The following podcast is the first of a four-part series on the core principles of the Windhorse therapeutic approach. These principles were articulated by Chuck Knapp in a chapter from the book “Brilliant Sanity: Buddhist Approaches to Psychotherapy.” Here, Chuck is joined by fellow psychotherapists and Team Supervisors Gabrielle Bershen and Jack Gipple in a discussion about the first principle: Fundamental Sanity. They begin with a description of a Windhorse team, with its locus in the home of an individual client and tailored to that person’s needs. Team composition and structure of contact are aimed at synchronizing mind and body in predictable patterns of ordinary household activity.

Contemplative practice provides a foundation for the way team members cultivate relationship with the client via “Basic Attendance” in a healthy environment. Relatedly—and the primary focus of this discussion—the radical notion that sanity is fundamental (and mental confusion secondary) informs this relationship…Such a view allows for acceptance of what is and openness to how recovery may unfold—uniquely—for each client.

Thank you for joining the inquiry.