Zen and the Heart of Psychotherapy [Hardcover]

Robert Rosenbaum (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1, 1998 | ISBN-10: 0876308914 | ISBN-13: 978-0876308912 | Edition: 1

In this text, the author - a practicing psychotherapist - explores the challenges and joys of making our life a coherent whole. Psychotherapy addresses our sense of fragmentation in an effort to help us be uniquely ourselves. Zen Buddhist practice insists we find ourselves on every moment of our lives; it speaks to the basic connectedness of all things. This book attempts to intergrate the two. Each chapter takes a short Buddhist text and explores what it teaches about the obstacles and openings inherent in practicing psychotherapy. Through the stories of his clients' and his own difficulties and discoveries, the author invites each reader to actualize the fundamental point: to realize the joy and compassion that comes when we touch the basic ground of life, and put it into play in our everyday activity.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 336 pages
• Publisher: Routledge; 1 edition (September 1, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0876308914
• ISBN-13: 978-0876308912
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.2 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,454,489 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Carl Rogers meets the Buddha, August 12, 2000

By 

Darren (Jersey Shore, NJ USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Zen and the Heart of Psychotherapy (Hardcover)

I highly recommend this book for anyone who practices psychotherapy and who truly wants to be 'engaged' in a genuine process with their clients. Zen and the Heart of Psychotherapy uncovers a process of mutual growth and transformation that can occur for both the client AND the therapist using basic Zen principles and ideas. This book does not get encumbered in Eastern ambiguity or unnecessary and technical Buddhist semantics. Regardless of your or your client's spiritual belief system, the ideas presented can be considered universally and are useful in not only forging a strong therapeutic alliance in the here and now, but also for faciliating growth, transformation and healing of mind, body and spirit.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best book on zen and psychotherapy I have read, November 16, 1999

By 

John T. Blackledge, Ph. D. - See all my reviews

This review is from: Zen and the Heart of Psychotherapy (Paperback)

I have read both of Mark Epstein's books on buddhism and psychotherapy, as well as David Brazier's book. No offense intended to those authors, but Rosenbaum's book was by far the most exceptional one. While his liberal use of zen terms might be a little off-putting to 'pure' therapists, the messages conveyed should be extremely helpful, both for working with clients and in learning to live more fulfilling lives ourselves. While the book is directed mainly toward therapists, clients (and everyone else, for that matter)would likely be drawn in as well. Therapists intrigued by Rosenbaum's book should also check out "Acceptance and Commitment Therapy" by Hayes, Strosahl,& Wilson.

5.0 out of 5 stars Zen and the Heart of Psychotherapy, May 6, 2010

By 

Dr. LPC "Therapist" (St. Louis, MO) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Zen and the Heart of Psychotherapy (Paperback)

Such a great book! It refreshes me and reminds me of the power of being present. A must read for all mental health therapists.