guided Meditation Practice
1:45pm – 3:00pm | Discourse & Consultation

Please note:

  • For full Provider information, and additional CEC information, including attendance requirements, cancellation, and grievance policies, please visit our Continuing Education Credit information page.
  • For those with a different license than listed above, or with a license from a different board or association than listed on our CEC info page, please contact your licensing board or association directly to request pre-approval/acceptance of CE credits offered at Spirit Rock. Spirit Rock does not confirm the applicability of credit for those with licenses different than those listed.
  • Spirit Rock is a provider approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing, Provider Number CEP16905 for 18 contact hours.
  • Credit is awarded for instructional time only and does not include extended silent meditation, if offered.
  • Potential Conflict of Interest Statement: This instructor may have authored publications relevant to the subjects covered in this course. The instructor might reference these publications during the course, and they may receive financial compensation if these publications are purchased.

Research

Here are some key research papers that demonstrate the efficacy of mindfulness based interventions

This review synthesizes 142 randomized clinical trials with 12,005 participants to examine the effectiveness of mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) for psychiatric disorders. It found MBIs were as effective as evidence-based treatments, particularly for conditions like depression, pain, and addictions.

DOWNLOAD PDF

This paper explores the neuroscientific underpinnings of mindfulness meditation, focusing on how it impacts brain regions involved in attention, emotional regulation, and self-awareness. It discusses evidence of structural and functional changes in the brain that enhance cognitive control and emotional resilience.

DOWNLOAD PDF

This meta-analysis reviews 21 RCTs on mindfulness-based interventions, showing significant improvements in depression, anxiety, and psychological distress. It suggests mindfulness interventions can foster compassion and well-being, though it highlights the need for larger-scale trials.

DOWNLOAD PDF

The study conducts a structural meta-analysis of brain networks engaged in mindfulness practices, focusing on the interplay between attention, default mode, and control networks. It highlights how mindfulness alters brain connectivity, particularly in self-referential processing and executive control.

DOWNLOAD PDF

This paper analyzes the effects of compassion-based interventions, finding moderate improvements in self-compassion, mindfulness, depression, anxiety, and well-being. The review advocates for larger, more rigorous trials to strengthen the evidence base.

DOWNLOAD PDF

This review highlights how mindfulness practices positively impact psychopathology by reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression, improving emotional regulation, and altering brain function. The study emphasizes the role of mindfulness in cultivating resilience and enhancing psychological well-being.

DOWNLOAD PDF

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Satisfaction Guaranteed

Please read our detailed refund policy in the FAQ above. For any questions or to request a refund, please contact us at courses@spiritrock.org.

Group Program

Join us on this transformative journey with the Buddhist Psychology Training: Integrating Mindfulness, Science, and Clinical Practice course and save 15% when you sign up with a friend or group using the link below!

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Use the form below to apply for a scholarship.

We offer scholarships on a case-by-case basis. We strive to offer our courses and other work with kindness, empathy, and respect for all. We are happy to provide scholarships if one is needed. If you would like to be considered for a scholarship, please provide the following information.