The therapeutic relationship provides the container for the healing potential of therapy; without it, therapy becomes like a skeleton, devoid of aliveness and promise. The quality of the therapist’s presence is an essential ingredient for the transformational process of therapy. We, the therapists, are the instruments that either foster a healing experience or get in the way of it. But what is meant by ‘therapeutic presence’? What aspects of the therapist’s self, attitude, mental state and stance contributes to ‘presence’? How can we prepare our minds, hearts and bodies to be fine-tuned and on note, what in us requires our intentional cultivation? The teachings of the Buddha offer detailed guidance and a clear pathway to establishing a healing presence within and in the relational space.

This two-hour online workshop explores practical ways available to the therapist to foster the quality of their presence based on the teachings of the Buddha. No prior knowledge of Buddhist teachings is required. This is a non-religious, intellectually rigorous framework based on the ancient teachings of the Buddha.