Introduction: Even though historically there have been early case examples of successful applications of Eastern philosophy in Western sport psychology settings, it only recently that Eastern philosophical traditions have started to become integrated into different Western sport psychology perspectives. Approaches such as being mindful, staying non-judgmental, and being compassionate are today frequently applied by many practitioners and are often included in different academic and training courses. This integration has received support thanks to neuroscience where concepts such as empathy and attunement now can be measured and analyzed. From a sport injury perspective, interesting insights regarding health and wellbeing can be gained from integrating these philosophies and scientific approaches.

Aim and theoretical framework: This presentation explores and touches the boundaries where Western psychology meets Buddhist philosophy. The aim is to highlight the advantages and the risks of stepping over this thin line into the land of the Buddha, and, at the same time, to develop a framework that can help practitioners discuss health and wellbeing with clients.

Method: A total of five Swedish participants where included in this study. The common ground for these athletes, musicians, and other clients were that they were all seeking help from the same sport psychology practitioner. All athletes had encountered sport injuries in some way. Structured DART notes written by the sport psychology practitioner were analyzed into different themes and subthemes. 

Results: An applied framework was developed from the themes and subthemes and how Buddhist concepts and metaphors were used in service and how they were received by participants. Important quotes where highlighted and integrated into this framework to give concrete examples from the emerging themes. 

Discussion and conclusions: This framework can be used as a roadmap to help guide sport psychology practitioners starting out on a path of Buddhist philosophy. The author discusses what the common grounds of Eastern and Western philosophy are and also where work is needed to bridge different cultural and philosophical viewpoints. Common challenges related to health and wellbeing are discussed together with concepts such as non-self, suffering, and relatedness.