< Issue No. 17 (2022)Article
Buddhism and Western Models of the Self: Pragmatic Therapeutic Implications
Beaulieu, Nicolas, N/A
Abstract
This paper focuses on the contrast between Western and Buddhist notions of the self and their role in psychotherapy. The Buddhist notion of the no/not-self is contrasted with Western models of the self, including common psychotherapeutic approaches such as psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioural and acceptance and commitment therapy. In the first part of the paper, I will present a Buddhist model of the self, followed by a presentation of framework for conceptualizing various therapeutic interventions and then conclude with link between Buddhist and Western conceptualizations. I propose that these diverse psychotherapeutic approaches to the self may be broadly categorized as 1) re-interpreting - divided in expanding and de- and re-constructing, and 2) side-stepping. This framework can pragmatically inform psychotherapeutic interventions for clients struggling with low self-esteem and self-criticism. Furthermore, applying the Buddhist concept of the no-self may broaden our therapeutic repertoire.