The Courage to Be Present - by Karen Kissel Wegela (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

The quality of presence a psychotherapist or counselor brings to the therapeutic relationship makes all the difference in effective treatment. With this application of Buddhist practice to psychotherapy, Karen Kissel Wegela offers mental health professionals a new perspective on bringing compassion, patience, generosity, and equanimity to their work with clients. She also shows how counselors can apply this wisdom in their own lives, and how they can help their clients to cultivate these qualities in themselves.

Review Quotes

"Karen Kissel Wegela brings her long experience as a therapist, a teacher, and a meditator to this fine exploration of the integration of Buddhism and psychotherapy."--Gay Watson, author of Beyond Happiness

"This book will be valuable reading both for psychotherapists in training with an interest in Buddhism, as well as for experienced therapists who want to deepen their understanding of how Buddhist thought and practice can enhance psychotherapeutic work."--Ronald D. Siegel, PsyD, Assistant Clinical Professor of Psychology, Harvard Medical School, and coeditor of Mindfulness and Psychotherapy

"Karen Wegela has found ways, carefully and compassionately, to build our confidence as we face life's challenges. Both as a therapist and as a client, I have found a wealth of skillful means in this book."--David Richo, PhD, author of The Five Things We Cannot Change

"Karen Wegela brings a real understanding of the intricacies of Buddhist thought to bear on the challenge of psychotherapy. There is much wisdom here."--Mark Epstein, author of Thoughts without a Thinker

About the Author

Karen Kissel Wegela, PhD, is a psychotherapist and professor of contemplative psychology at Naropa University in Boulder, Colorado. A longtime student of Buddhism, she speaks to professionals about the connections between Buddhism and psychotherapy and writes a popular blog at psychologytoday.com. She is also the author of The Courage to Be Present: Buddhism, Psychotherapy, and the Awakening of Natural Wisdom.