BOULDER, Colo. (May 24, 2010)—Naropa University and FACES Conferences present the inaugural Boulder Institute on Mindfulness, “Buddhism and Psychology: The Art of Counseling” held from July 28-31 at the St. Julien Hotel & Spa, Boulder CO 80302. For more information, visit Naropa’s web site.

The keynote speakers include Daniel J. Siegel, MD, author and associate clinical professor of psychiatry, UCLA School of Medicine; Jack Kornfield, PhD, author and founder of the Spirit Rock Meditation Center; and Karen Kissel Wegela, PhD, author and professor of contemplative psychotherapy, Naropa University.
The overarching goal of the conference is to highlight emerging and relevant issues in the field of mental health, which are opening new approaches and directions in the field of Buddhist psychology, and validating existing theories and methodologies.

The conference attracts psychologists, social workers, and counselors of all types to engage in dialogues and seminars about such diverse topics as interpersonal neurobiology in psychotherapy and the application of mindfulness in counseling.

Keynote speaker Karen Kissel Wegela says, “This inaugural collaboration between FACES conferences and faculty members from Naropa's Buddhist-inspired Contemplative Psychotherapy program gives us a wonderful opportunity to share what we've been learning about the integration of Buddhist teachings and psychotherapy over the past 35 years. At the same time, we in Boulder will be exposed to some of the most exciting speakers in the field. It promises to be a rich feast."

This conference highlights an emerging trend in the field of psychotherapy: the inclusion of mindfulness in counseling. National conversation in the field shows that mindfulness awareness has already been proven to enhance psychotherapy. Current research shows that the benefits of mindfulness can help us explore aspects of ourselves that are not ordinarily noticed, experiences that occur below our level of consciousness.

By helping clients to develop mindfulness, therapists assist their clients in becoming more grounded in their bodies, aware of their emotions, and able to recognize the contents of their minds without judging what they find. Learning to do this helps clients with a variety of challenges including anxiety, depression, and other forms of suffering.

However, mindfulness is more than just a stress-reliever, says Naropa Contemplative Counseling Psychology Department Chair and conference presenter, Lauren Casalino, “The benefits of mindfulness, when combined with an understanding of what causes suffering, can extend far beyond stress-reduction into the realization of compassion and wisdom.”

Since 1986, FACES Conferences has been providing Mental Health CE Conferences for social workers, psychologists, mental health professionals and drug/alcohol counselors. FACES Conference offer an engaging, friendly retreat like settings to earn you CE's. FACES Conferences is dedicated to bringing you the very best speakers on the forefront of psychology and emerging issues in the mental health, mindfulness and drug & alcohol recovery fields. Our highly respected and recognized speakers are leaders in their field, selected for both their expertise and ability to present.

Naropa University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. Naropa University is a private, nonprofit, nonsectarian liberal arts institution dedicated to advancing contemplative education. This approach to learning integrates the best of Eastern and Western educational traditions, helping students know themselves more deeply and engage constructively with others. The university comprises a four-year undergraduate college and graduate programs in the arts, education, environmental leadership, psychology and religious studies.

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