Integrating mindfulness as self-care into counselling and psychotherapy training

Abstract

Aim: Within the last 10 years, mindfulness has quickly moved into the mainstream of behavioural medicine, psychotherapy, and counselling. This article examines the potential of applying mindfulness practices to the training of counsellors and psychotherapists. Method: Several qualitative research projects conducted over the past nine years are summarised. Findings: Mindfulness training can enhance the physical and psychological wellbeing of trainees. Implications for training: Mindfulness training is a specific way that training programmes can teach students strategies of self-care that can help prevent burnout, compassion fatigue, and vicarious traumatisation.

Keywords:

• mindfulness-based stress reduction
• meditation
• yoga
• qigong
• counsellor education
• training
• self-care
• burnout
• compassion fatigue

Acknowledgements

With heart-felt thanks to our colleagues involved in this work with us: Suzanne Christopher, Marc Schure, Jennifer Chrisman, Tim Dunnagan, Michelle Trotter, and Mary Miles.