Self-Compassion: Integrating Buddhist Philosophy and Practices with Western Psychotherapy and a Group Counselling Curriculum
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SELF-COMPASSION: INTEGRATING BUDDHIST PHILOSOPHY AND PRACTICES WITH WESTERN PSYCHOTHERAPY AND A GROUP COUNSELLING CURRICULUM by Amy Roomy MEd, University of Victoria, 2000 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy in the Curriculum Theory and Implementation Program Faculty of Education Amy Roomy 2017 SIMON FRASER UNIVERSITY Summer 2017 Approval Name: Amy Roomy Degree: Doctor of Philosophy Title: Self-Compassion: Integrating Buddhist Philosophy and Practices with Western Psychotherapy and a Group Counselling Curriculum Examining Committee: Chair: Shawn Bullock Associate Professor Heesoon Bai Senior Supervisor Professor Charles Scott Supervisor Adjunct Professor Allan MacKinnon Internal/External Examiner Associate Professor Thupten Jinpa External Examiner Adjunct Professor School of Religious Studies McGill University Date Defended/Approved: May 18, 2017 ii Abstract In this dissertation, self-compassion and its significance to us are explored from the bifocal perspective of contemporary Western psychotherapy and Buddhist wisdom traditions containing philosophical, spiritual and psychological teachings. The dissertation explores the dialogue and synthesis that have been transpiring for the last few decades between Buddhist and Western psychological systems as proposed and practised by Buddhist and Western psychotherapists, psychiatrists and teachers on compassion and self-compassion. My personal orientation and experience of both Buddhism and the practice of Western psychotherapy serve to promote here a rich, meaningful integration and application of self-compassion in the arenas of education and human service, including schooling and mental health. Chapter 1 is a discussion of the context for my inspiration to study and research self- compassion as a Buddhist practitioner and psychotherapist. In chapter 2, I examine the Buddhist concept of self, as it is integral to the understanding of self-compassion. Perspectives and conceptualizations from some of the primary contributors to the burgeoning field of self-compassion are presented. Chapter 3 discusses further contemporary Buddhist discourses and applications on self-compassion in the therapeutic context. Topics of particular relevance are explored: mindfulness, Buddhist view of reality, wisdom, altruism and loving-kindness practice. In chapter 4, ancient Buddhist texts from both classical and ongoing traditional forms enrich the study; these provide a sacred historical authenticity to the discussion of compassion and honour the Buddhist foundational influences and practices. Chapter 5 is on emotion regulation. Self-compassion is the significant practice and skill involved in this topic. Emotional regulation, as it relates to cultivating positive emotions such as compassion and loving-kindness, has become integrated into affective contemplative practices. Chapter 6 presents scientific research relevant to compassion and self-compassion. Chapters 7, 8 and 9 present modalities for the development of self-compassion in group settings. Chapter 7 presents three major group therapy curricula used today by pioneers in the field of self-compassion: Compassion-Focused Therapy, Compassion Cultivation Training, and the Mindful Self-Compassion program. For chapter 8, I create a specialized self-compassion therapeutic application for Buddhist practitioners using a Tibetan Buddhist practice of Avalokiteshvara, the Buddha of compassion. Chapter 9 discusses my secular group psychotherapy curriculum for self-compassion. The appendix includes an in-depth nine-session guide for facilitators of that curriculum. iii Dedication It is my hope and aspiration that this dissertation contributes to the blossoming field of self-compassion research, study, skill development and practice, while providing a refuge in self-compassion for people who suffer in darkness, loneliness and anguish. My personal dedication for this dissertation: May all beings awaken compassion for self. Luminosity carries our existence beneath the subtle flow of impermanence. Pools of swirling torment obscure radiance. Compassionate mind warms and loves, opening through density of afflicted mind. Light clears completely and with wonder. Mind rests in a place of solace. —Amy Roomy iv Acknowledgements First and foremost, I want to acknowledge and thank Dr. Heesoon Bai, who has been with me since the beginning of my PhD studies, offering support throughout the duration of my academic journey. Drs. Heesoon Bai, Charles Scott and Allan MacKinnon were helpful, not only in reading but also in giving excellent feedback in the comprehensive exam. They are compassionate and inspirational in their support. Buddhist teachers have been a source of respect and joy such as Chagdud Tulku Rinpoche, Jetsun Kushok Rinpoche and Yangsi Rinpoche of Portland. These three Rinpoches, who embodied compassion and wisdom, encouraged me to pursue compassion as a life-long journey. (Rinpoche is a lama who chooses his/her birth and is recognized as such by other high lamas.) I also want to honour the deep tradition of Buddhism and the sacred texts that continue to have relevance in our modern world and are profoundly meaningful. From teachers I have worked with in my career, I have learned that self-compassion can be transformative and healing. As a result of a disability with my hands, which prevented me from typing, I was blessed to have my beloved mother help me with the typing and support me with her love. v Table of Contents Approval ............................................................................................................................. ii Abstract .............................................................................................................................. iii Dedication .......................................................................................................................... iv Acknowledgements ..............................................................................................................v List of Acronyms ............................................................................................................... ix Glossary ...............................................................................................................................x 1. Inspiration and Context for my Exploration of Self-Compassion as a Psychotherapist and Buddhist Practitioner ...........................................................1 2. Integration of Buddhism into Western Psychotherapy as Related to Compassion and Self-Compassion ........................................................................18 Definitions, Terms and Descriptions of Compassion ........................................................19 General Nature and Qualities of Compassion ....................................................................21 The Focus on the Self in the Practice of Compassion .......................................................23 The Conceptual Framework of Self in Buddhism for Self-Compassion Today ................27 Self-cherishing and its misapplication to self-worth ................................................28 Self-interest and its role in compassionate and altruistic intention and behaviour .....................................................................................................34 Self and ego...............................................................................................................35 Selflessness and the misunderstanding of self ..........................................................36 Current primary contributors to the field of self-compassion ............................................41 Kristin Neff’s three constructs interwoven with other contributors' thoughts ..........42 Paul Gilbert ...............................................................................................................53 Other Contributors to Working with the Self Therapeutically .................................55 3. Further Contemporary Buddhist Discourses and Applications on Self- Compassion in the Therapeutic Context ..............................................................63 Historical Roots of Mindfulness and Breath Awareness ...................................................63 Mindfulness as Integrated into Self-Compassion ..............................................................64 Critique and controversies of mindfulness ...............................................................66 Concerns regarding self-compassion ........................................................................72 RAIN and Three Marks of Existence .................................................................................73 The Union of Wisdom and Compassion ............................................................................77 Altruism and Compassion ..................................................................................................79 Self-Compassion and Loving-Kindness Practices .............................................................80 Four Immeasurables and Loving-Kindness .......................................................................81 A practice by Thich Nhat Hanh for self-compassion using loving-kindness ...........83 Self-Confidence from a Buddhist perspective: Tulku Thondup ........................................84 vi Psychological Clarification of Terms in their Transition to the West ...............................86 Mind and Brain ..................................................................................................................87