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Vipassana - Diversity in counselling
1.
How did you first hear about Vipassana, and what motivated you to attend a retreat? (Select all that apply)
A friend or family member recommended it
I read about it online or in a book
I was seeking a meditation practice for personal growth
I was going through a difficult time and wanted healing
I was curious about Buddhism or Eastern philosophies
Other (please specify)
2.
On a scale of 1-5, how challenging did you find the retreat? (1 = very easy, 5= extremely difficult)
1 (Very easy)
2
3
4
5 (Extremely difficult)
What made it that way? (Optional)
3.
On a scale of 1-5, how much has Vipassana influenced your daily life? (1 = not at all, 5 = completely life-changing)
1 (Not at all)
2
3
4
5 (completely life-changing)
Can you give an example? (Optional)
4.
On a scale of 1-5, how open do you think you or other Vipassana practitioners are to seeking professional counselling/therapy? (1 = not open at all, 5 = very open)
1 (Not open at all)
2
3
4
5 (Very open)
Can you specifcy why? (Optional)
5.
Do you think Vipassana encourages or discourages people from seeking counselling/therapy?
Encourages it
Neutral – neither encourages nor discourages
Discourages it
Unsure
6.
Have you or anyone you know within the Vipassana community sought counselling? (Select all the apply)
Yes, I have
Yes, someone I know has
No
Unsure
If yes, how was it received within the community? (Optional)
7.
On a scale of 1-5, how well do you think counsellors/therapists understand Vipassana principles? (1 = no understanding, 5 = deep understanding)
1 (No understanding)
2
3
4
5 (Deep understanding)
How do you think this affects Vipassana practitioners in therapy? (Optional)
8.
What are the biggest barriers to Vipassana practitioners accessing counselling/therapy? (Select all that apply)
Financial cost
Cultural or religious beliefs
Personal belief that meditation is enough
Lack of awareness about therapy
Lack of therapists familiar with Vipassana
Fear of judgement from the Vipassana community
Other (please specify)
9.
Would you prefer to have counselling/therapy by someone who has attended Vipassana?
Yes
No
No preference
Unsure
Please explain why (Optional)
10.
What could counsellors/therapists do to make therapy more accessible or appealing to Vipassana practitioners? (Select all that apply)
Learn more about Vipassana principles
Offer therapy approaches that align with mindfulness practices
Provide financial accessibility (e.g., sliding scale fees)
Offer therapy in Vipassana-friendly environments (e.g., retreats, meditation centres)
Encourage discussions about therapy in Vipassana communities
Other (please specify)