Dr. Kiran Vadaga - Mindfulness of Feelings from a Buddhist Psychology Perspective

Thoughts on Record: Podcast of the Ottawa Institute of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

Mindfulness is an area of clinical and intellectual focus which has grown tremendously in popularity and includes many secular practices such as breath work, body scanning & self-compassion. OICBT psychologist Dr. Kiran Vadaga joins us for an in-depth conversation in which explore observations around the importance, and potential benefits, of being a more mindful observer of our feelings (particularly those which are pleasant. In this conversation we cover:

• a quick primer on some of the assumptions of Buddhist Psychology; namely, the impermanent nature of reality and the impersonal nature of reality
• why are so quick to struggle against these assumptions
• the four Noble truths (1. there is suffering, 2. there are causes for suffering, 3. there is a way out of suffering 4. the way out of suffering is by following the eightfold noble path)
• contrasting buddhist psychology with the three waves of Western psychology (behavior therapy, cognitive therapy, and secular mindfulness practices)
• current secular mindfulness practices
• current evidence for mindfulness-based interventions
• mindfulness of feelings
• Buddha’s discourse on the Four establishments of mindfulness (i.e., mindfulness of mind, mindfulness of body, mindfulness of feelings, and mindfulness of phenomena
• the law of dependent origination
• a self-inquiry approach around the investigation of the four establishments of mindfulness and the law of dependent origination
• findings and implications in treating different mental ailments (i.e., depression, mania, anxiety, inattention, and addictions)

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Dr. Kiran Vadaga obtained his Ph.D. in clinical psychology from Concordia University, Montreal. He completed his pre-doctoral internship at the McGill University Health center and supervised practice at the Ottawa Institute of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (OICBT). He provides Psychodiagnostic assessment and treatment for adult Attention Deficit Hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), and Borderline personality disorder (BPD). He also provides treatment for adults and the elderly struggling with mood and anxiety-related disorders. Dr. Vadaga uses an integrative approach to treatment drawing from cognitive, behavioral, interpersonal, and mindfulness traditions.
https://www.ottawacbt.ca/mr-kiran-vadaga