Contemplative studies are integrated into clinical mental health counseling in order to promote one’s natural drive towards self-exploration, self-awareness, and self-actualization. This panel comprises counseling professionals and current doctoral candidates who specialize in various mental health-related topics, including interpersonal trauma, identity and the holistic self, and substance-use treatment. Panelists will create an interactive and discussion-based program that emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and integration of contemplative practices in order to work therapeutically with their populations of interests and within their area of specialty. The panel will conclude with addressing why this collaboration and integration is of fundamental importance in the counseling field.
