The Practitioner's Heart: Practical Buddhist Wisdom for Therapists and Healthcare Professionals

Poh Gan
  • 5.0 (1)
  • MENTAL HEALTH

The Practitioner’s Heart offers practical Buddhist wisdom to help therapists and healthcare workers stay grounded, open, and connected in their work and daily lives. Hosted by psychologist and Buddhist practitioner Poh Gan, this podcast explores how to integrate mindfulness, compassion, and awareness into real‑world clinical practice—beyond theory and into lived experience. Each episode includes gentle reflections, sharing of buddhist teachings, and conversations with fellow practitioners walking a similar spiritual path. Whether you’re seeking to calm a busy mind, deepen your inner resources, or reconnect with purpose, this is a space to feel supported, inspired, and be part of a community of helpers cultivating clarity and an open heart.

Episodes

  1. 3 DAYS AGO

    Was Buddha the First ACT Therapist? Exploring Ancient Roots of Psychological Flexibility

    In this episode of The Practitioner’s Heart, psychologist and Buddhist practitioner Poh Gan explores the powerful connection between Buddhist teachings and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Long before ACT introduced concepts like psychological flexibility, acceptance, defusion, and self‑as‑context, the Buddha was teaching remarkably similar principles 2,600 years ago. She links ACT's functional contextualism (focusing on what works within context) to the Buddha's teaching of dependent origination (the 12 links of causal conditions), describing how suffering arises from ignorance through sense contact, feeling, craving, clinging, becoming, birth and then aging, sickness, grief, and death, and how intervening - especially between feeling and craving via mindful awareness - can interrupt the chain, similar to functional behavioural analysis (A-B-C) and systemic thinking.  Through timeless Buddhist stories — including Kisa Gotami’s journey through grief and Huike’s encounter with Bodhidharma — we uncover how the Buddha taught acceptance, mindfulness, values, and compassionate action in profoundly experiential ways. If you’re a therapist, counsellor, psychologist, or healer navigating burnout, compassion fatigue, or a busy mind, this episode offers grounding, clarity, and a deeper sense of meaning in your work. What You’ll Learn: • How ACT and Buddhist psychology share the same core processes • Why the Twelve Links of Causal Conditions/ Dependent Origination reflect functional contextualism • How Kisa Gotami’s story beautifully illustrates acceptance and defusion • How suffering arises through memory, labelling, and attachment • Why Huike’s story is the ultimate teaching on self‑as‑context • How therapists can embody openness, awareness, and engaged action • How Buddhist wisdom supports modern clinical practice and therapist wellbeing Timestamps 00:00 – Welcome to The Practitioner’s Heart 02:09 – Why compare Buddhism and ACT? 03:55 – ACT's foundation: Functional Contextualism and the Buddha's "master of context" view 04:28 – Twelve Links of Dependent Origination explained 08:10 – Where to intervene: feeling and craving, breaking the chain (the ABC parallels) 11:20 – Pillar 1: Be Open: acceptance + delusion (Kisa Gotami and grief) 16:45 – Defusion in modern terms: memory, labelling, and EMDR parallels with Buddhist teachings 18:29 – Pillar 2: Be Aware: present moment awareness + self-as-context (Huike & Bodhidharma) 23:53 – Pillar 3: Be engaged: alues, committed actions & the Bodhisattva ideal 26:58 – The Noble Eightfold Path as committed action About the Host Poh Gan is a psychologist, Buddhist practitioner, parent, and fellow human with a busy mind and a deep passion for awakening and compassionate service. She supports therapists in integrating practical Buddhist wisdom into daily life and clinical practice. If You Enjoyed This Episode Please support the show by: • Sharing it with a colleague • Leaving a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify • Following The Practitioner’s Heart for future episodes Your support helps this community grow. Disclaimer This podcast is for educational and inspirational purposes only. It is not a substitute for therapy, clinical supervision, or professional training. Let us know what you took away from this conversation!

