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In this episode of The Practitioner's Heart podcast, host Poh Gan introduces herself, sharing her journey as a psychologist and Buddhist practitioner. She explores the intersection of psychology, Buddhist wisdom, culture, and identity, emphasizing the importance of decolonizing spiritual practices in therapy. Poh discusses her challenges as a first-generation Asian immigrant and neurodivergent therapist, advocating for the authentic integration of spiritual traditions into therapeutic practice to support collective healing and awakening. Through her reflections and personal stories, Poh aims to inspire therapists and healthcare professionals to embrace their unique identities and cultivate inner resources for sustainable practice.

00:00 Introduction to The Practitioner's Heart
02:21 Poh's Personal Journey and Intentions
03:52 Cultural and Professional Background
07:07 Intersectionality and Professional Challenges
11:28 Decolonizing Psychology and Integrating Spirituality
23:17 Bodhisattva Practices and Therapeutic Parallels
28:53 Reflections and Closing Thoughts
35:27 Conclusion and Call to Action

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In this episode of The Practitioner's Heart Podcast, host Poh Gan, a psychologist and Buddhist practitioner, shares practical Buddhist wisdom to help therapists and healthcare workers cultivate loving-kindness and manage the inner critic. Poh introduces a simple yet profound practice using Metta (loving-kindness meditation) that can be integrated into daily life to soothe self-criticism and promote resilience. Listeners are guided through a hands-on-heart exercise designed to bring immediate relief and create new habits of self-kindness, ensuring a sustainable and balanced practice. This episode is a resource for therapists seeking deeper spiritual alignment and support in their personal and professional lives.

00:00 Introduction to The Practitioner's Heart

02:29 The Inner Critic's Replay Loop

04:10 Understanding the Inner Critic

06:40 Practicing Metta: Loving Kindness

14:23 Hands-on Heart Practice

19:39 Building a Sustainable Practice

21:21 Closing Thoughts and Gratitude

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In this episode of the Practitioner's Heart podcast, host Poh Gan explores the 'invisible emotional load' that therapists often carry. Drawing on Mahayana Buddhist psychology, Poh shares insights into how thoughts and emotions are like dust on a mirror—transient and not defining who we are. The episode discusses practical techniques for therapists to manage stress and emotional weight, offering a blend of theory and actionable advice. Poh also emphasizes the importance of recognizing and releasing emotions, ultimately fostering a practice of compassion without being overwhelmed. The episode includes practical examples, insights into handling empathy and compassion fatigue, and guidance on maintaining emotional clarity and balance.

00:00 Introduction to the Practitioner's Heart

02:21 The Emotional Load of a Therapist

04:15 Understanding Emotions Through a Buddhist Lens

06:42 The Concept of Emptiness in Buddhism

09:14 Practical Applications in Therapy

12:43 Managing Emotional Reactions

15:55 Therapeutic Presence and Compassion

22:28 Concluding Thoughts and Practices

25:26 Closing Remarks