Meditation as a Form of Psychotherapy Essay Example Essay Example

Meditation as a Form of Psychotherapy   Essay Example Paper Meditation as a Form of Psychotherapy   Essay Introduction Although meditation practices have been in use for over 3000 years they have only been introduced into Western society in the last half a century (Walsh 1995). Before the 1960’s meditation was rarely practiced and was widely misunderstood, labelled as â€Å"an attempt at psychological and physical regression. . . a sort of artificial schizophrenia† (Alexander et al 1946, cited in Walsh 1995: 388) by a well known psychiatrist. Recently, however, psychologists have become aware of the psychotherapeutic aspects of meditation. These aspects have proven to be so beneficial that meditation has even been controversially labelled by some as a form of psychotherapy (Walsh 1995). HOW MEDITATION FITS INTO THE DEFINITION OF ‘PSYCHOTHERAPY’ Contraversy over the labelling of meditation as a form of psychotherapy both arises and is resolved in the ambiguous nature of psychotherapy itself. The general definition of psychotherapy could be classed as: A formal process involv ing a professional and legally trained ‘therapist’ helping a person who has distress or disfunction in the areas of emotion, cognition, or behaviour. The therapist has a logical theory about how the problem developed and treats the patient in relation to this theory. (Based on Corsini 1995). Meditation as a Form of Psychotherapy   Essay Body Paragraphs Based on this definition some argue that meditation is not a psychotherapy because no professional therapist is needed, it can be be practiced purely on an individual basis (Walsh 1995). However, the above definition, although seemingly comprehensive, does not completely fit many Western psychotherapies that are formally acknowledged (Corsini 1995). One such therapy is Freud’s ‘self-therapy’ which involves looking into ones own inner psychological processes(Corsini 1995; Walsh 1995). A similar concept was developed by the founder of academic psychology, Wilhelm Wundt, it was called ‘introspection’ and involved the study of one’s own consciousness (Matlin 1995). Both ‘self-therapy’ and ‘introspection’ do not require a therapist and can be done individually yet they are still considered as valid forms of psychotherapy. Whilst meditation can be done alone, beginners usually learn the practice through a trained and skilled meditation master or guru. This meditation master can be seen to fit into the general definition of ‘psychotherapy’ mentioned above in that he often fulfils the same roles as the ‘therapist’ of western psychotherapy by dealing with his ‘student’s’ problems based on a logical theory. Like western psychotherapies different meditations are based on different theories and have different spiritual purposes. These different spiritual purposes do not seem to have different effects upon their psychotherapeutic benefits. All meditation techniques seem to have the same therapeutic benefit to the same specified disorders. THE THERAPUTIC ASPECTS OF MEDITATION Therapeutic aspects of meditation include relaxation, stress management, and management of some psychological and psychophysical (physical symptoms are affected by psychological processes) disorders (Bernstein, Roy, Srull, and Wickens 1991; Walsh 1995). Research has shown that meditation decre ases generalised and phobic anxiety disorders, it can also decrease drug and alcohol use and be beneficial to patients in psychiatric hospitals (Walsh 1995). Uses of meditation for psychophysilogical problems can be seen in its use in rehabilitation after heart attacks, treatment of bronchial asthma and irregular heartbeat, management of chronic pain, and reduction of high blood pressure (Walsh 1995). Psychologically ‘healthy’ individuals also benefit from meditation. They score better than non meditators on tests of general psychological well-being (Walsh 1995). Research has shown that they are generally more confident and have higher self esteem, marital satisfaction, academic achievement, creativity, and cognitive development than non meditators (Walsh 1995). Meditators also report higher self-actualisation (Walsh 1995), which is the strive to reach their highest potential (Matlin 1995). MEDITATION VS RELAXATION Taking the above into consideration meditation is no le ss a form of psychotherapy than any Western therapy. It should be noted, however, that many of the positive effects that meditation has on psychological and psychophysical problems, such as high blood pressure and anxiety, can also be achieved through various relaxation techniques and sometimes through hypnosis (Berstein, Srull, Roy and Wickens 1991; Matlin 1995). Even still, these techniques usually involve aspects of meditation such as following the breath. However, relaxation techniques can be seen as a psychotherapy of their own, and, just because another form of psychotherapy can produce the same results as meditation can, this does not mean that meditation is any less valid a form of psychotherapy itself. There are almost as many psychotherapies as there are disorders (Zimbardo 1991) many of these therapies also produce the same results and have similar success rates as each other but are not considered any less valid. PARALLELS BETWEEN WESTERN AND EASTERN PSYCHOTHERAPIES Look ing at the theory and techniques behind Western psychotherapies and Eastern