Purchase your copy of Meditation for Psychotherapists
About the book
Meditation for Psychotherapists provides students and practitioners of psychotherapy with specific meditation techniques.
Chapters offer a comprehensive theoretical and practical approach as an adjunct to established professional development tools. This is the first time specific bespoke meditation techniques have been connected to different therapeutic modalities, building on the author’s already published work.
The book is accompanied with audio-guided meditations and courses directed to an international audience across multiple psychotherapy models.
Get to know the author
Dr Alexander Ross trained and practised as a medical doctor before qualifying as a psychodynamic psychotherapist at the Tavistock and has over a decade’s experience working with people in mental distress. Dr Ross currently works as a psychotherapist in an NHS acute crisis service and in private practice in London, UK. Dr Ross has been meditating for fifteen years with a range of different approaches, finding his home in the Thai Forest Buddhist tradition.
Critics’ Reviews
"Psychological therapies have enormous potential to alleviate suffering and transform people’s lives. But they depend on psychological therapists who are both skilled and resourced to do this important and challenging work. Research tells us which therapies are effective and regardless of therapy modality that the therapist is important. This book seeks to resource therapists with mindfulness; more than this to match specific meditation techniques to therapeutic modalities.
With clarity, deep subject knowledge and a wealth of experience, this book sets out how mindfulness can support therapists in their work. Recognising that therapists bring themselves to work, Dr Ross explains how mindfulness can support their effectiveness, but also ensure they are nourished to do the work.
The book is imbued with three interwoven strands that together give it its strength. First, Dr Ross is an experienced therapist, and draws on a wealth of experience that brings the book to life and lends it humanity. Second, he walks the talk of clarity, compassion, courage, and a sense of optimism about psychotherapeutic work. Third, he draws together a deep understanding of both therapy and Buddhism. Finally, he weaves these strands together masterfully into a compelling and powerful weft.
Several research studies suggest that therapists who learn mindfulness do better personally and professionally. This is a book any therapist with an interest in mindfulness should read to enrich their work.”
Willem Kuyken
Ritblat Professor of Mindfulness and Psychological Science, University of Oxford
"Mindfulness has gained great popularity in recent years, but few seem to dive deeply into other types of meditation. Dr. Alexander Ross has put together a marvelously broad overview of many forms of meditation and how they relate to the various schools of psychotherapy. Providing more than just academic descriptions, Dr. Ross expresses insights from the depth of his own personal practice. Highly recommended for those who would like to integrate their psychotherapy with sophisticated meditation practices, complete with scripts and questions to process the exercises."
Richard Jishou Sears
PsyD, psychologist, Zen master, and author of Mindfulness: Living Through Challenges and Enriching Your Life in This Moment
"With clarity and precision, Dr Ross deftly blends together Western psychology, neuroscience, physiology, and meditation practices, creating a superb guide for mental health practitioners looking to understand and use meditation as a clinical anchor and ally. The volume is a remarkable addition to the ongoing important dialogue between Western therapeutic approaches and the timeless wisdom of contemplative practices."
Fiona Brandon
MA, MFT, contemplative psychotherapist and co-editor of Advances in Contemplative Psychotherapy
Audio Guided Meditations
Establishing the Frame and Exploring the Breath
The Psychoanalytic Stance - Developing Internal Listening, Countertransference
Person-Centred Counselling - Developing Unconditional Positive Regard
Mentalisation-Based Therapy - Developing and Maintaining Mentalising in Group Work
The Psychoanalytic Stance - Developing External Listening, Evenly Suspended Attention
The Psychoanalytic Stance - Developing Internal Listening, Reveries
Existential Psychotherapy - A Phenomenological Reflection
The Psychoanalytic Stance - Developing External Listening, Without Memory or Desire and Negative Capability
Body-Centred Psychotherapy - Developing Somatic Awareness, Body Scanning
Mentalisation-Based Therapy - Developing the Mentalising Stance
Meditation Courses
From February I will be running courses for therapists to learn more about practising meditation in-person in London, UK and also online. Please complete the form below to express interest and I’ll be in touch with further information: