Zen and Therapy brings together aspects of the Buddhist tradition, contemporary western therapy and western philosophy. By combining insightful anecdotes from the Zen tradition with clinical studies, discussions of current psychotherapy theory and forays into art, film, literature and philosophy, Manu Bazzano integrates Zen Buddhist practice with psychotherapy and psychology.
This book successfully expands the existing dialogue on the integration of Buddhism, psychology and philosophy, highlighting areas that have been neglected and bypassed. It explores a third way between the two dominant modalities, the religious and the secular, a positively ambivalent stance rooted in embodied practice, and the cultivation of compassion and active perplexity. It presents a life-affirming view: the wonder, beauty and complexity of being human.
Intended for both experienced practitioners and beginners in the fields of psychotherapy and philosophy, Zen and Therapy provides an enlightening and engaging exploration of a previously underexplored area.
Review
'In this book, which offers new insights on areas explored in his previous writings, Bazzano brings to bear his playful wit, widely cultured knowledge, and direct experience of both Zen and psychotherapy in a poetic investigation of important themes which will be relevant to both professionals and to the general reader.'
Caroline Brazier, author of Buddhist Psychology, course leader at Tariki Trust
'This book is a pleasure to read: an eloquent exploration of the "borderland" between Zen and psychotherapy. Writing with a wealth of experience from both sides of this borderland, as a Buddhist monk and a practicing psychotherapist, Bazzano brings a depth of insight which is original and stimulating.'
Dr Monica Lanyado, Child and Adolescent Psychotherapist, British Psychotherapy Foundation
'This brilliant book by Manu Bazzano is for those of us who are open and courageous enough to seek a more meaningful path. Bazzano is that rare, innovative thinker who can weave together scholarship and personal reflection and come up with stimulating and profound insights. He sees and feels deeply, and creatively synthesizes traditional approaches into an original worldview and shares it with us. A master of both psychotherapy and Zen Buddhism, Bazzano guides us between the two with wisdom, grace, and courage, and along with him we discover new ways that are surprising and exhilarating. Those of us who are not content with simplistic, status quo thinking or a quick fix but desire a fresh, transcendent approach to spirituality and secularity will be richly rewarded.'
David Forbes, PhD, LMHC, Associate Professor, School Counseling Program, Brooklyn College/CUNY
Affiliate Faculty, Urban Education Doctoral Program, CUNY Graduate Center
About the Author
Manu Bazzano is a psychotherapist and supervisor in private practice. He has studied eastern contemplative practices since 1980 and in 2004 was ordained a Zen monk in the Soto and Rinzai traditions. A primary tutor at Metanoia Institute, London, and visiting lecturer at the University of Roehampton, London, and various other schools and colleges, he facilitates workshops and seminars internationally. He is editor of Person-Centered and Experiential Psychotherapy, and book review editor for Self & Society - International Journal for Humanistic Psychology