    31 min

  2. 16 FEB

    Lessons from The Laughing Buddha for Therapists

    In this Lunar New Year special, Poh reflects on the rich cultural and spiritual significance of this season — especially for Asian diaspora therapists and healthcare workers navigating multiple identities, traditions, and inner parts. This episode explores the deeper Buddhist meaning behind Maitreya Bodhisattva, the figure often known as the Laughing Buddha, and how his teachings offer profound guidance for our clinical work and our inner lives. You’ll hear: The symbolism behind Bu Dai’s “big belly”How Buddhist wisdom can help us hold discomfort, impermanence, and self‑doubtWhy therapists often cling to fixed identities (competent, effective, good therapist…)How non‑attachment supports sustainable, compassionate practiceA tender guided reflection inspired by Lunar New Year temple ritualsWays to release old patterns and invite new qualities into the year aheadThis episode is a grounding companion for therapists, psychologists, counsellors, social workers, and anyone walking a spiritual path while supporting others. May it bring steadiness, warmth, and spaciousness to your heart. What We Explore in This Episode:The meaning of Lunar New Year for Asian diaspora therapistsHolding multiple cultural identities with compassionMaitreya Bodhisattva and the true origins of the “Laughing Buddha”The symbolism of the big belly — capacity, compassion, and enduranceBu Dai the wandering monk and his joyful, liberated heartHow clinging creates suffering in our professional identityLetting go of perfectionism, competence narratives, and fear of judgementPresence and tolerance in fast‑paced, AI‑driven modern lifeCultivating a heart spacious enough to hold difficult moments in the therapy roomA gentle New Year ritual: releasing old attachments and welcoming new qualitiesGuided reflection: what are you ready to loosen your grip on?Guided Reflection Prompts (from the episode):What fixed idea about yourself as a practitioner are you ready to release this year?What habits rooted in that identity have contributed to burnout or fatigue?Which quality of Bu Dai’s liberated heart would you like to cultivate in the Year of the Fire Horse? Compassion? Insight? Playfulness? Non‑attachment? Spaciousness?Links & Resources:• Website: blossomingtrueself.com.au • Instagram: @the.blossoming.therapists • Work with Poh: supervision, She Blossoms, Bodhi Meditation Circle If this episode resonated…Please share it with a colleague or leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Your support helps this heart‑centred community reach more practitioners who need it. Disclaimer:This podcast offers inspiration and education purposes only. It is not a substitute for therapy, clinical supervision, or individual mental health care. Listening does not constitute a therapeutic relationship. Let us know what you took away from this conversation!

    30 min
  3. A Conversation with Dr. Louise Hayes (Part 2): The Heart of Working with Young People

    9 FEB

    A Conversation with Dr. Louise Hayes (Part 2): The Heart of Working with Young People

    In Part 2 of my conversation with Dr. Louise Hayes, we shift into the clinical and developmental heart of her work. Louise shares what she hopes practitioners pay attention to when learning new therapy models, and how to support young people with presence, curiosity, and compassion. We also talk openly about burnout, compassion fatigue, and therapist wellbeing—how they show up, how they change us, and what it means to create space to reconnect with meaning, creativity, and care in our work. This episode is grounding, generous, and nourishing for anyone working with adolescents or navigating the emotional demands of therapeutic practice. In this episode, we explore: • how to learn therapy models without overwhelm • why “function over form” matters in clinical work • DNAV and a developmental approach to supporting adolescents • the unique pressures affecting young people today • presence, attunement, and humility in therapeutic relationships • burnout, compassion fatigue, and protecting practitioner wellbeing • letting go of striving and reconnecting with values Key insights: • Young people benefit most when practitioners understand their developmental context and the pressures shaping their identity. • DNAV offers a flexible, practical framework that strengthens psychological flexibility. • Therapist presence—genuine, regulated, and spacious—is often more healing than any technique. • Burnout is a sign to pause and reconnect with what matters, not a personal failing. • Sustaining this work requires compassion for ourselves as much as for our clients. About Dr. Louise Hayes Dr. Louise Hayes is a clinical psychologist, international trainer, author, and co‑developer of the DNAV model. She has spent decades supporting young people and advancing process‑based, developmentally grounded psychological approaches. Connect with me: Instagram: @the.blossoming.therapists  Email: poh@blossomingtrueself.com.au I’d love to hear what resonates for you in this episode—feel free to DM or email me anytime. Let us know what you took away from this conversation!

    22 min
  4. A Conversation with Dr. Louise Hayes: Integrating Buddhist Wisdom into Therapeutic Practice (Part 1)

    2 FEB

    A Conversation with Dr. Louise Hayes: Integrating Buddhist Wisdom into Therapeutic Practice (Part 1)

    In this inaugural episode of the Practitioner's Heart Podcast, host Poh Gan introduces the show’s mission to offer practical Buddhist wisdom for therapists and healthcare workers. The episode features part 1 of an in-depth conversation with Dr. Louise Hayes, a psychologist, author, and expert in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), who shares her journey of integrating Buddhism with psychology. They discuss the significance of meditation, presence, and letting go of attachments in professional and personal life, emphasising the profound impact of these practices on therapeutic work.  00:00 Introduction to The Practitioner's Heart 02:21 Reflection on the First Interview 05:06 Conversation with Dr. Louise Hayes Begins 05:38 Louise Hayes' Journey and Insights 15:40 The Role of Buddhism in Therapy 23:06 Personal Practices and Professional Growth 37:58 Closing Thoughts and Reflections Part 2 of the conversation will be released on the 9/2/2026.  Dr Louise Hayes brings two decades of acceptance and commitment therapy expertise to her comprehensive training programs. Louise Hayes' ACT training combines clinical excellence with practical application making her one of Australia's most sought after psychology trainers.  Louise's website: https://www.louisehayes.com.au/  Let us know what you took away from this conversation!

