Vedanta Meets CBT: An Introductory Exploration for Cognitive-Behavioural Therapists

Abstract

From the Indian context, Vedanta, the end of knowledge, has a positive connotation regarding mental health. CBT is an effective psychotherapy for anxiety and depression and it’s essential and its principles are based on Vedanta philosophy. Integrating Vedanta into CBT may make the latter more palatable and more effective. The following article aims to review research with a focus on applying Vedanta to CBT for depression and anxiety. However, this paper revealed that moderation of depressive and anxiety symptoms occurs earlier in treatment when CBT includes spirituality in its procedure although the modifying result will be the same at follow-up. Due to such literature, the authors give suggestions about implementing Vedantic principles and practices into CBT contingent on evidence that existing components of spirituality boost mental health. This paper is concerned with a particular type of spiritual integration into the practice of psychotherapy, namely, the practice of psychotherapy by the Vedanta. Analyzing it in a literal way, this branch of a psychological current mixed two different zones, four schools of therapy, and Vedanta within recognition of traditions, but with the formation of something completely different.