meditation practices it is possible to find parallels between disciplines. The theories and concepts surrounding Buddhism and Buddhist meditation, for instance, can be likened to concepts of cognitive psychology (a psychological field which believes that mental process and behaviour can be explained through cognitive process’ [Matlin 1995]). Like cognitive psychologists Buddhists see ignorance (avijja ), or false beliefs, as the source of all suffering (dukkha ) and believe the remedy for this suffering is understanding (pana ). (Johansson 1979; Guenther 1974; Bucknell and Kang 1997; Lecture 1998). Cognitive psychologists differ in their methods of correcting incorrect thought, some are more likely to instruct and lecture ‘clients’ in relation to the problem, others are more likely to encourage ‘clients’ to discover and test irrational belief on their own, many combine these approaches (Bernstein, Roy, Srull and Wickens 1991; Beck and Weishaar 1995; Matlin 1995). In Buddhist psychotherapy ‘students’ are also ‘taught’ the aspects suffering and incorrect thought as well as encouraged to look at personal experiences to gain an understanding of incorrect thought through meditation(Kiyota 1978;Walsh 1995). DIFFERENCES BETWEEN EASTERN AND WESTERN PSYCHOTHERAPIES Although there are several likeness’ between certain Western psychotherapies and Asian psychotherapies such as meditation there are also some important differences. Firstly, in Asian psychotherapies the difference between psychological and spiritual healing is ill defined. Students partake in meditation to gain spiritual enlightenment, the psychological benefits are merely steps in reaching a higher goal. Western psychologies usually separate spirituality from psychology. Psychologists deal with processes that concern the physical world, they do not attempt to ‘h eal’ clients using spiritual methods. Secondly, Asian psychotherapies are belief based. Theories about psychological problems and there causes are not based on measurable evidence. Although the effects and stages of meditation are methodologically and consistently documented in religions such as Buddhism the theories and practices and the reasons for the effects have not been empirically tested. In most Western psychotherapies, excluding Freud’s psychoanalyctic method, theories can be empirically tested. For example, a social cognitive psychologist may believe that depression is caused by negative and pessimistic thought (Matlin 1995). The psychologist would test this theory, probably using a survey which determined pessimism. Comparing the results of depressive and psychologically ‘healthy’ individuals, the psychologist would be able to discover whether his/her theory was consistent. Perhaps the most greatest difference, however, is that all but a few the rapists in Western Psychotherapies see the ‘normal’, or average, psychological health as optimum and usually only ‘treat’ people who are below this level (Walsh 1995). Asian psychotherapies, such as meditation, on the other hand, believe that our current state of consciousness is far from optimum and aim to reach higher levels. They note that ‘our minds are usually filled with a flux of unrecognisable thoughts, images, internal dialogues, and fantasies that distort and reduce awareness'(Walsh 1995: 391). An example of this is the ‘day dream’ in which we lose track of the conscious world for a brief moment and slip into fantasy (Walsh 1995). In relation to this, Asian psychotherapies see the average psychological state as a psychological disorder which involves aversion, addiction, and ignorance (Walsh 1995). They believe that full psychological health is only reached when these three phenomena are abolished (Kiyota 1978) and enlightenment is reached (Walsh 1995). CONCLUSION Meditation has been interpreted and misunderstood in Western society until the last half of this century. Psychologists and the general public are only now beginning to realise the benefits of meditation, not only for spiritual, but also for psychophysical and psychological health. Controversy over meditation’s validity as a psychotherapy arises due to a lack of understanding about what a psychotherapy is as well as the fact that relaxation causes similar therapeutic effects. Although meditation does not completely fit the general definition of ‘psychotherapy’, other psychotherapies have also been seen not to . Relaxation can be considered merely another psychotherapy achieving the same means as meditation. Therefore, meditation is a form of psychotherapy. It even has close links with many aspects of Western approaches such as cognitive psychology. Meditation has some differences such as a spiritual techniques, a spiritual bel ief base of theory, and a different definition of psychologically health. These differences, however, do not make it any less a form of psychotherapy. The positive results meditation has upon certain psychological and psychophysical disorders are proof enough that meditation is a valid, consistent and effective means of psychotherapy. We will write a custom essay sample on Meditation as a Form of Psychotherapy   Essay Example specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Meditation as a Form of Psychotherapy   Essay Example specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Meditation as a Form of Psychotherapy   Essay Example specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer

