The APS Buddhism and Psychology Interest group was established at a meeting in 1998 in Melbourne. Over 30 interested psychologists committed to supporting the group and a committee was formed to take the group forward.

The APS Buddhism and Psychology Interest Group was formed to foster an exploration of the therapeutic possibilities that Buddhism offers. Psychologists, therapists and students from all fields of psychology are invited to participate in regular workshops to learn, share and enhance their therapeutic work.

The three primary functions of the BPIG to APS members include:

1. Peer supervision (a professional requirement for psychologists) in the application of Buddhist principles on psychological practice

2. Ongoing professional development (PD) and education of psychologists related to Buddhist and psychological practices, and

3. Acting as a resource to other psychologist who are not members of the BPIG as well as the general public. In this regard we focus on providing information to the APS regarding the value of Buddhist principles to the practice of psychology.

In collaboration with the BPIG, the Buddhism and Psychology Network was formed to allow non-Australian Psychological Society (APS) members to participate in an active forum in collaboration with the APS Buddhism and Psychology Interest Group. Together, these two groups aim to explore the therapeutic potential of Buddhist principles.

There are branches in South Australia, New South Wales and Victoria.

National Committee

Expressional of Interest Sought 

The Committee is currently seeking Expressions of Interest from people willing to undertake any of the following positions:

1. Secretary 
2. Newsletter Coordinator and Editor
3. Professional Development Series Coordinator, or
4. Inter-State Liaison

Each role involves approximately one-hour per week and extensive support is provided by other committee members. If you would like further information on any of the roles outlined, please contact Neli Martin (National Convenor) at neli.martin@bigpond.com.   

The Victorian Branch

The Victorian Branch of the BPIG is starting up again in 2011 and is looking for interested persons to be involved.  The Branch will be holding events in 2011 (refer to Events page for details) focused on supporting and providing ongoing education to BPIG members. Professional Development topics have included:

• Mindfulness: Its history and applications to modern psychology
• Science, Practice and Philosophy of Mindfulness-based Stress Management and Cognitive Therapy

Contact: Vincent Ciccone, info@kariththerapy.com.au

The South Australian Branch

The APS Buddhism and Psychology Interest Group and Network was started by Michael Anderson in Victoria in 1998, with South Australia following in November 2001 convened by Liana Taylor. While for millions of the world's population Buddhism is a religion, many westerners would say it is not technically a religion since it does not have a god or supernatural being to be worshipped.

Buddhism is a philosophy about a way of life intended to decrease discomfort and suffering and increase clarity of thought (wisdom), calmness of being and ethical behaviour (compassion) which leads to a more joyful and resilient life.

Buddhism is a highly sophisticated and systematised understanding of the nature of mind, and living. Some might say it offers a ‘how to' manual for a wiser and more compassionate life. The interest group is open to all that are interested and presentations are generally aimed at exploring the nexus between Buddhist teachings and the psychotherapeutic endeavour.

Contact: Liana Taylor, SA Coordinator of Buddhism and Psychology Interest Group. Email: liana@mindfulnesscentre.com 

Presentations have included:

Buddhism and the experience and practice of therapy	by Liana Taylor: liana@mindfulnesscentre.com
Cognitive and Buddhist Paradigms for the Treatment of Suffering	by Marc Wilson: marc700@hotmail.com
The Noble eightfold path and the therapeutic dialogue	by Anna Markey: ammarkey@yahoo.com.au
Relative reality, transcendent reality and the yoga bodies,	by Liana Taylor: liana@mindfulnesscentre.com
Mindfulness and awareness from a psychotherapeutic perspective	by Vincent Cicconi (Melbourne): info@kariththerapy.com.au
Do cognitive behavioural therapy and yogic philosophy fit together?	by Brian Johnston: Brian.Johnston@nwahs.sa.gov.au
Meditations for all therapeutic occasions	by Liana Taylor: liana@mindfulnesscentre.com
Therapeutic implications of the Satipatthana Sutra	by Marc Wilson: marc700@hotmail.com
Using Buddhist tools in relationship counselling	by Liana Taylor: liana@mindfulnesscentre.com
An experiential enquiry into the nature of mind: using the ‘paticcasamuppada' (twelvefold dependent arisings)	by Chris Mclean (Sydney): chris_mclean@cloud-gate.net

The Western Australian Branch

 We consist of a small group of BPIG members who meet approximately once a month to discuss Buddhist practices and principles in our psychology practice.  We have interests in Mindfulness based therapies, ACT, Positive Psychology and Buddhist philosophies.  Although some of our meetings are closed for Psychologists and Psychology students, we have also opened up some of our events, particularly those with guest speakers, to non-members who are interested in Psychology and Buddhism.  Our group meetings are for a mixture of educational, professional and social purposes.

 So far in 2012, we’ve had:

 Contact:  Joyce Bok  admin@soulpsych.com.au  (WA Events Coordinator)  for more information.