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.

  1. 4D AGO

    Can Women Attain Enlightenment? Buddhism, Patriarchy & Awakening

    Have you ever wondered whether women can truly attain enlightenment in Buddhism — or felt subtle doubt about your own capacity for awakening? In this deeply personal episode of The Practitioner’s Heart, Poh explores the enduring question: “Can women awaken?” Drawing from her Asian upbringing and early encounters with patriarchal conditioning, Poh examines how cultural narratives have shaped spiritual identity — and how the Dharma itself points beyond gender entirely. This episode reclaims the powerful legacy of awakened women in Buddhist history and reminds therapists, healthcare professionals, and spiritual practitioners that Buddha nature is not male or female. Enlightenment is not reserved for one body, one culture, or one gender. It is the awakening from conditioning itself. In this episode, you’ll explore: • Poh’s personal journey with early conditioning • Why the question still persists historically and culturally • Enlightenment as “waking up” from conditioning • Transforming self-doubt and societal pressure into practice • Stories of awakened women across Buddhist history • Trusting your innate capacity for awakening  Episode Highlights: * [00:02:25] Poh’s childhood story and early conditioning * [00:07:30] The core question: Can women awaken? * [00:10:20] What enlightenment really means * [00:13:25] Dharma vs. patriarchy * [00:17:10] “Mud for the lotus” insight * [00:20:15] Mahapajapati Gotami’s story * [00:22:10] Chiyono’s awakening * [00:26:20] Moshan Liao Ran’s teaching * [00:29:35] Dragon Girl & Tara stories * [00:34:15] Buddha nature beyond gender * [00:35:55] Closing reflection Key Figures & Concepts Mentioned: Female Practitioners: Mahapajapati Gotami, Mugai Nyodai (Chiyono), Moshan Liao RanBodhisattvas & Deities: The Dragon Girl (Lotus Sutra), Tara (Tibetan Buddhism)Core Concepts: Enlightenment, Awakening, Liberation, Buddha Nature, Bodhisattva Path, Patriarchy, Conditioning, Zen, Mahayana Buddhism. Connect with The Practitioner's Heart: Subscribe to the Podcast: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | GoodPodsSupport the Show: If this episode resonated with you, the most meaningful way to support our community is to share it with a colleague or leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.Website: The Blossoming TherapistsInstagram: @the.blossoming.therapists Disclaimer: The content discussed in this podcast is for inspiration and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for therapy or clinical supervision, and our time together does not constitute a therapeutic relationship. Please seek professional support if you are in need. Let us know what you took away from this conversation!

    40 min
  2. A Conversation with Psychologist Amiee Pember: ‘Stop Trying’, Connection and Community (Part 2)

    MAR 9

    A Conversation with Psychologist Amiee Pember: ‘Stop Trying’, Connection and Community (Part 2)

    Welcome back to the second and final part of my conversation with the wonderful Amiee Pember, an autistic and ADHDer perinatal psychologist. In Part 1, Amiee shared her powerful journey of self-discovery. Now, we dive deep into the heart of practice. How do we integrate ancient wisdom into our modern, often overwhelming, lives as practitioners? Amiee shares profound insights from her time on silent retreats, including a pivotal moment with Buddhist monk Ajahn Brahm that taught her the "wisdom of not trying." We explore the struggle of maintaining a practice without a supportive community, the power of finding connection in shared silence, and the radical self-acceptance required to walk a spiritual path that is never a straight line. This episode is a compassionate guide for any practitioner who has ever felt they've "fallen off" their path and needs to hear that they are always welcome back. About Our Guest: Amiee Pember is an autistic and ADHDer perinatal psychologist and board-approved supervisor. Through her practice, Neuro Bloom, she provides neurodiversity-affirming, attachment-informed therapy. Her work is grounded in a deep commitment to personal authenticity, professional integrity, and ongoing reflective practice. In This Episode (Part 2), You'll Hear About: The Buddhist view of being a "scientist-practitioner" of your own mind: test the teachings and see what works for you.Amiee’s powerful story from a 9-day silent retreat and the life-changing advice to "stop trying" to meditate.The importance of allowing your mind and body to rest and transition before expecting stillness.The challenge of integrating deep spiritual insights back into a busy life without an accessible community (the sangha).The profound sense of connection and "oneness" that can be experienced in a silent group setting.How Buddhist teachings on interconnectedness ("we-ness") can help evolve Western psychology's individualistic focus.Amiee's core takeaway for all practitioners: The spiritual path is not about perfection, but about self-acceptance and being kind to yourself, especially when you feel disconnected. Episode Highlights + Timestamps: 00:00 - Welcome to The Practitioner's Heart  02:12 - Part 2 Introduction  04:11 - Buddha as scientist practitioner 04:41 - The practice of pause  07:20 - No perfect path  08:34 - Amiee's first silent 9-day silent retreat 11:23 - The wisdom of stop trying  14:43 - The transition into retreat as a neurodivergent  19:10 - Bringing practice home  24:07 - The importance of community 26:14 - The 'we' in psychology  28:33 - Amiee's message for listeners  32:06 - Where to find Amiee  Resources & Links: Learn more about Amiee Pember's work at Neuro Bloom: www.neurobloomlearninghub.com.auIf you missed it, listen to A Conversation with Psychologist Amiee Pember: Neurodivergent Identity, Motherhood & the Path of Buddhist Practice (Part 1)Mentioned in this episode: Teachings of Ajahn Brahm. Connect with The Practitioner's Heart: Follow us on InstagramVisit our WebsiteIf this conversation resonated with you, pleaLet us know what you took away from this conversation!

