Abstract

It is proposed that Zen concepts have important theoretical and practical applications in the Western psychotherapeutic relationship. The theory and background of Zen are discussed. Three concrete applications of Zen are presented: Zen meditation, the martial arts, and indigenous Japanese psychotherapies. It is argued that successful applications of Zen in meditation, the martial arts and indigenous Japanese therapies lay a theoretical and concrete framework for the application of a Zen perspective to the western psychotherapeutic relationship. Karate-do, aikido and Morita therapy are discussed in particular as models for a Zen application to Western psychotherapy. Philosophies of science are presented and discussed in relation to a Zen method of experience and investigation. Six key tenets of Zen are outlined and examined: experience versus the language of experience; the integration of opposites; the importance of breathing, posture and flexibility; the acceptance of things as they are; doing what needs to be done; and time and space as one. The implications of these six tenets for the Western psychotherapeutic relationship are discussed. It is argued that important and beneficial applications of these tenets may be accomplished in the Western psychotherapeutic relationship, and that these applications facilitate and promote client healing and growth. Operational models of clinical interaction and clinical training that incorporate Zen are proposed. Zen is defined as a model of action and investigation that is grounded in the integration of experience. It is argued that Zen offers a paradigm of integration to the Western psychotherapeutic relationship, and that such a paradigm incorporates therapist flexibility, non-defensiveness and non-resistance in the service of client healing and growth