Integrative Psychotherapy with Irina Farber, MA, LMFT

18/06/2026

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/bob-thurman-podcast-buddhas-have-more-fun/id1467517796

Podcast Episode · Bob Thurman Podcast: Buddhas Have More Fun! · January 4, 2023 · 43m

17/06/2026

In Loving Memory of Professor Robert Thurman (1941 – 2026)

Buddhist Psychology

"You can use enlightening Buddhist practices to transform your life. Unfortunately, many people do not know it, but the Buddhist Dharma, or teaching, is actually a scientific system of psychology, developed in India and further refined in Tibet. It is a psychology that works. I call it a "joyous science of the heart" because it is based on the idea that while unenlightened life is full of suffering, you are completely capable of escaping from that suffering. You can get well. In fact, you already are well; you just need to awaken to that fact.

And how do you do this? By analyzing your thought patterns. When you do, you realize that you are full of "misknowledge" - misunderstandings of yourself and the world that lead to anger, discontent, and fear. The target of Buddhist practice and the constant theme of this book is the primal misconception that you are the center of the universe, that your "self“ is a fixed, constant, and bounded entity. When you meditate on enlightened insights into the true nature of reality and the boundlessness of the self, you develop new habits of thinking. You free yourself from the constraints of your habitual mind. In other words, you teach yourself to think differently. This in turn leads you to act differently. And voila! You are on the path to happiness, fulfillment, and even enlightenment.

The battle for happiness is fought and won or lost primarily within the mind. The mind is the absolute key, both to enlightenment and to life. When your mind is peaceful, aware, and under your command, you will be securely happy. When your mind is unaware of its true nature, constantly in turmoil, and in command of you, you will suffer endlessly. This is the whole secret of the Dharma. If you recognize delusion, greed, anger, envy, and pride as the main enemies of your well-being and learn to focus your mind on overcoming them, you can install wisdom, generosity, tolerance, love, and altruism in their place. This is where enlightened psychology can be most useful. Psychology and philosophy are really one entity in Buddhism. They are called the inner science, the science of the human interior. In the flow of Indian history, it is fair to say that the Buddha was a great explorer of the human interior rather than some sort of religious prophet.

He came into the world at a time when people were just beginning to experiment with self-exploration, but mostly in an escapist way, using their focus on the inner world to run away from the sufferings of life by entering a supposed realm of absolute quiet far removed from everyday existence. The Buddha started out exploring that way too, but then realized the futility of escapism and discovered instead a way of being happier here and now."”

― Robert A.F. Thurman, "Infinite Life: Awakening to Bliss Within"

I highly recommend this book to all as an invitation to living life in a new and different way. Om Mani Padme Hum!

23/03/2026

NEWS ALERT: according to the recent study (see link in comments), using medical or recreational ma*****na to ease symptoms of numerous mental health conditions doesn't work.

"We found no evidence any form of cannabis is effective in treating anxiety, depression or post-traumatic stress disorder, which are three of the leading reasons for which cannabis is prescribed," said Jack Wilson, a postdoctoral research fellow at the University of Sydney's Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use. "Using ma*****na also did not improve other mental health conditions such as anorexia nervosa; bipolar disorder; obsessive-compulsive disorder, or OCD; or psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia. Cannabinoids led to an increase in co***ne craving among those with co***ne use disorder."

11/03/2026

Asking one simple question can entirely change how you feel
by Christian Waugh, psychology professor

Positive and negative emotions respond differently to ‘affect labelling’ – the act of giving a name to your feelings

11/03/2026

The path to mastery is long, winding and hugely fulfilling. Use this map to navigate and overcome any bumps along the way
by Roger L Kneebone

The path to mastery is long, winding and hugely fulfilling. Use this map to navigate and overcome any bumps along the way

11/03/2026

Psychosis can be a personal hell. It can also inspire growth.
by Gerald Jordan, Robyn Thomas & Veenu
Gupta

From a new sense of purpose to improved relationships, there are hopeful signs of post-traumatic growth after psychosis

01/08/2025

Brainspotting is an effective treatment for trauma and Complex PTSD. Want to know more and give it a try? Give me a call 310.461.8889!

In this episode of the Healing Trauma Podcast, guest host Dr. Mark McNear interviews Dr. David Grand, the developer of Brain Spotting, a psychotherapy techni...

01/08/2025

Have you heard of Brainspotting? I am passionate about this treatment modality and offer it in my office and online because it has been so transformative for my own journey and so effective for my clients, especially for trauma, PTSD, stress, grief, insomnia and performance. I invite you to read about it below and give me a call to try it, especially if the traditional talk therapy has not been giving you the results you seek. Call 310.461.8889 to schedule an appointment.

What is Brainspotting? Brainspotting locates points in the client’s visual field that help to access unprocessed trauma in the subcortical brain. Brainspotting (Brainspotting) was discovered in 2003 by David Grand, Ph.D. Over 20,000 therapists have been trained in Brainspotting (52 internationally...

14/02/2025

On this Valentine’s Day my gentle invitation is for us to begin moving away from compulsive behaviors of extraction and consumption towards loving kindness for ourselves, our bodies, hearts and souls, and compassion in action towards others. Gentle care in whatever way it might look like for you…a cup of warm tea, a walk at the beach, a smile in the mirror, a time away from devices and noise, a nourishing warm meal, a song. You then might feel inspired to extend that loving care to others…a smile, a hug, a call or loving text to say I love you and I care. We humans are wired for connection and one of the easiest ways to lift our spirit is the act of loving kindness. My hope is that whatever you do today truly nourishes and supports you, and radiates out in the waves of loving supporting care to others.

14/02/2025

I am accepting new clients for an in-person sessions at my beautiful office in Irvine, CA or online via telehealth if you are located anywhere in California. Let's connect, I look forward to meeting you.

Integrative therapist supporting teens, adults and relationships experiencing high stress, grief and loss, conflict, transitions and trauma.