    34 min
  3. A Conversation with Psychologist Amiee Pember: Neurodivergent Identity, Motherhood & the Path of Buddhist Practice (Part 1)

    MAR 2

    A Conversation with Psychologist Amiee Pember: Neurodivergent Identity, Motherhood & the Path of Buddhist Practice (Part 1)

    In this moving and deeply human conversation, Poh sits down with Amiee Pember, an autistic and ADHD perinatal psychologist and board‑approved supervisor based in regional Western Australia. In true Amiee fashion, she shows up with honesty, warmth, and profound self‑reflection. In Part 1, Amiee shares the story of her early life, her intuitive path into psychology, and the transformative experiences that shaped her work — including motherhood, yoga, contemplative practice, and ultimately discovering her own neurodivergent identity later in life. Together, Poh and Amiee explore the realities of being an early‑career psychologist, the anxiety on Sunday nights, and the relief that comes when we allow authenticity to lead the way. If you’ve ever wondered how neurodivergence, Buddhism, ACT, yoga, and perinatal psychology intersect — this conversation will be an interesting one to listen to!  In This Episode (Part 1), You’ll Hear About: Amiee’s early years and natural pull toward helpingThe impact of growing up in rural WA and community psychologyHow ACT, mindfulness, and yoga shaped her early careerThe vulnerable reality of imposter syndrome as a new psychologistThe kindness of a therapist who helped her feel “human”How motherhood transformed her inner world and professional directionDiscovering Buddhism through Ajahn Brahm, Tara Brach, and Gil FronsdalHow her neurodivergence was discovered through curiosity, compassion, and clinical opennessWhat it feels like to realise “the mind is not a fixed object” but something fluid, expansive and context‑dependentWho This Episode Is For: Neurodivergent therapists (or those wondering if they are)Clinicians curious about Buddhism, ACT, and contemplative practiceTherapists navigating imposter syndrome or early‑career pressuresAnyone who loves grounded, honest conversations about identity and growthEpisode Highlights + Timestamps: 00:00 – Welcome to The Practitioner’s Heart 04:20 – Introducing guest Amiee Pember 09:35 – Amiee’s early pull toward helping and community psychology 15:15 – First encounters with ACT, anxiety, and a compassionate psychologist 19:45 – Yoga and the bridge to Buddhist teachings 27:13 – Discovering Dharma teachers: Ajahn Brahm, Tara Brach & Gil Fronsdal 33:02 – First silent retreats & the moment Buddhism “clicked” 37:08 – Clients leading the way toward recognising her own neurodivergence 40:00 – How Buddhist practice helped meet this truth with compassion 41:47 – Closing: the mind as fluid, expansive, and context‑shaped About Our Guest — Amiee Pember, Psychologist Amiee is an autistic and ADHDer perinatal psychologist, board‑approved supervisor, and educator whose work focuses on neurodivergent families in the perinatal period. She integrates ACT, CFT, and EMDR within a neurodiversity‑affirming, attachment‑informed framework. Through her work at NeuroBloom, she models authenticity, reflective practice, and inclusive strengths‑based care. Resources & Links:  Learn more about Amiee Pember's work at NeuroBloom Learning HubFollow Amiee on InstagramCenter for Perinatal Psychology (CPP)League of Autistic Psychologists and Affirming Colleagues (LOAPAC)Disclaimer: This podcast is for education and inspiration purposes only. It is not a substitute for thera Let us know what you took away from this conversation!

    45 min

  4. FEB 23

    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

  5. FEB 16

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

    FEB 9

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

    FEB 2

    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

  8. JAN 23

    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
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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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