LADS 6374 Studies in Psychology: Mindfulness: History, Religion, Philosophy, Practice.

Instructor:     Dr. Vagdevi Meunier

Master of Arts in Counseling Program

Meditation and Mindfulness practices from Buddhism have become very
popular in the United States especially in the field of stress management,
treatment of anxiety and borderline personality, and even couples therapy.
In order to understand these techniques and use them effectively in
counseling, it is important to understand and appreciate the history,
context, culture, and philosophical roots of mindfulness or contemplative
practices in various traditions, the impact of Eastern philosophy and
thought on counseling, and why Buddhism in particular has gained such
popularity.  Emerging connections between Buddhist knowledge and research
in interpersonal neurobiology, psychophysiology, and the mind-body
literature may explain why these eastern concepts have taken hold in the
west.   This course will cover the practical and clinical aspects of
mindfulness and meditation techniques in counseling as well as provide the
student with a balanced critical and complex understanding of the history,
religion, philosophy, and roots of contemplative practice in several
religions.  MLA students will have the opportunity to customize this course to their field of study.

Texts:

Goleman, D. (1996).  The Meditative Mind: Varieties of Meditative Experience.  Publisher: Tarcher

Kornfield, J. (2009).  The Wise Heart: A Guide to the Universal Teachings of Buddhist Psychology. Publisher: Bantam Books.