Academics › Graduate Academics › Clinical Mental Health Counseling › Buddhism-Informed Contemplative Counseling › Reading List

Suggested Reading List

Aronson, H. B. (2004). Buddhist practice on Western ground: Reconciling Eastern ideals and Western psychology. Boston: Shambhala.

Chödrön, P. (2001). Tonglen: The path of transformation (T. Ötro, Ed.). Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada: Vajradhatu.

Chödrön, P. (1991). Wisdom of no escape: And the path of loving-kindness. Boston: Shambhala.

Epstein, M. (1998). Going to pieces without falling apart: A Buddhist perspective on wholeness. New York: Broadway Books.

Kahn, M. (1997). Between client and therapist: The new relationship. New York: Holt Paperbacks.

Kaklauskas, F. J., Nimanheminda, S., Hoffman, L., & Jack, M. S. (Eds.). (2008). Brilliant sanity: Buddhist approaches to psychotherapy. Colorado Springs, CO: University of the Rockies Press.

Ormont, L. (1992). The group therapy experience: From theory to practice. New York: St. Martin’s Press.

Podvoll, E. M. (2003). Recovering sanity: A compassionate approach to understanding and treating psychosis. Boston: Shambhala.

Safran, J. D. (Ed.). (2003). Psychoanalysis and Buddhism: An unfolding dialogue. Somerville, MA: Wisdom.

Trungpa, C. (1984). Shambhala: The sacred path of the warrior. Boston: Shambhala.

Trungpa, C. (2005). The sanity we are born with: A Buddhist approach to psychology (C. R. Gimian, Ed.). Boston: Shambhala.

Watson, G. (2008). Beyond happiness: Deepening the dialogue between Buddhism, psychotherapy and the mind sciences. London: Karnac Books.

Wegela, K.K. (2014). Contemplative Psychotherapy Essentials: Enriching Your Practice with Buddhist Psychology. New York: Norton.

Wegela, K.K. (2011). What Really Helps: Using Mindfulness & Compassionate Presence To Help, Support, And Encourage Others. Boston: Shambhala.

Wegela, K. K. (2009). The courage to be present: Buddhism, psychotherapy, and the awakening of natural wisdom. Boston: Shambhala.

Welwood, J. (1983). Awakening the heart: East/West approaches to psychotherapy and the healing relationship. Boston: Shambhala.

Yalom, I. (1995). The theory and practice of group psychotherapy. New York: Basic Books.

The Journal of Contemplative Psychotherapy, which was produced by Naropa University’s Contemplative Psychotherapy program, is also a thorough introduction to the field.

Buddhism-Informed Contemplative Counseling

Matt Powers

Connect
with your counselor

Matt Powers

Assistant Director of Graduate Admissions

ABOUT
NAROPA
EVENTS &
COMMUNITY
USER
INFORMATION
SUPPORT
NAROPA
Naropa Logo

2130 Arapahoe Avenue
Boulder, CO 80302

1-800-772-6951

admissions@naropa.edu

Worried about a Student?

MyNaropa
Facebook X-twitter Instagram Youtube Linkedin-in

© 2024 Naropa University. All rights reserved.

YOU ARE READY.

This is where experiential learning meets academic rigor. Where you challenge your intellect and uncover your potential. Where you discover the work you’re moved to do—then use it to transform our world.

“*” indicates required fields

CLOSE

Search Naropa University
Search

Academics

Contemplative education brings together the best of Western scholarship and Eastern world wisdom traditions. Therefore, your pursuit of wisdom at Naropa means learning both about academic subjects and about your own place in the world. This innovative approach places Naropa on the cutting edge of the newest and most effective methods of teaching and learning.  

Admissions & Aid

If you’re seeking an education that resonates with both personal fulfillment and global impact, Naropa could be your top choice. At Naropa, you will experience a comprehensive curriculum that integrates the best of Eastern and Western educational approaches. Explore how Naropa can fuel your journey of intellectual and spiritual development.

Life at Naropa

Through its incredibly vibrant and welcoming community,  “Naropa offers a home for those who aren’t willing to conform to convention—the mystic, the healer, the prophet, the rebel, the artist, the revolutionary, the oddball—those who are incredible contributors to the evolution of society and of our planet.”—Core Associate Professor Zvi Ish-Shalom

The Naropa Difference

How is Naropa different from other universities? At Naropa, a liberal arts education balances rigorous academics with powerful interpersonal skills and self-awareness to educate the whole person. Naropa’s contemplative approach is inspired by Buddhist philosophy and the conviction that we can build a diverse, contemplative, enlightened society when we have transformed education to affirm the basic goodness of every person. 

About Naropa

Located in Boulder, Colorado, Naropa University is a Buddhist-inspired, nonsectarian liberal arts university that is recognized as the birthplace of the mindfulness movement. Naropa offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs that emphasize professional and personal growth, intellectual development, and cultivating compassion. 

Naropa Logo

Naropa Campuses Closed on Friday, March 15, 2024

Due to adverse weather conditions, all Naropa campuses will be closed Friday, March 15, 2024.  All classes that require a physical presence on campus will be canceled. All online and low-residency programs are to meet as scheduled.

Based on the current weather forecast, the Healing with the Ancestors Talk & Breeze of Simplicity program scheduled for Friday evening, Saturday, and Sunday will be held as planned.

Staff that do not work remotely or are scheduled to work on campus, can work remotely. Staff that routinely work remotely are expected to continue to do so.

As a reminder, notifications will be sent by e-mail and the LiveSafe app.  

Regardless of Naropa University’s decision, if you ever believe the weather conditions are unsafe, please contact your supervisor and professors.  Naropa University trusts you to make thoughtful and wise decisions based on the conditions and situation in which you find yourself in.

  • Apply!
  • Apply!
Apply!