    39 min

  5. 23 JAN

    Decolonising Psychology and Integrating Spirituality: Personal story

    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 Let us know what you took away from this conversation!

    37 min

  6. 23 JAN

    Cultivating Loving-Kindness for Inner Critics: Buddhist Practice for Therapists

    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 Let us know what you took away from this conversation!

    23 min

  7. 23 JAN

    The Invisible Emotional Load of a Therapist: How to Hold Space Without Being Consumed

    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 Let us know what you took away from this conversation!

    27 min

  8. 23 JAN

    The Middle Way: Reimagining Rest for Therapists and Healthcare Workers

    In this episode of 'The Practitioner's Heart Podcast,' host Poh Gan delves into the pervasive habit among therapists and healthcare workers of treating rest as a reward that needs to be earned. Drawing on Buddhist teachings and personal experiences, Poh discusses the concept of the Middle Way, a balanced path between extreme discipline and indulgence, to illustrate how rest should be considered an essential resource rather than a luxury or reward. The episode offers practical advice on integrating rest into daily routines, thereby enhancing the capacity for presence and compassion both in personal and professional life. Poh encourages listeners to rethink their approach to rest and provides insights on cultivating self-awareness and self-compassion. 00:00 Introduction to The Practitioner's Heart 02:26 The Habit of Earning Your Break 04:55 The Middle Way: A Buddhist Perspective 10:09 Practical Tips for Integrating Rest 14:28 Final Thoughts and Closing Let us know what you took away from this conversation!

    16 min

  9. 23 JAN

    Gratitude & Acknowledgement

    In this episode of the Practitioner's Heart Podcast, host Poh emphasises the profound role of gratitude within Buddhist practice, highlighting the importance of acknowledging the teachings and compassion received from parents and Dharma teachers. Poh shares personal reflections on the impactful teachings from Venerable Master Shen-Kai and other spiritual guides from the Buddhahood Lineage. The episode urges listeners, especially therapists and healthcare workers, to integrate wisdom and compassion into their daily practices and cultivate a community dedicated to collective awakening and growth. Poh concludes with an invitation to listeners to engage with the podcast through sharing, feedback, and participation. 00:00 Introduction to The Practitioner's Heart 02:21 Episode Theme: Gratitude and Acknowledgement 03:06 The Four Types of Grace in Mahayana Tradition 03:39 Honouring Parents and Teachers 04:43 Venerable Master Shen-Kai and His Legacy 07:23 The Path to Awakening and Future Generations 08:41 Personal Journey and Inspirations 11:19 Mahayana Teachings and Daily Practice 14:37 Closing Thoughts and Gratitude 17:03 Final Words and Call to Action Let us know what you took away from this conversation!

    18 min

  10. SEASON 1, EPISODE 1 TRAILER

    Teaser: The Practitioner's Heart Podcast

    After the therapy room door closes and the day’s stories soften into silence, what helps your heart settle? The Practitioner’s Heart is a new podcast for therapists and healthcare workers who want to feel grounded, steady and spiritually nourished. If you've ever ended a day feeling mentally full, emotionally stretched, or longing for deeper clarity, this space is for you. Through practical Buddhist wisdom, gentle reflections, and honest conversations, we'll explore how helpers can care for their own hears while caring for others. I’m Poh, psychologist and long‑time Buddhist practitioner, inviting you to discover steady, compassionate ways to return to yourself. Follow The Practitioner’s Heart on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, and join us for our launch in January 2026. Let us know what you took away from this conversation!

    2 min

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The Practitioner’s Heart offers practical Buddhist wisdom to help therapists and healthcare workers stay grounded, open, and connected in their work and daily lives. Hosted by psychologist and Buddhist practitioner Poh Gan, this podcast explores how to integrate mindfulness, compassion, and awareness into real‑world clinical practice—beyond theory and into lived experience. Each episode includes gentle reflections, sharing of buddhist teachings, and conversations with fellow practitioners walking a similar spiritual path. Whether you’re seeking to calm a busy mind, deepen your inner resources, or reconnect with purpose, this is a space to feel supported, inspired, and be part of a community of helpers cultivating clarity and an open heart.

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