Saturday, March 2, 2024

9:30 am - 4:00 pm ET

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In what ways does dharma practice function as a kind of ‘self-psychotherapy’? In what ways is dharma entirely unlike psychotherapy? During our day together, we’ll explore how the dharma path overlaps with the healing we might find in psychotherapy: it supports self-understanding, uncovers behavioral patterns and transforms how we relate to our past. Unlike traditional psychotherapy, dharma practice relies on states of concentration, letting go, and surrender that point to cultivations beyond typical psychotherapeutic aims.

The daylong will include periods of meditation, lecture, and discussion. All are welcome.

Meet Your Teacher

Matthew Brensilver

Matthew Brensilver, PhD, MSW, is a member of the Guiding Teachers Committee and Board of Directors at Spirit Rock Meditation Center. He previously served as Program Director for Mindful Schools, and for more than a decade, was a core teacher at Against the Stream Buddhist Meditation Society. He lectures at UCLA’s Mindful Awareness Research Center about the intersections between mindfulness and mental health. Before committing to teach meditation full-time, he spent years doing research on addiction pharmacotherapy at the UCLA Center for Behavioral and Addiction medicine. He is the co-author of two books about meditation for adolescents.

More Information

  • Equity Pricing Model

    As one part of our ongoing effort to expand access to the teachings of the Buddha, all IMS Online programs feature equity-based registration fees, including the opportunity to self-select a low-cost scholarship rate. No-fee enrollment is available for those who request a fee-waiver at [email protected], no questions asked. Our system supports the cultivation of a dynamic and inclusive community and is made possible by our generous donors and those who choose to support other students by contributing at the “Benefactor” level.

  • Registration Deadline

    Registration for this program closes on March 2, 2024 at 8:00 am ET.

  • Program Recordings

    This program will be recorded and made available for on-demand viewing after the live sessions. On-demand videos will be available to registered participants only for 90 days.

  • Additional Questions

    If you have additional questions please contact us at [email protected].