I have been interested in the relationship between psychotherapy and spirituality since my early twenties and have, in different ways, through out my professional life tried to understand how they may mutually enhance each other. Because of this I value the spiritual life of those people who work therapeutically with me and do not either ignore it, or worse still, treat it as a psychological illness. What ever a person's particular beliefs and practices I have found that these can make important contributions to the work - even when they are themselves sometimes the very thing that is causing concern.
Further more I particularly value the Buddhist practices of mindfulness meditation, unconditional friendliness and compassion. Mindfulness has recently come to the attention of the NHS, clinical psychology and mindfulness based cognitive behavioural therapy. (MBCBT) In my experience mindfulness, the ability to be consciously aware of our thoughts and feelings in the moment, and unconditional friendliness, can significantly deepen and enhance the experience of psychotherapy. I have lectured and taught extensively around this subject and have, with Elizabeth McCormick, published 'Nothing To Lose, Psychotherapy, Buddhism and Living Life.'
Finally I am a professional member of the Association of Independent Psychotherapists and the College of Psychoanalysts. I am registered with the Council for Psychoanalysis and Jungian Analysis (CPJA) Section of the UK Council for Psychotherapy. I have been a Director of Training at the Centre for Transpersonal Psychology and am a founding member of the Forum for Contemplative Studies.
In my own spiritual life I am a poorly practicing Buddhist.