Counselor’s Personal Development and the Mindfulness Practices of Thích Nhất Hạnh

Abstract

Prior evidence-based studies indicate that counseling psychology and psychotherapy contribute to clients’ positive outcomes.  In particular, a counselor is one of the crucial factors contributing to positive changes in clients and effectiveness of counseling and psychotherapy. Nowadays, counseling psychology and psychotherapy incorporate Eastern knowledge and practices into traditional approaches. Especially, Thích Nhất Hạnh’s principles of mindfulness practices is incorporated i.e., the nature of human mind, insight meditation, mindfulness practices for daily life, and living together in harmony. These practices have beneficial effects on human mind, enable people to live in harmony with oneself.  For those with interest in self-development, this article presents an approach to professional development for counselors based on Thích Nhất Hạnh’s principles of mindfulness practices.