Self Psychology and Buddhist Thought

Self Psychology is a therapeutic approach that emphasizes the importance of a cohesive sense of self, developed through healthy relationships and empathic understanding. It focuses on how feeling valued and understood boosts self-esteem and emotional well-being. Buddhist thought, on the other hand, centers on the nature of suffering, impermanence, and the path to enlightenment through mindfulness, compassion, and letting go of attachment. Both emphasize awareness—Self Psychology through understanding oneself in relationships, and Buddhism through mindful observation of one’s thoughts and feelings—guiding individuals toward inner harmony and insight.