Contemplative Therapy

Buddhism + psychology is an incredibly powerful combination for personal growth. Buddhism provides the analogy and wisdoms for living a life free from suffering — we are lotuses that transform the murky mud of our world and its challenges into nutrients for growth — psychology provides insight and guidance into the process of human development and offer tools for change. Up for the challenge? I will dive deep with you to tackle the most fundamental questions about life and who we are.

I integrate the Contemplative Theory seamlessly into my approach. By recognizing and embracing our strengths, often overlooked or dismissed, we gain the confidence needed to explore painful experiences. As humans, we thrive in a constant state of change, and the Contemplative Theory aligns perfectly with this perspective. It fosters ongoing self-exploration, guiding us towards our truest selves in this ever-evolving journey of life.

Jodi is a graduate of Naropa's Contemplative Psychotherapy Graduate Program. Naropa University’s concentration in Contemplative Psychotherapy & Buddhist Psychology master's degree is a counseling program that grounds itself in the Buddhist contemplative wisdom tradition and includes current humanistic psychological approaches to give insight and skills to show up fully for one's self and others.

Contemplative practices include contemplation, meditation, and yoga, and are usually part of a larger worldview and way of life, optimizing well-being. These practices offer psychological and psychosomatic benefits. Through contemplative therapy, we can train and develop the mind, resulting in enhanced mental capacities, well-being, and maturity. This training therapy can heighten calm, concentration, insight, and joy.

Masters of Clinical Mental Health - focus on Contemplative Psychotherapy and Buddhist Psychology

I completed my master's degree in contemplative psychotherapy (now titled Buddhist Psychology) at Naropa University. This included a great deal of study beyond traditional therapy programs to learn Buddhist philosophy and practice meditation and mindfulness techniques. We embodied these practices beyond just intellectual understanding by undertaking two-week-long meditation retreats every semester, during which we would implement what we were learning to better understand it within ourselves.

Compassion Based Resilience Training (CBRT)

Contemplative psychotherapy is based on the idea that people already have what they need to connect with their inherent wisdom and compassion. It's an optimistic approach that helps clients develop confidence in their own sanity. Contemplative psychotherapy differs from other counseling methods in that therapists bring qualities of mindfulness and compassion to the therapeutic relationship. It's based on the teachings of Tibetan Buddhism, which emphasizes simplicity, compassion, and insight.

I graduated from Naropa University in the Contemplative Psychology program. Currently work as a professor at Naropa in the Mindfulness-based Transpersonal Program. My approach is rooted in the contemplative tradition. This approach is acceptance based, present moment centered, and works by recognizing the wholeness of my client. Who you want to become is already within you, let's uncover who you are together.

Contemplative psychotherapy integrates Eastern philosophies and practice with the clinical traditions of modern Western psychology. It is rooted in the belief that all people are granted the internal wisdom and spirit necessary to heal from pain. People seeking therapy to increase self-awareness, improve overall health, and promote a general sense of well-being may find contemplative therapy to be a beneficial approach.

As I am animated by the contemplative traditions, my intention for you is no less than that you learn to live in an abiding awareness of your own preciousness.

Jodi is a graduate of Naropa's Contemplative Psychotherapy Graduate Program. Naropa University’s concentration in Contemplative Psychotherapy & Buddhist Psychology master's degree is a counseling program that grounds itself in the Buddhist contemplative wisdom tradition and includes current humanistic psychological approaches to give insight and skills to show up fully for one's self and others.

I am trained in contemplative therapy. While I can teach meditation, I often do not in individual therapy. The contemplative approach is rather to cultivate awareness, curiosity and friendliness toward ourselves. Easier said than done. We are often harder on ourselves than others. Through my own meditation experience and social justice work, I bring a nonjudgemental attitude that fosters safety and openness to all the parts of your experience.

Contemplative psychotherapy is a frame based on integrating the wisdom of the Buddhist tradition with modern psychology. We use our own meditation practice as a foundation for our work with clients. We emphasize the present moment experience and each client's 'brilliant sanity'- their inherent mental and emotional well-being, and strive to help clients recognize this quality in themselves.

Scientific research on contemplative / meditative practice clearly demonstrates the decrease in stress, negative emotions, and the increase in both insights and clearer thinking. I've practiced meditation personally for decades and also instruct in it.

I am a trained spiritual director, and I have been formed in both the Christian and Buddhist contemplative traditions.