In the last three decades there has been an exponential increase
in publications on the related areas of psychotherapy, Buddhism,
spirituality and meditation. Buddhist-influenced therapies such
as Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), Mindfulness-Based
Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT),
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Core Process Psychotherapy
and Hakomi are now in the mainstream of psychotherapeutic practices.
There has also been a significant increase in the number of helping
professionals who are committed and practising Buddhists or who
have an interest in Buddhism in the West.
The purpose of The Australian Association of Buddhist Counsellors
and Psychotherapists (AABCAP) is to bring therapists together
in order to discuss, learn and study the two disciplines of psychotherapy
and Buddhism, with the purpose of integrating their experience
and knowledge into daily life and their work. The intention is
that we all benefit from the depth of Buddhist psychology and
practice. There is much to benefit us, as well as others, in our
attempt to integrate Western Psychotherapy with Eastern Buddhism.
AABCAP has developed a two-year professional training course in
Buddhism and Psychotherapy, this has commenced since mid 2008.
The objectives of AABCAP are to:
- provide a philosophical base, standards, and ethics for the
practice of Buddhist Influenced Counselling and Psychotherapy
(BICP);
- foster the professional development of full members;
- maintain a professional organisational structure that supports
the practice of BICP;
- provide education, training and research in BICP;
- promote BICP in the community;
- provide accreditation practices that will support the highest
quality practice in BICP; and
- work collaboratively and beneficially with other Buddhist
Organisations.
Last update 01 June 2010
