Tamarchenko, E. (2018). The Application of the Buddhist Idea of Non-sSelf to Western Psychotherapy Practices. Pioneer Academic Journal, 5, 143–149. 

Wake Forest University

Buddhist concepts of anatta, the view that there is not an intrinsic, fixed self, and impermanence, the view that things are in perpetual flux, could be beneficial to western psychotherapy in helping the clients recognize the inner cause of suffering and appreciate the non-dual nature of reality. Buddhism suggested that cessation of mental suffering requires one to detach from the view that there is a fixed, permanent self that exists independently of other beings and see the constantly changing nature of things. This idea of not-self and impermanence could be combined with modern psychotherapy, which seems to be missing the mark by trying to teach patients how to deal with outside problems, not realizing they can be the result of inner malfunction. With Buddhist perspectives adding in, psychotherapy can be a person-centered process wherein the therapist is not trying to fix what goes wrong,, but explore with the clients what it means to be a self and develop the ability to undo false constructions.

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