A Startling Fact about 2007 Ap Language Test Essay Samples Uncovered

A Startling Fact about 2007 Ap Language Test Essay Samples Uncovered Ruthless Ap Language Test Essay Samples Strategies Exploited In different cases, you could be asked about function on a bigger scale. It's far better explicitly state the device, states Landeis. The previous element is particularly crucial as it's the core of your essay. Each one directs you to finish a particular kind of response. It enables you to form the greatest possible argument. A couple of reviewers do note that if you're already a cozy Japanese-speaker, you might use this guide to get ready for the test by brushing up on test-taking methods. Later in the argument you'll be able to deal with unstated principal to back up your enthymeme. Tie every claim you make to a bit of evidence to make sure the ideal essay possible. Cigarette companies aren't the only ones advertising though. They all have a different effects. If you truly feel as if you still need more help or you're not sure you may do it by yourself, look no more. Fortunately, there are other study materials readily available online. Once you select the essay back up at the close of the week, then you may read the totally free response as though you're an outsider scoring your paper. The second part of the test is known as the free-response section. You don't need to find every question correct to get the maximum score (800) for the t est. Taking the test also provides you with the chance to showcase your interests and improve your college application. If you can't determine what the question is, return and reread the prompt. The free-response questions typically require that you read a brief passage and analyze what you've read. The multiple-choice questions require that you read a passage and answer questions which deal with what you've read. Knowing the question you're answering is the most significant portion of AP writing. The Fight Against 2007 Ap Language Test Essay Samples Occasionally it's helpful to observe how others were able to get over the difficult first-line hump. It is wise to look for the one which has a great reputation and offers high-quality papers at very affordable prices. Therefore, many students and employees decide to get cheap essay rather than writing it themselves. It can only boost your score. Doing this will enhance your AP writing. However, you must be closely familiarized with more than 1 work so that you could be ready for whatever theme the College Board throws at you! AP instructors are given a score sheet showing the individual score for every one of their students, in addition to some score info and national averages. If you wish to track your scores, you can earn a completely free account with Varsity Tutors, but it's not essential in order to access the quizzes. Analysis comes much more easily in case you have experience on either side of the process, she says, although she adds that it's important to maintain an open mind about poetry also. Bubble just like you've never bubbled before and you may squeeze a couple more correct answers from the offer. Bridget's essay is quite strong, but there continue to be a couple little things that could be made better. In the first ten minutes, you want to stick to these steps. Twenty-five minutes is sufficient time to create each one of the writing needed for a fantastic score.

