A Qualitative Study on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: The Appropriation of Eastern Practices or the Practice of Mindfulness?

Abstract

The authors describe the appropriation of Eastern notions and techniques by the cognitive-behavioral therapy approaches. They present the field of the new developments of cognitive- behavioral therapy in Argentina and the therapist´s practice. At first, they describe the relationship between the area of Eastern methods and cognitive-behavioral therapies. Secondly, they propose the analysis of the cognitive-behavioral therapist to understand the main reasons for choosing this model considering the evaluation of positive results, the role of spirituality, scientific aspects, and personal experience. Through the analysis of the two fields, they conclude that there are an appropriation and standardization of techniques from yoga and meditation by cognitive behavioral therapy without a religious argument; which allows the transformation of a spiritual language into a psychological practice.