Integrating Metta Into CBT: How Loving Kindness and Compassion Meditation Can Enhance CBT for Treating Anxiety and Depression
Clinical Psychology in Europe September 18, 2019 Simona Stefan, Stefan G. Hofmann 24 citations
Loving kindness and compassion meditation, traditional Buddhist practices, have been incorporated into psychotherapy with encouraging outcomes. These practices cultivate metta, a mental state of positive energy and kindness toward oneself and others, countering anger, hostility, and self-loathing common in emotional disorders. A qualitative review of the literature suggests metta meditation is especially useful for treating depression and social anxiety, conditions marked by low positive affect and negative self-views. The practice may enhance therapy by fostering adaptive self-images, social connectedness, and positive emotional experiences, addressing shame and hostility while promoting self-acceptance.