Research Paper Topics For School Counseling

Research Paper Topics For School CounselingTeaching in schools and universities, the American research paper topics for school counseling is one of the fundamental tasks. Being a research subject is very interesting as they are simple subjects and can be answered simply and easily.The papers are more general in their application as they have the basic subjects such as the biology and anthropology. All the students are required to prepare a research paper topics for school counseling to be able to pass the school counseling examinations. These examinations are for the benefit of the schools as the examiners will determine how well the student would do in the department.Students should include these papers with basic subjects because these have long lists of details that one must answer. The main topics included in the research papers are the impact of globalization and the way the students are educating themselves. A good research paper topics for school counseling can even explain so me elementary health problems of the students.The main ideas about the topic must be given, but also details that may be of interest. These are what are called abstracts. Abstracts are written after the main idea and then the corresponding paragraph which is the actual subject of the paper.The most important thing in writing research papers is the subject which is the next to be written. Each subject is also considered as a separate project. A student should understand that there are separate projects for each subject and must choose which project he wants to write. The student has to write one for every subject.Every subject is the main topic so, every subject has an order in which it is to be written. A student should remember that the research paper topics for school counseling cannot be used only as a basis for the other subjects but are to be written according to the order of the subject. For example, the literature area should be the third topic, and not the fourth.To ensure t hat the student can use his research papers according to the order of the different subjects, a student should start with the most important and the least important subject and write one after that. This way the students can choose the right topic to write and they can write it in the order of the subjects.

What You Need to Know About College Essay Writing

What You Need to Know About College Essay WritingYour first college essay should be a writing introduction to your college experience. It is a good idea to write one after your first semester or two in college. The purpose of the introduction is to explain why you are attending college and what you hope to get out of it.To begin your introduction, think about the purpose of the essay. Is it simply to review what you learned at school? Or are you writing an outline for your college experience? You may also want to create an essay about why you decided to go to college in the first place. Think about your motivations in addition to your strengths.Writing an introduction is generally very easy. As with any writing assignment, you should focus on the material and be factual. Don't feel pressured by reading a whole book! Feel free to refer to your course work or references whenever you can. Try to leave some room for the writer's opinion, as well.You can also use essays to help with the c ollege-going process. Write an essay before the term starts to help you prepare for the next term. Make sure you take notes during class so that you can remember the assignments you need to take. There will be many college essays to write in the coming year, so the ideas you have will help you plan your own future.When you begin writing your essay, make sure to ask the academic adviser for help. This way, you will get feedback about the essay and what is and isn't acceptable. It can be tricky, but it can be done. It's all about timing, so get it done soon.So, what do you need to know about the college essay? Well, you must read, write, and rewrite your own introduction. Once you have completed this task, you will be ready to start writing your essay. Be sure to have it finished by the due date so that you don't waste time.Writing a college essay is much more than preparing a paper for your class. It is an important part of your college experience. With that in mind, start now. Think about your goals for the future, your strengths, and any other information you may need to address.

How to Read Literature Like a Professor

How to Read Literature Like a ProfessorWhen you are looking for sample essays that have the best literary characteristics, you can find all of these types of sample essays online. Most colleges, universities, and business schools now offer samples of different types of literary articles to help their students.You can even find out how to read literature like a professor in the universities if they are making use of online sources as sample essays. This is because online resources are easily accessible and you can easily access them anywhere you want to go. There are thousands of college and university websites that offer these samples. If you want to improve your essay skills, this is the best way to do it.One of the best places where you can get sample essays from is the internet. There are plenty of websites that offer free samples of essay that you can use for your own purposes. As long as you have an Internet connection, then you can also learn how to read literature like a profe ssor.The good thing about sample essays online is that there are several websites that will give you feedback and answers to your questions. These samples will definitely make you a better writer. Since these articles are available online, you can search for them and come across various different articles.For example, you can find online writing samples for critical essays that you can use. These essay samples include essays that deal with different issues related to your subject. The point is that if you have a talent in writing and if you have an idea of how to get to the core of the subject, then you can always come across these samples online. If you want to know how to read literature like a professor, then you should take advantage of this opportunity.Online resources can be found anywhere. There are lots of websites where you can find all of the essays that are available online. In order to get the best ones, you should make use of this option and not just rely on the books t hat you read in college or university.Online resources are easily accessible. If you want to learn how to read literature like a professor, then you can always use these online sources.