Mindful Therapy

"Book of the Month! If, as Henry Thoreau says, 'An honest book is the noblest work of man' then Thomas Bien has produced a noble work. Dr. Bien skillfully weaves through his book the essentials of Buddhism, of which he has an excellent understanding. Dr. Bien's writing is ardent and personal. Because it is in an unusually personal tone the reader connects with the writer without the barrier that is often present in books for professionals. It has an easy flow. It is an engaging read. Replete with exercises for the therapist outside of the consulting room, as well as practical suggestions for the therapeutic interaction itself, the book covers a wide territory. Mindful Therapy has a kinship with Carl Rogers and On Becoming a Person. The general reader will easily appreciate from this book the salutary effects of the practice of mindfulness, and the interconnection of mindfulness and emotional well-being. The book is especially targeted to mental health professionals and any psychotherapist reading Dr. Bien's book, and taking it to heart, can only benefit. The practice of mindfulness, and the peace, respect and kindness that it brings, in psychotherapy and in life, is an ennobling endeavor. This is Dr. Bien's message, and it is unpretentiously expressed in this fine book."-- "Wildmind Newsletter"
"In Mindful Therapy, clinical psychologist Thomas Bien presents a clear approach to psychotherapy with an exquisite singleness of purpose: to help put an end to suffering. Using the Buddha's Noble Eightfold Path as a template for therapeutic interventions, Bien provides clear examples to help guide practitioners through the many complex issues that today's clients present. Mindful Therapy is an elegant guide for both novice and veteran therapists alike."--Mark Brady, PhD, editor of The Wisdom of Listening
"The practice of mindfulness meditation is receiving increased attention among therapists who are interested in integrating a spiritual approach in their work with a wide diversity of clinical problems. I highly recommend Dr. Thomas Bien's most recent book on this topic. Mindful Therapy is unique in that it offers instruction in mindfulness for both the therapist's own balanced lifestyle as well as teaching how to apply this approach with clients. Case studies are presented throughout the text to illustrate the use of mindfulness practice in therapy."--G. Alan Marlatt, PhD, author of Relapse Prevention: Maintenance Strategies in the Treatment of Addictive Behaviors
"Using theoretical groundwork, personal experience, case studies and practice exercises, Mindful Therapy offers ways to bring the teachings of Buddhism into a psychotherapeutic practice, and provides a thorough explanation of the benefits of doing so."-- "The Albuquerque Tribune"