The Zen of Helping (eBook)

Andrew Bein, PhD, LCSW, has twenty-three years of experience as a clinician, consultant trainer, and researcher. His professional experience includes work in child welfare, public schools/special education, youth programs, multiservice centers, substance abuse, and private practice. Dr. Bein has been a Zen student for ten years and is a Full Professor with the Division of Social Work at California State University, Sacramento.

Foreword Edward R.Canada, PhD ix

Foreword Joan Halifax Roshi, PhD xiii

Preface xv

Acknowledgments xxi

1 A Spiritual Helping Framework for Our Clients and Ourselves Beyond Spiritual Neutrality 1

2 Sitting with Clients on Uncertain Ground: Strong Back, Soft Front Beyond Evidence-Based Practice 9

3 Radical Acceptance of Clients, Context, and Self Beyond Carl Rogers' Positive Regard 27

4 Mindfulness: Steadying the Mind and Being Present Beyond Empathy Skills and Counter-Transference 47

5 Curiosity, Compassionate Caring, and Inspiration Beyond Professional Warmth 71

6 Bearing Witness to Trauma and Pain Beyond Clinical Distance 97

7 The Middle Way: Embracing Contradiction and Paradox Beyond Dualistic Thinking 135

8 Having the Conversation: Making Space for Client Spirituality Beyond the Great Taboo 153

9 Dealing with Failure Beyond Cognitive Solutions and the Paradigm of Blame 163

10 Swimming Upstream with a Warrior's Heart Beyond Working a Human Services Job 175

Appendix Brief Introduction to Buddhism and Zen 185

References 191

Index 195

"....aims to guide workers dealing with difficult clients with wrenching problems." (The Sacramento Bee, 9/14/08)

"Andrew Bein's The Zen of Helping provides a
wonderfully insightful, compassionate, and practical resource. Few
publications provide the helping professional with guidance on how
to develop the presence, nonjudgmental acceptance, compassion, and
connection that are at the heart of helping relationships. Dr. Bein
fills this gap in a compelling volume that reflects his extensive
experience as a teacher and helping professional, combined with his
deep grounding in Zen practice, and his compassionate caring in
response to human suffering. I highly recommend this book."

--Alfred W. Kaszniak, Ph.D., University of Arizona, Head,
Department of Psychology, Professor of Psychology, Neurology, &
Psychiatry

"Through the gathering of wisdom of his teachers, the insights
of his own clinical experience, and the deep spiritual exploration
of his own personal journey, Dr. Bein has created a remarkable
roadmap of "pointing instructions" and guidance through the
complexities of our hearts and minds for all of us in the healing
professions. His book is valuable tool for anyone engaged in the
work of healing the suffering of others, and the work of healing
the suffering of one's self."

--Larry Yang, LCSW, Guiding Dharma Teacher, East Bay
Meditation Center, Oakland, CA

"The Zen of Helping offers spiritual principles and
practice wisdom in a profound yet delightfully readable manner.
While grounded in Zen thought, concepts are presented in a
framework accessible and acceptable to helping professionals from
diverse spiritual traditions. Readers will find guidance for
self-care as well as for effective practice in this deep and
thoughtful book. This book makes a significant contribution to the
literature on spirituality and counseling practice."

--Ann W. Nichols, PhD, Arizona State University, School of
Social Work and Director, Society for Spirituality and Social
Work

"The Zen of Helping is a must-read, must-have book for
anyone who is serious about helping those in need of care,
understanding, and comfort. It is relevant across the spectrum from
the novice student to the experienced therapist. Detailed case
examples and personal narratives breathe life into this nuanced and
revealing, well-crafted, multi-dimensional book."

--Shauna L. Smith, MSW, MFT, co-founder, Therapists for Social
Responsibility

"I have read the book with great heart and joy. It is so
well-written, original, clear, helpful, and wise. I think this book
will be an invaluable contribution, not only to social work, but
many other disciplines."

--Joan Halifax Roshi, Ph.D., Upaya Zen Center